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Due to its location between
the Rif mountains and the Middle-Atlas, Fez offers many possibilities of
very interesting excursions to places offering fascinating sceneries and charming villages.
The region has an exceptional heritage, both natural and cultural. Most
visitors go on 1 day excursions to Meknes and Volubilis or Ifrane and the
cedar tree forests. But one needs much more than 1 or 2 days to explore this
region and feel the true flavor of the Moroccan countryside.
Apart from some very specific spots, the region is quite untouched by
mass tourism, which makes it more authentic. But the region is very fragile, it needs responsible travellers showing the way to a sustainable form of
tourism which will bring benefits to the locals and motivate them to protect their natural, cultural and rural heritage.
Probably
on your first visit you will just go on a day or half day tour by car.
But like many others you will realize it is worth coming backto take
time to go hiking, horse riding or cycling with local guides, spend the
night at a local "gîte" or guest house, buy local products,
discover the local fauna and flora...
Show interest for the local biodiversity is a good way to motivate people to protect
the area, to develop nature conservation.
There is an urgent need to do so. Moroccan authorithies are doing great
efforts, they need the help of visitors to show that nature
conservation is a very serious matter.
The cedar tree forest is unique, its very
fragile ecological balance is threatened. Some local
and international organizations are developping actions of sensibilisation
to the problems threatening this unestimable heritage. Today,
the cedar forests are only seen by many visitors as a destination for a
day excursion, mostly by car, to spot some monkeys... and to feed
them, which doesn't do any good to the ecological balance! We would like to motivate you discover this region in a
more sustainable way.
It is worth it.
This means respecting some rules : do not pick up plants, flowers, do
not feed animals, do not leave garbage, walk or ride on trails
(especially with a mountain bike), try to learn about the biodiversity
and tell local people how important it is to preserve it. The more
environment conscious people will come, the more actions will be taken
to protect this unique heritage.
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