Integrated Approaches to Water, Energy, and Sustainable Development in Morocco (Sustainable Landscape Planning and Natural Resources Management)

This book provides a comprehensive analysis of the interconnection between water resources, agriculture, and other industrial sectors, along with an exploration of the importance of new alternatives for natural resource conservation and protection, such as waste valorization and its conversion into eco-friendly products, and renewable energy as a solution to climate change. At the same time, it highlights the necessity of civic engagement in tackling these challenges. It is structured into four main sections that address critical challenges and solutions in the field. The first section focuses on water resources and ecosystems, from coastlines to inland valleys, where the first section investigates how natural factors and human activities affect water quality, availability, and sustainability. Through various case studies, the book highlights the complex relationship between water quality and coastal environments. The second section analyses the conversion of environmental challenges into ecological solutions through resource and waste valorization. This section outlines a clear vision for valorizing Morocco’s natural resources (such as phosphate and oil shale) to address agricultural, industrial, and environmental challenges within a sustainable growth framework. The third section investigates the relationship between urban development and land use changes using GIS and remote sensing methods, which are influencing agricultural lands. This part explores the roles of societal behavior and ecological engagement in shaping the path toward sustainability in Morocco. This section presents integrated insights into the importance of civic engagement, social behavior, and dynamics in promoting inclusive and sustainable environmental governance. The fourth section emphasizes hydrogen as an emerging sector and a cornerstone of Morocco's sustainable energy transition, as well as its growing role in global decarbonization efforts. This part of the book emphasizes the role that green hydrogen may play as a clean energy source in mitigating climate and supporting long-term societal, economic, and environmental sustainability. At the same time, it underscores the importance of strategic planning, technological innovation, and international collaboration in positioning Morocco as a key actor in the global green hydrogen transition. This book serves as a valuable resource for researchers, policymakers, and practitioners seeking innovative solutions to sustainable water resource management, waste valorization, and enhanced energy security amid growing environmental challenges.

Dr. Nezha MEJJAD holds a Ph.D. in Geochemistry and Environment from Hassan II University of Casablanca, Morocco (2018, awarded “Very Honorable with Committee Praise”). She is a Research Scientist in Marine Geochemistry and Environmental Sustainability at the National Centre for Nuclear Energy, Science and Technology (CNESTEN), Rabat, Morocco. Dr. Mejjad’s research focuses on the environmental impacts of human activities on marine and coastal ecosystems, with emphasis on blue carbon sequestration and storage, microplastic and heavy metal pollution, and the use of nuclear and isotopic techniques for marine environmental monitoring. She has more than 10 years of experience in marine environmental studies, including geochemical characterization of sediments, pollution source identification, and reconstruction of historical environmental changes using radiometric dating and isotopic tracers. She has participated in several international collaborations on microplastic contamination, sediment pollution history, and carbon cycling in seagrass and lagoonal ecosystems. Her scientific output includes over 40 peer-reviewed articles, 10 book chapters, and three edited books published or in press with major international publishers. Dr. Mejjad also serves on the editorial boards of several international journals published by prestigious publishers, including Nature and Springer, and contributes to advancing research on marine pollution, blue carbon, and environmental sustainability. Her ongoing work provides critical insights into carbon dynamics and pollution trends in Moroccan coastal systems, supporting climate change mitigation, environmental protection, and the sustainable management of aquatic ecosystems.