The Upper Ziz basin located in the southeast of Morocco, has a total area of 4,351 km2. The surface water feeds El Hassan Addakhil dam, which insures water supply for the downstream cities of Errachidia, Rissani, Erfoud and others along the Ziz valley. This study aimed to evaluate the...

Water-Regulating Ecosystem Services (WRES) play a crucial role in maintaining water quality and preventing soil erosion, particularly in watershed areas that are vulnerable to Land Use Land Cover Changes (LULCC) and climate change. This study focuses on the Upper Beht Watershed, the most ecologically significant basin of the Ifrane National Park (INP). The main objective is to understand how WRES values respond to the challenges posed by grasslands degradation, agricultural intensification, and urban expansion before and after the park’s creation. In this research, we first analyzed historical Land Use Land Cover (LULC) data from 1992 to 2022 using Google Earth Engine platform. We then employed the Integrated Valuation of Ecosystem Services and Tradeoffs (InVEST 3.10.2) models to quantify and map the impacts of ongoing LULCC on the watershed’s capacity to retain sediments and nutrients. Finally, we used the damage costs avoided method for economic assessment of WRES. Our findings demonstrate a notable improvement in the economic value of WRES following the establishment of the park, reaching USD 10,000 per year. In contrast, prior to its creation, this service experienced a decline of USD −7000 per year. This positive trend can be attributed to the expansion of forest cover in areas prioritized for reforestation and conservation interventions. The study highlights the critical importance of continuous WRES monitoring, providing park managers with robust data to advocate for sustained conservation efforts and increased investment in restoration initiatives within protected areas. Moreover, the findings can be used to raise awareness among local communities and encourage their active engagement in sustainable development initiatives.

Land use and land cover (LULC) change is an important factor when solving environmental issues such as water resources, agricultural productivity, and soil preservation. This study looks at the spatial and temporal trends of LULC over a 33-year period, in an area of the Sebou basin in Morocco,...

Sediment and nutrient retention (SNR) are a key ecosystem service for maintaining water quality and preventing soil erosion, particularly in watershed areas that are vulnerable to land-use dynamics and climate change. This study focuses on the upper Beht watershed, the most ecologically significant basin within the Ifrane National Park (INP), which plays an essential role in sustaining downstream water systems while being exposed to pressures from human activities and land-use transformations. This research analyzed historical land use data from 1992 to 2022 using Google Earth Engine. Next, employed the Integrated Valuation of Ecosystem Services and Tradeoffs (InVEST 3.10.2) software to quantify and map the impacts of ongoing land use changes on the watershed's capacity to retain sediments and nutrients. Finally, used the damage costs avoided method for economic assessment of SNR service. Our findings indicate a positive trend in SNR service provision following the park's establishment, with notable improvements in areas targeted by reforestation and conservation interventions. This study underscores the significance of continuous SNR service monitoring, offering park managers robust data to advocate sustained conservation efforts among policymakers and relevant stakeholders. Furthermore, these results highlight the need to engage local communities in sustainable land management practices, fostering a collaborative approach to enhance the ecological resilience and long-term integrity of Ifrane National Park.