TARAGALTE
2010 – ongoing, Morocco
A team of young local Moroccans had a dream to make a
contribution, no matter how modest, to the development of the Sahara
region of Morocco. This team, coming from a traditional Saharan Nomad
background, wished to contribute especially to the preservation of the
ancestral heritage of this region.
Taragalte concept was born out of a partnership between the local
team with local foundations as well as national and international
institutions, all wishing to make a contribution to genuine development
of this region.
FIVE IMPORTANT PARTS
1. Preservation of the fragile Sahara environment
2. The development of a cultural centre
3. The development of an ecolodge
4. The bivouac Le Petite Prince
5. The Taragalte festival
Taragalte
Concept is trying to find sustainable ways to develop the cultural, social and
economic aspects of the region of M’hamid, the last oasis, the door to the
Sahara in the south west of Morocco. The pressure of the tourist industry and the ongoing
desertification is high and therefore Taragalte Concept wants to show an
alternative model for cultural and environmental conscious tourism.
Ibrahim Sbaï, Creative Director, explains: “This
area should not become a museum, then we will not survive. The culture should
be preserved, but not kept prisoner, it is something fluid”. Through making
connections between different role players and cultures, solutions are sought
for the community. Taragalte Concept has different activities: Cultural
exchange; Development work with women; Tourist accommodation; and Yearly
festival. Through these activities job opportunities are created, talent is
displayed, and international cultural exchanges take place. These activities
are organised together with Butterfly Works, Sahara Roots Foundation, and
Bureau EAST.
Taragalte
Concept is the crossroad where these different aims converge. It is the meeting
point for exchanges, conservation, friendship, and sharing. Through artist-in-residence programmes, exhibitions
and design workshops local communities will find new possibilities and
dynamic ways to apply materials so familiar to them. The Concept will
create new beauty that will remain in the area to inspire.
Please visit the website of Taragalte to find out more.
