Oases are important socio-agro-ecological ecosystems that provide economic, ecological, social and cultural services in arid areas of the world. Moroccan oasis agroecosystems cover a total area of 115,563 km2 (15% of the country's surface) and are home to more than 1.7 million people (5% of the population). As a haven for biodiversity, climate regulation, and agricultural products, they are the last line of defense against a growing Sahara Desert.

The resilience of these agro-sylvo-pastoral ecosystems, which were once sustainable and sustainably managed, has been called into question by a number of recent transformations, directly and indirectly exerting pressure on the natural resources caused by oasis agro-ecosystems.

Despite investments and the interest shown by a number of partners in the development of oases, additional efforts are needed to ensure the sustainable management of natural resources and the intensification of agricultural production. Without GEF intervention, the survival of highly diverse oasis ecosystems is at stake, threatened by various factors such as the abandonment of traditional crops and agricultural systems; the conversion of land and habitat in and around traditionally managed fields to other uses such as unsustainable intensive agriculture, plantations; and the displacement and dilution of traditional varieties grown in these systems.

The overall objective of OASIL is to revitalize the oasis agro-ecosystems in the Drâa-Tafilalet region to be productive, attractive and healthy, and to support and make the livelihoods of local communities more resilient. OASIL intends to achieve this objective by working on 4 components and adopting an integrated landscape approach that is rooted in multi-level, multi-sector and multi-stakeholder participation and considers the carrying capacity of the natural resource base of the oasis agroecosystem (Land, Water, Biodiversity).

Component 1: Policy dialogue - Support political dialogue at national and regional levels on the sustainable management of oasis agro-ecosystems

Public and private stakeholders at the national and regional levels will be sensitized and offer knowledge, data and practical tools to make informed and evidence-based decisions to support the sustainable development of oasis agroecosystems. The policy dialogues will be supported by an interactive multi-stakeholder platform hosted by ANDZOA. Large-scale commitment to a “Declaration on Sustainable Oases” resulted from this component.

Component 2: Planning and monitoring - Improving the management of natural resources and sustainable production to intensify planning and monitoring systems at regional and local levels

Information on the state and the level of degradation of oasis agroecosystems will be completed and updated at regional and local levels (4 pilot oases). This information will be used for a comprehensive typology study of oases in the Drâa-Tafilalet region and will support the participatory design of agro-ecosystem management and investment plans for sustainable oases.

Component 3: Demonstration - Agro-ecosystem management and investment plans for sustainable and integrated oases are implemented in pilot oasis ecosystems in at least 2 sub-drainage basins.

For a selection of representative types of oasis agro-ecosystems, management and investment plans will be implemented in order to demonstrate the potentials for natural resource management and sustainable intensification of production in oases, while creating and supporting decent rural employment and adequate levels of nutritious food. Local oasis populations (women and young people in particular).

A fourth component will ensure that lessons and best practices from the project are captured and disseminated, while ensuring effective monitoring and evaluation of the project.

OASIL is a five-year project implemented by the Department of Sustainable Development, the Ministry of Agriculture, ANDZOA, INRA and FAO, with the support of a large number of regional and local actors.