The forest landscape of the lower valley of Wadi Tamri is a geographical space composed of interaction and perpetual dynamics elements. The degradation observed in the past results from often inadequate silvopastoral practices. Nevertheless, a light of hope for the future of this forest currently lies in the existence of the natural regeneration of the Argan and Thuya trees, the effect of the agricultural abandonment on the slopes following the rural exodus, the development of the forestry capital by the State and the impact of good management practices of natural resources adopted by the local population itself. To examine the dynamics of the forester landscape, we have prospected dozens of plots in the Argan and Thuya zones. In this sample, we counted the natural seedlings, conducted floristic surveys, and briefly described various ecological and geomorphological variables. Then, we developed a statistical database to spatialize and quantify this phenomenon with cartographic tools (GIS). The analysis of these dynamics highlighted the factors of installing young seedlings with all the necessary explanations. The results have clearly shown that the most significant families in this landscape include the Asteraceae and Fabaceae (13%), with the Lamiaceae (10%) following closely. Additionally, the Euphorbiaceae, Solanaceae, Cistaceae, and Anacardiaceae contribute the same percentage (5%). The remaining 18 families each constitute only 3%. Regeneration of young Argan and Thuya trees from seedlings displays varied morphologies, influenced by age and grazing effects, often accompanied by nursery plants. Rocks and blocks serve as significant shelters for seedling germination. Meanwhile, topographic analysis highlights the impact of differing slope gradients for this seedlings. Argan and Thuya seedlings both presents the highest percentage (40% and 50%) observed on mid-slopes and upper slopes. Notable presence of seedlings observed on various slope exposures, especially those facing West, North, North-West, and South-West. Field sampling reveals a correlation between natural regeneration and tree cover density, emphasizing the significance of medium-dense tree cover, even in humanized landscapes, with notable regeneration observed in abandoned terraces and formerly cultivated land in Thuya unit, showcasing ecosystem resilience in this region. Overall, this study offers a preliminary scientific foundation for further investigation into the natural regeneration of Argan and Thuya amidst ongoing climate change, while also serving as a cornerstone for decision-making in conserving these forest heritages.

The Ait Herbil oases (Timoulay Oumaloukt and Timoulay n'Tozomte) represent an ancient center of human settlement and civilization. They feature emblematic landscapes that reflect a profound interaction between humans and the natural environment. These landscapes possess both heritage and spatial identities that distinguish them from neighboring oases, due to their historical adaptation to the region’s challenging environmental conditions. A preliminary examination of the Timoulay Oumaloukt and Timoulay n'Tozomte oases reveals distinct functions and land-use patterns. These are agrarian environments shaped by a traditional subsistence economy. Over generations, farmers have molded these highly anthropized landscapes by making use of the available natural resources. However, recent environmental and socio-spatial transformations have triggered an unprecedented crisis, resulting in major imbalances within the landscape systems. The objective of this study is to characterize the anthropogenic landscapes of the Timoulay Oumaloukt and Timoulay n'Tozomte oases, located in the territorial commune of Aday, by analyzing their spatial organization, functioning, and dynamics. The methodology consists, first, of a general diagnosis and typology of the region’s anthropized landscapes. It then focuses on the current state of four specific types of anthropized features: agricultural terraces, threshing floors, collective granaries (locally known as Agadir), and agrarian landscapes. The study is primarily based on field visits and surveys, semi-structured interviews, climate data (1981–2022), and data derived from Geographic Information Systems (GIS), remote sensing, and analysis of photographic documentation collected between 2017 and 2022. NDVI imagery for 1987, 2001, and 2023 reveals a marked decline in oasis vegetation: from 61.35 ha in 1987, to 53.21 ha in 2001, and 47 ha in 2023, mainly due to recurrent droughts between 1981 and 2022. This differential dynamic reflects two contrasting trends: agricultural abandonment in some areas, and increased human pressure in others—both shaped by natural, socio-economic, and technological factors. Persistent droughts have accelerated agricultural decline, contributing to the socio-spatial exodus of the population. This research provides a scientific foundation for further investigation into oasis landscapes, offering critical insights to inform regional strategies for resource management and heritage conservation.

Paysages naturels dans la basse vallée de l’oued Tamri (Maroc): proposition de l’approche paysagère pour une valorisation touristique

The mountainous marly slopes of the Atlantic High Atlas host a unique, vulnerable ecosystem shaped by a complex interplay of biotic, abiotic, and human (anthropogenic) factors. Characterized by steep slopes, poor soils, and degraded Argan (Argania spinosa) forests, this landscape exhibits active and complex geomorphological processes, with the presence of diverse erosion forms (gullies and rills) indicating ongoing instability. The study focused on the dynamics of marly slopes in the lower valley of Wadi Tamri in the northern part of Agadir Ida Ou Tanane province. Using geomorphometric analysis, remote sensing, and field observations, we investigated the impact of various factors, including climate, geology, and human activities, on landscape evolution. Various applied geomorphometric indices were compared with the results of a hydrological evaluation model. The comparison was made using two digital elevation models with multiple dates (2007 and 2014). To assess land use changes within this sparsely forested, marly slope landscape unit, Landsat imagery from 1984, 2000 and 2022 was analyzed, supported by landscape point sampling and field validation to facilitate interpretation of the maximum likelihood classification algorithm. The results showed that the number, length, drainage and hydrographic density values of gullies decreased between 2007 and 2014. Bifurcation and length ratios vary according to stream order and demonstrate some evolution during this period. Evolutionary stages and scenarios are marked by the degradation of the forested landscape between 1984 and 2022. Conversely, the area of marly substrate within the landscape unit has increased by 891.30 ha between 2000 and 2022. Declining forest cover can expose marly surfaces to hydric erosion. This research provides a scientific foundation for further investigation of marly slopes and offers valuable insights that will serve as an example for regional soil and water conservation strategies.

Le paysage forestier de la basse vallée de l’Oued Tamri, est le fruit d’une interaction complexe entre les milieux naturels et les activités humaines, façonnée par des facteurs écologiques et anthropiques. Cette diversité est due à l’imbrication d’éléments paysagers aux caractéristiques biophysiques et socio-spatiales variées. Notre approche combine les résultats des relevés de terrain (floristiques, régénération naturelle), les enquêtes menées auprès des chefs de ménage et le traitement d’images satellitaires. En croisant ces différentes sources de données, nous espérons mieux comprendre les facteurs écologiques et socio-économiques qui influencent l’évolution des paysages au fil du temps. Nous avons choisi une approche diachronique basée sur le traitement numérique des images Landsat (1984, 2000, 2022) et la classification supervisée. Cette analyse révèle la dégradation du couvert forestier, associée principalement à de longues périodes de sécheresse récurrentes, souvent perçues comme un indicateur de changements climatiques. Ce processus dynamique est également lié à une alternance de phases d’emprise et de déprise rurales et agricoles, entraînant une dégradation ou un recul des paysages d’arganier et de thuyas, ainsi qu’une tendance de plus en plus marquée vers l’extension du matorral entre 1984 et 2022, 37 % de la superficie du couvert forestier a été perdu, ce qui se traduit par une augmentation de près de 20 % des surfaces de sol nu et des terrains cultivés.

Riverbanks in semi-arid Mediterranean environments are dynamic features constantly shaped by natural factors and human interventions. Wadi Tamri’s lower valley, with its large alluvial plain, fragile terraces, and mixed marine/continental deposits, is a typical semi-arid fluvial landscape highly vulnerable to floods. This paper examines the dynamics and vulnerabilities of Wadi Tamri’s lower historic terraces and their landscape evolution from 1984 to 2024. It analyses river morphology and bank retreat in relation to sediment, vegetation, climate, and stream flow changes. It uses satellite imagery to identify vulnerable areas and assess channel/riverbank transformations in post-wet years and on the basis of field investigations. Multiple methods, including spade, aggregate, water retention, sedimentological (jar test), and clod cohesion (Slake) tests, provide an assessment of bank fragility and recession. The results show that Wadi Tamri’s lower sector is the most unstable, exhibiting natural morphodynamic changes (channel multiplication, bar development, lateral displacements) in 1983, 2010, and 2014. There was significant bank regression between 2000 and 2010 and increased stability (bars and vegetation) from 2010 to 2024. The increased stability, resulting partly from low flows regulated by the Moulay Abdellah dam upstream, provides valuable insights for managing fluvial landscapes exposed to human pressure and heightened flood/erosion risks in the study area.