Illegal Sand Mining Threatens Morocco’s Coastline and Environment

There are thousands of Moroccans who extract sand from the coastal dunes without authorization, reports ARTE. Armed with shovels and accompanied by donkeys, they engage in wild extraction every day. At the head of these sand mafias are powerful men who intimidate all those who dare to denounce them or oppose their illegal activity. An activity that has a negative impact on the environment, especially the beaches. The young adolescents or destitute adults who collect the sand in baskets carried on the backs of donkeys are paid 65 DH per day.

According to geologist Aïcha Benmohammadi, sand is an informal asset that represents 55% of all the sand circulating in Morocco. A rate that is equivalent to more than half of the 30 million tons consumed in the country. "This sand that is being plundered is sand that has no official origin, no traceability, and may not be clean sand for consumption in the construction industry," explains the specialist.