In October of 2001 the dean of Cadi Ayyad University and Morocco’s Minister of Education joined forces in order to found the Natural History Museum of Marrakech.  The museum currently houses a collection of regionally collected plants and animals. The museum serves as a community educational center which hosts interns, master´s students and visitors alike for educational projects.  With time, the museum plans to expand its exhibits to include a national collection.

The Natural History Museum of Marrakech is an important partner for the Global Diversity Fund. GDF works simultaneously with the museum to conduct research projects, host visiting students and also to send local students and colleagues to workshops abroad.

 

The Department of Water and Forests is a division of the Moroccan government aimed at preserving Morocco’s forests and woodlands. The department plays a vital role in balancing environmental preservation and the needs of local communities for grazing, fuelwood collection and timber.

The Global Diversity Foundation is working with the Department of Water and Forests to carry out its flagship project in Morocco, "Wildlife Trade in the Souks of Southern Morocco". GDF is also helping establish additional collaborations between environmental NGOs and the Department of Water and Forests.

 

The High Atlas Foundation (HAF) is a nonprofit organization whose aim is to establish community-based projects in Morocco designed and managed by local people and in partnership with government and non-government agencies. HAF was created by Peace Corps volunteers and staff who served in Morocco and wished to utilize their professional relationships and knowledge gained during their years of service for the continued benefit of the Moroccan people.

The Global Diversity Foundation is collaborating with the High Atlas Foundation and the Friends of Mohammed VI University Hospital to distribute fruit trees to the rural communities of the Imnane Valley and to build a school in the area for local children.

 

Founded in 1978, the University Cadi Ayyad of Marrakech includes 8 Faculties (Sciences, Medicine, Literature, Economic Sciences, Law) and 2 schools of Engineering. It is the largest University in Morocco and has conducted the largest number of international collaboration projects. The university has a very strong scientific department and has organized hundreds of international scientific events.

The Global Diversity Foundation works closely with the university’s science department, laboratory and Natural History Museum. GDF organizes international exchange and research projects with the university. The most recent projects have centered around GDF’s Wildlife trade project.

 

Based in Marrakech, Maghrebio, is an association dedicated to raising awareness of the advantages of organic farming and nutrition. The organization began in 2002 and is made up of volunteers. Maghrebio aims to educate the local population about the benefits of using organic fruits and vegetables by encouraging respect for the environment, preservation of health and quality of life. Maghrebio organizes trainings in the Marrakech region as well as surrounding provinces and supports local garden initiatives.

Presently, the Global Diversity Foundation is working with Maghrebio to plant and maintain school gardens at the Ibn Albi Sofra medina school and the Dar Taliba girls boarding school. The gardens meet organic standards and the food produced in the gardens is eaten in the school cafeterias.

 

ABDBO is a local non-governmental organization which spearheads numerous development projects in the Ourika valley, 45 kms from Marrakech. GDF has joined forces with ABDBO to create and maintain a school garden at the Dar Taliba girls boarding school in the Ourika Valley. GDF is also working with ABDBO to explore other development activities in the Ourika valley that will preserve cultural heritage and improve quality of life for local communities.