Development project on Mogador Island raises environmental concerns for the Eleonora’s Falcon in Essaouira

Authorities in the city of Essaouira are studying a project aimed at developing the historic Mogador Island, located off the city’s coast. The project includes the creation of a 2.1-kilometer tourist path and the installation of infrastructure intended to enhance the site’s natural and historical components for visitors.

Expert concerns regarding the Eleonora’s Falcon

Conversely, ornithology experts have expressed reservations about this initiative. They emphasize that any effort to preserve the architectural and historical heritage of Essaouira must account for the high environmental sensitivity of Mogador Island. The island should not be treated merely as a standard tourist destination, as it is a vital part of an archipelago with significant national and international scientific and ecological value.

Record numbers documented by scientific studies

The experts’ concerns are based on precise scientific data tracking the population growth of the rare Eleonora’s Falcon, which uses the island as a primary breeding site. Field observations indicate that the number of nests in the Essaouira archipelago increased from 677 in 2010 to a projected 1875 by 2026. These rising indicators highlight the site’s major ecological value and underscore the necessity of securing favorable conditions for the survival of these colonies.

Challenges of human presence and carrying capacity

Specialists argue that while creating an organized visitor path may initially limit random movement across the island’s soil, organized tourist traffic alone is insufficient to prevent the disturbance caused by human presence and accompanying noise. These factors are potential catalysts for driving the falcons to feel unsafe, which could lead them to abandon the site.

Scientific requirements for responsible tourism

Consequently, experts stress that any future decision regarding opening the island to regular visits must be based on rigorous scientific studies that measure potential impacts and define the ecological carrying capacity of the site. They call for caution and suggest delaying public access until environmental impact assessments are completed, affirming that the primary goal is not to reject responsible tourism or obstruct heritage enhancement, but to avoid reducing the unique value of Mogador Island to its historical and tourist dimensions while ignoring its significant scientific and natural importance.