La interrelación entre los factores socioeconómicos de las poblaciones locales y los recursos botánicos en los bosques Amsittene (Essaouira-Marruecos)

El uso de las plantas medicinales ha pervivido como tradición durante muchos años en las comunidades de Haha, en el Marruecos meridional. Nuestro estudio se basa en la investigación y la observación de campo realizadas en diferentes fases en la comunidad rural situada cerca del macizo de Amsittene (Essaouira), en su parte noreste. Así, dos investigaciones etnobotánicas fueron realizadas aleatoriamente sobre el terreno. La primera, en el 2004, ha tenido en cuenta a 90 habitantes de aldeas del norte y del este del macizo de Amsittene. La segunda, en el 2005, fue realizada entre 92 habitantes de aldeas de la zona oriental del macizo. El objetivo era analizar el impacto del contexto local (pobreza, analfabetismo, etc.) en la frecuencia de la utilización de los recursos botánicos, especialmente las plantas medicinales. Las comunas rurales en cuestión viven en áreas donde la pobreza y el analfabetismo han alcanzado unas cifras muy elevadas y alarmantes. El examen también fue realizado entre los vendedores de las plantas medicinales del mercado semanal local: los zocos de Imi N'Tlit y Smimou. Las pesquisas entre los usuarios de plantas medicinales han proporcionado informaciones significativas. Durante la investigación se identificaron 41 plantas medicinales. El estudio ha demostrado que la presión sobre las plantas medicinales es al mismo tiempo endógena, como resultado de las prácticas locales de la población, y exógena, como resultado de las prácticas de los intermediarios comerciales que están implicados en gran medida en la red de negocios de plantas medicinales. Los niveles de presión sobre el genotipo medicinal de nuestra área de estudio se diferencian según muchos factores: los agentes, la técnica de recogida y las partes de las plantas que se utilizan. Entre todas las presiones existentes, la apertura de un nuevo mercado de una manera desorganizada, debido principalmente a una demanda exterior cada vez mayor, aparece como el factor que amenaza más a las plantas m

6-Min walk-test data in healthy North-African subjects aged 16–40 years

Background: In North-African and Mediterranean countries (such as Algeria, Tunisia, Morocco, Libya) no local 6-Min walk-distance (6MWD) norms exist for subjects aged 16–40 years. Aims: (i) To test the applicability and reliability of the previously published norms for Arab or Mediterranean subjects aged ⩾ 16 years in this population and, if required, (ii) to establish a 6MWD reference equation for use in North-African subjects aged 16–40 years and prospectively assess its reliability and to propose a clear scheme to interpret the measured 6MWD. Study design: Prospective cross-sectional study. Methods: Metabolic-equivalent-task (MET) walking, moderate, and vigorous activities, anthropometric, spirometric and 6-Min walk-test (6MWD, heart-rate, oxy-haemoglobin-saturation) data were measured/noted in 200 healthy Algerian subjects aged 16–40 years (100 women). Univariate and multiple linear regression analyses were used to find-out 6MWD influencing factors, reference equation and to determine the lower-limit-of-normal (LLN). Results: The mean ± SD of 200 included subjects’ age, height, weight, body-mass-index (BMI), lean-mass, first-second-forced-expiratory-volume (FEV1) and MET moderate activity were, respectively, 27.5 ± 6.7 years, 169 ± 9 cm, 69.3 ± 11.5 kg, 24.1 ± 3.6 kg/m2, 16.7 ± 7.4 kg, 3.70 ± 0.74 L and 370 ± 686 min/week. Their 6MWD mean ± SD (minimum–maximum) was 680 ± 70 (540–888) m. The published norms for Italian and Saudi-Arabian populations did not reliably predict measured 6MWD. The following 6MWD influencing factors were noted: FEV1, BMI, sex, lean-mass, MET moderate activity and age (p < 0.001). A reference equation, explaining 58.7% of the 6MWD variability, was established: 6MWD (m) = 800.05 + 64.71 × Sex (men:1/women:0) − 10.23 × BMI (kg/m2) − 1.63 × Age (years) + 2.05 × Weight (kg). To calculate the 6MWD LLN subtract 74.31 m from the predicted value. In a second group of 39 young subjects (19 women) prospectively studied to validate the reference equation, the agreement between the measured and predicted 6MWDs was adequate. Conclusion: This reliable 6MWD norm is helpful for the care of North-African patients aged 16–40 years

Inventory and quantitative assessment of geosites in Rabat-Tiflet Region (North Western Morocco): Preliminary study to evaluate the potential of the area to become a geopark

The Rabat-Tiflet area (north-western Morocco) has a complex geological setting and a high geodiversity, two reasons that justify the geoheritage inventory done in this work. The inventoried 13 geosites were quantitatively assessed and clearly show that the Tortonian/Messinian Akrech River GSSP Stratotype is the most important geosite in the area due to its high international scientific value. In addition, the majority of the other geosites are characterized by moderate scientific, educational, and touristic values and high degradation risk. Therefore, a geoconservation strategy should be implemented in this area by national and local authorities to protect and conserve this geological heritage. This study may help the development of a new geopark project in Morocco, a country where the geopark concept is still emerging.This research was made possible through scientific cooperation with the University of Minho (Braga, Portugal) and the University of Granada (Spain). We thank E. Errami and M. Oukassou for in-depth reviews of our paper, thus contributing to improve its scientific quality

Inventory and Quantitative Assessment of Belyounech Commune Geosites (East of the Site of Biological and Ecological Interest of Jbel Moussa, Northern Moroccan Rif)

In the commune of Bel Younech, which constitutes the eastern part of the Site of Biological and Ecological Interest (SBEI) of Jbel Moussa (Tangier, Tetouan, Al Hoceima, NW Morocco), 13 geosites have been selected along a 14-stop georoad. These sites are characterized by relevant geological diversity representing structural geology, stratigraphy, sedimentology, petrology, geomorphology, hydrogeology and hydrology. Some of these geosites also have a very interesting geoculture. The geodiversity sites have been evaluated using a numerical methodology based on recent literature that aimed to reduce the subjectivity related to any evaluation process. The evaluation concerned the scientific value (SV), the potential for educational use (PEU), the potential for tourist use (PTU) and the risk of degradation (DR), which was quantified using various criteria by assigning scores ranging from 0 to 4. The results of the quantitative assessment show that 8 sites with a scientific value greater than or equal to 3.5; this value allows them to be considered as geosites. The average values of the PUE and PUT were very high (3.7 and 3.5) while the risk of degradation was moderate (2.03). The values obtained justify the need of valorization and conservation of Bel Younech commune geosites by integrating the fundamental concepts of sustainable development. In fact, all the geosites are located on a 14-stop georoad; this could serve the geotourism as well as promote the activity and economic development of this commune. This work could be used for scientific, educational (within the framework of earth sciences) and touristic purposes. Keywords: geodiversity, geological heritage, inventory, Bel Younech commune, (SBEI) of Jbel Moussa, Northern Rif