history

Marchica Med Company: a lagoon, a story…

It all began in 2007 with a revelation. The limited opening of the Marchica lagoon to the sea and the discharge of wastewater from Nador had turned this natural gem of northeastern Morocco into an endangered site. The inhabitants of the city of Nador believed the lagoon treasure of the Oriental region was lost forever. It was then that the Marchica Med project was born.

Marchica Med Company: a lagoon, a story…

A Project of Royal Ambition

At the origin of the Marchica Med project lies a vision: that of a thriving territory that balances ecological heritage preservation with socio-economic dynamism. It is to realize this vision, championed by His Majesty King Mohammed VI, may God assist him, that Marchica Med Company operates through every phase of the Marchica Med project to enhance the attractiveness of the Oriental region.

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The Revival of Nador’s Treasure

For over 10 years, Marchica Med, responsible for the operational development of the project, and its parent company, the Agency for the Development of the Marchica Lagoon Site (AASLM), have worked to save, restore, and enhance the natural magic of this paradisiacal site in the province of Nador. So much so that today it is impossible to imagine the extreme pollution that once afflicted this place before its transformation.

A Natural Lagoon Freed from Pollution

In 2008, the coastal area of Marchica was buried under waste. Because it was urgent to address the ecological disaster, more than 3,500 tons of all kinds of garbage were collected, sorted, and recycled, involving nearly 680 employees. This effort ultimately gave nature a real breath of fresh air, and today it has truly reclaimed its rights in the lagoon.

A Site Protected in a Sustainable Way

Embedding this large-scale purification operation within sustainability was one of the major concerns of the Marchica Med project. To achieve this, the permanent control of wastewater and waste from the city of Nador was quickly planned. These two essential actions have allowed the fauna and flora to thrive even more in the lagoon, and the magic of the site to reemerge.

Revived Marine Ecosystems

The stakeholders of the Marchica Med project aimed to promote the grand return of marine life. But this could not happen without a continuous renewal of the lagoon waters. For this reason, a 300-meter breach was created to connect the Mediterranean Sea to the lagoon. To the great delight of fishermen, nature lovers, and travelers seeking rejuvenation.

More than 100 Bird Species Reestablished

To restore the wild character of the lagoon, it was essential to reintegrate the migratory and resident birds of the site. To do this, the birds’ natural habitats were reconstructed. Thus was born the Marchica Ornithological Park, which has become the favored sanctuary of flamingos, cormorants, gulls, and blue thrushes.

An Abandoned Factory Dump Transformed into a Golf Course

With its lush green stretching up to the azure sky, it is hard to believe today that the grounds of the Atalayoun Golf Resort Academy once housed an iron ore washing plant. That was before its 30 hectares were beautifully redesigned by the Californian architect Ronald Garl as part of the Marchica Med project.

Reforested Mediterranean Landscapes

The forest and tree heritage has always enhanced the natural beauty of the Nador province. But Marchica Med wanted to beautify it even more to elevate this iconic lagoon treasure to the status of a leading ecotourism destination. That is why over 45,000 Aleppo pines, more than 40 years old, were planted all around the lagoon.

An Exceptional Tourism and Urban Development Project

Marchica reveals such a high natural and ecological potential that its story could not end with its rescue plan. To offer you an experience connected to the breathtaking beauty of the Nador lagoon, Marchica Med has envisioned a diverse resort within a preserved environment—the embodiment of an unprecedented ecotourism dream in Morocco.

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Where Morocco’s New Ecotourism Eden Takes Shape

While development machinery shapes the project’s first town, the teams at Marchica Med are more determined than ever to make the Marchica destination shine beyond its borders. Today, the goal is no longer merely to turn nuisance into pleasure, but truly to make the Nador lagoon a golden ecotourism destination.

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