Saharan Oasis Restoration Project
Said, the creator of the Saharan Oasis Restoration Project, hails from a large Amazigh-Tuareg family, a testament to his deep-rooted connection with the Sahara desert and a nomadic way of life. After many years of wandering, Said's family found a settled home in the village of Tagounite, where they have since put down roots. Here, he and his family are engaged in the painstaking work of restoring a 200-year-old mud house for their community. In the backyard lies a sprawling garden, a vibrant testament to the region's history and the memories of generations.
Their vision for this place is nothing short of transformational: reviving the oasis, making it green once more, combatting desertification, and nurturing the growth of trees, plants, and water. Their goal is to cultivate enough food to sustain themselves and their local community.
Once they complete the restoration of this old house, their focus will shift to revitalising the oasis, breathing life back into the gardens, and combating the ever-growing issue of desertification. In addition, they plan to create a cultural and educational hub for local children, and an empowering space for women in the region.
Linde, an artist hailing from the Netherlands and Denmark, forms an integral part of the project. Her background includes working in kindergartens, facilitating workshops with children and families in a refugee centre, and caring for individuals in homes for the disabled. Linde resides in the project and house for a significant portion of the year, contributing to the overall organisation and assisting with a wide range of tasks.
As they strive to grow grapes, oranges, lemons, rosemary, basil, aloe vera, roses, cacti, sage, and more, Said and Linde are coming up with innovative permaculture ideas by converging traditional and modern methodologies to sustain the garden. For example, they have implemented water recycling systems, making every drop count.
In this oasis restoration project, every penny, pair of hands and creative mind is welcome, as they work tirelessly to restore life to the desert and create a sustainable future.
