The Terres d’Amanar ecolodge is located in Tahanaout, a town near Morocco’s Atlas Mountains. It welcomes domestic and foreign tourists, and gives them the perfect setting for an ecotourism experience. The lodge’s buildings almost seem to blend in with the reds and browns of the mountains beyond.

Terres d’Amanar showcases traditional Berber culture in the architecture, food, and activities it offers guests. The project was developed in close collaboration with the local community, aiming to benefit both the ecolodge owners and the local population. It was Terres d’Amanar’s care for the environment, respect for local culture, and socioeconomic development that were recognized by the Morocco Trophy for Responsible Tourism in 2011.

Building a better environment in the Atlas Mountains:

Terres d’Amanar follows a very strict policy for the protection of the environment, including reducing waste, energy efficient heating, recycling, and the promotion of local products to reduce resource consumption, CO2 emissions, and pollution in general. Guests can also charge their devices using batteries found in the ecolodge rooms. These environmental efforts were recognized in 2011 when the ecolodge was granted green key label recognition.

Caring for the environment also means caring for the local community. Involving community members was integral right from the start, and is an important success for the founders of Terres d’Amanar. The company follows a participative-management structure where each staff members works autonomously. Moreover, local staff can see that their traditional culture is respected — Berber food, architecture, and crafts are all on display and available for guests to purchase.

Travellers are also invited to admire the beautiful environment through a number of adventure activities, including horseback riding, mountain biking, and trekking. There is even an Accro Park where adults and children alike can walk high above the treetops. All of these services are operated by guides from the community, creating a business that is beneficial for guests and locals alike.

Website: www.terresdamanar.com

Photos: Courtesy of Terres d’Amanar