Nature-based solution to study multiple ecosystems services in temporary wetlands: the case of the Sebou Delta in Morocco

“Merjas” represent temporary wetlands in the Sebou-Delta in the northwest of Morocco. These temporary wetlands have been partially incorporated in a large-scale irrigation system, but this ecosystem still provides ecosystem services to the riparian population besides providing a habitat area for animal and plant species, contributing to flood control and other cultural ecosystem services. However, temporary wetlands and the services they provide are perceived differently by stakeholders. In particular, the opposition of viewing them as productive lands that need to be further developed through drainage and irrigation facilities or as buffer zones for flood protection generates conflicts of their use and creates an unknown future of them. Nature Based Solutions, as an emergent umbrella concept that is based on natural processes enhancing biodiversity and the provision of ecosystem services, provides an interesting lens to study the (conflicting) multiple ecosystem services in temporary wetlands.

The objective of this study is to analyze the hydrological dynamics of merjas on a spatio-temporal scale using remote sensing, and how existing and future irrigation development could affect the provision of ecosystem services.

Our work combines hydrological analysis using remote sensing with an analysis of ecosystem services, based on field surveys. The results of the study will be formalized in different management scenarios and then used for discussion in multi-actor workshops. Our multidisciplinary approach brings about the originality of the work in a low-informed context where access to data is difficult.

The use of NBS in the case of the Gharb plain could contribute to solving the problem of flooding and conserve its socio-environmental heritage. We developed a framework consisting of 3 steps: definition of the framework, identification of the challenge and co-creation of scenarios. For our case study, we highlight the ecosystem characteristics of the environment and the importance of the participatory approach for the success of NBS. This roadmap aims to provide the actors involved with an updated reflection on the developments that could be implemented for temporary wetlands in the Sebou-Delta and to develop an approach of interest to other wetlands elsewhere to preserve natural resources and taking into consideration the effects of climate change.