The High Atlas Mountains in Morocco as other mountain regions throughout the world are the source of major economic, environmental resources and ecosystem services. Mountains represent one-fifth of the world’s land and are home to 570 million people. On the 27th October 2017, I organized the Climathon High Atlas event in its first edition and first time in Morocco, as part of the global event Climathon created by the European Union. This was a 24-hour event on climate change which takes place simultaneously in major cities around the world. At this event, the Climathon High Atlas brought together the climate challenges faced by Morocco’s cities and villages with the participation of youth and people who have the passion and ability to solve them.
One important conclusion drawn from this event was that, the Moroccan High Atlas Mountains are an important supplier of water, food, hydroelectricity and cultural practice respecting the environment, but increasingly sensitive and vulnerable to climate change impacts, putting at risk many of the goods and services but also exposing children, young people, rural women and poor families to an unknown future, which calls to create urgent solutions to face these challenges.
The Tamount Green School (TGS) was created as part of the solution. TGS is founded on three simple rules underlying every decision:
be local
let your environment be your guide
envisage how your grandchildren will be affected by your actions.
The Tamount Green School’s mission is to create a community of learners making our Moroccan High Mountains sustainable. TGS will educate for sustainability through a community-integrated approach in a natural environment. The TGS is the physical manifestation of what we stand for in Espace Tamount sustainable tourism enterprise: sustainability, local development and taking action.
The school is deeply committed to implement the Millennium and Sustainable Development Goals 2030 SDGs of the United Nations. As the TGS Youth team, we are committed to work with governments, companies, NGOs, and communities at the national and international level to support and help achieve the UN Sustainable Development Goals mainly in the Moroccan rural and mountain region.
TGS is committed to work with governments, companies, NGOs, and communities to achieve the following goals: SDG 4 - Quality education, SDG 8 - Decent work and economic growth, SDG 13 - Climate Action
In addition, our cooperation, collaboration, mentorship, and local, regional, national and international alliance partnerships are helping address the following goals:
SDG 5 - Gender equality, SDG 7 - Affordable and clean energy, SDG 11 - Sustainable cities and communities, SDG 12 - Responsible consumption and production and SDG 17 - Partnerships for the goals.
As the co-founder of Tamount Green School, I’m aware that the change starts with an effective education. Sustainability is a crucial element of the response to the upcoming climate threats, an education that provides constant opportunities for people to experience the impact that we have on our mountains is key. This encourages them to start small but actively think global as we act local in order to rebuild an eco-responsible community and strengthen our bond with our motherland nature.
The TGS is designed to be in total harmony with its environment in order to absorb and respect the rich culture and customs of High Atlas villages which are known for its inspirational creativity. Environment preservation, carbon emission reduction, efficient building and a consistent circular economy model are in the heart of our occupations.
To conclude, I confirm that the TGS can change the world together as communities, where responsible tourists, students, teachers, parents, staff and High Atlas village’s neighbors learn, work and act together to inspire and encourage each other to live purposeful lives.