The Geoheritage of the Doukkala-Abda Region (Morocco): An Opportunity for Local Socio-Economic Sustainable Development

The Doukkala-Abda region has a rich natural heritage, making it an important attraction for national and international tourists. However, its geoheritage remains little known to the general public, despite the numerous multidisciplinary scientific studies that have been carried out. A preliminary inventory has identified 36 geosites, reflecting the geomorphological, geological and environmental history of the region. The scientific, technical and ecological aspects of 14 of these geosites are described in this paper. They are: the Precambrian rhyolites, the Sidi Said Maachou basin with its numerous geosites, consolidated and unconsolidated dunes, Jbel Irhoud, the escarpments of Jorf Lasfar, Sidi Bouzid and Lalla Fatna, Sidi Moussa-Oualidia lagoon complexes, Zima Lake and El Goraan, El Khenzira and the Oualidia caves. The rich bio- and geodiversity of these sites has an important geotouristic potential. An objective evaluation of these sites is needed. This will allow the development of geotourism and ecotourism as new component of cultural tourism. A network of geotrails linking coastal geosites to sites in the hinterland would help promote socio-economic activities and create jobs which will increase the income of the local population whose economy is mainly based on agriculture and cattle breeding.