“Coupling a comprehensive socio-cultural and economic program to an environmental remediation initiative” – Holcim Awards Jury

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    Resuscitating the Fez River – chouarra tanneries pits restoration + path remediation with Indian mustard + buildings rehabilitation and extension.

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    Holcim Awards 2008 Africa Middle East – Marrakech, Morocco

    Winning team members Holcim Awards Gold 2008 (l-r): John Ferri, Takako Tajima, Aziza Chaouni, Dan Brunn

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    Winning team members Holcim Awards Gold 2008 (l-r): John Ferri, Takako Tajima, Aziza Chaouni, Dan Brunn

The pre-eminent feature of this project consists of the comprehensive approach to environmental revitalization and urban renewal. The Fez River, a historic lifeline traversing the medina of Fez, is now faced with a diminished role due to serious pollution and risks drying up. The future water-diversion to a new sewage treatment plant allows the mostly covered river to be laid open again and thus regain its potential as a public amenity.

Last updated: June 19, 2008 Johannesburg, South Africa

The project proposes interventions at city-scale master plan and site-scale projects for cleaning the degraded water as well as the remediation of heavily polluted sites such as the tannery at Chouarra.

The jury commended this project because of the coupling of a comprehensive socio-cultural and economic program to an environmental remediation initiative. In particular, once implemented, the proposal has the potential to restore the vitality of the city of Fez for its residents and visitors by mitigating the two major threats now facing the river. Equally, the proposed transformation of existing nuisances through community supported programs such as a leather-craft center, recreation facilities for children, water-cleaning wetlands and botanical gardens is highly commended. The project promises to be a strategic environmental intervention creating a myriad of social benefits.