Tree Planting Day in Ouarzazate and Remembering Jamie Fico
On January 20, the High Atlas Foundation hosted a significant event in the Amerzguane municipality, located in the Ouarzazate province. The Agloula cooperative members and other farmers from the village warmly welcomed the High Atlas Foundation team (HAF). This village community, hurt by the 2023 earthquake, had previously benefited from HAF’s water infrastructure projects, which included the installation of solar panels and the construction of a well, funded by Siemens Gamesa Renewable Energy.
Planting trees with local farmers - Amerzguane municipality, Ouarzazate province
The National Tree Planting Day reflects HAF’s commitment to environmental sustainability and community development. During this event, various types of trees—such as olive, almond, and pomegranate—are planted in collaboration with local communities, schools, and farmers. The goal is to inspire planting, promote biodiversity, support livelihoods in rural areas, and combat desertification, all while emphasizing community management to ensure the sustainability of the project.
The event began with a presentation by Youssef Tahiri, tree monitoring officer, who discussed HAF’s tree-planting initiatives. He explained the variety of tree species distributed to farmers, highlighting the importance of diversifying beyond the traditional tree types they had relied on. This change encourages greater biodiversity and a healthier environment.
Youssef also introduced the carbon offset program, which allows farmers to contribute to reducing global carbon emissions while benefiting from sustainable farming practices. This innovative program not only helps combat climate change but also provides farmers with additional income opportunities by selling carbon credits. Through improved soil management, reforestation, and the adoption of eco-friendly farming techniques, the program empowers farmers to enhance their productivity while simultaneously protecting the environment.
By fostering a connection between environmental sustainability and economic growth, Youssef's initiative creates a win-win situation for both the farmers and the planet.
Following the workshop, the tree-planting activity commenced. The farmers had already prepared by digging holes in which to plant the trees, including olives, pomegranates, and forest trees. Everyone gathered together to plant the saplings. Both Youssef and Mohammed El Kadiri, tree planting program coordinator, provided guidance on the correct planting techniques. While the farmers were already familiar with many of the methods, a few additional details were shared, such as the ideal depth for the hole and how to properly position the sapling to ensure it receives adequate water and air for growth. The importance of regular irrigation was also emphasized to ensure the trees' long-term health.
As we plant these trees, we honor the memory of Jamie FICO. Jamie Fico was a passionate global development advocate who dedicated her life to community empowerment and sustainability. She served in Morocco with the Peace Corps and later conducted impactful research on water scarcity and sustainable agriculture. As a Fulbright researcher, Jamie worked closely with farmers and women’s cooperatives to preserve agricultural traditions.
Jamie passed away on November 5th, 2024. In her honor, the Fico family and the High Atlas Foundation launched the water infrastructure and tree planting project in Amerzguane commune , reflecting her vision for a sustainable future. Though Jamie is no longer with us, her spirit lives on through the countless lives they touched and the work she left behind.
On this tree planting day, We celebrate Jamie’s legacy, and we pledge to carry forward her mission of service, compassion, and environmental stewardship. These trees, and many others, stand as a testament to the life Jamie lived—a life of love, purpose, and profound impact!
Jamie Fico in Morocco during her work with the community members.
The inspiration wasn’t limited to just this village; HAF staff were spread across various regions of Morocco, planting trees together on the same day. With the involvement of local communities, students, and others, the event served as a memorable reminder of the importance of this initiative and our collective responsibility in caring for the environment.