Today, the old walled medina is threatened
by processes which have been set in motion by both natural
and anthropogenic causes. Salt-water intrusion,
land subsidence, coastal erosion and overexploitation
of water resources contribute in particular to the degradation
of the urban context. Protection of the surroundings of Essaouira's
ecosystem is a condition for its survival.
Source: Urban Development and Freshwater Resources.
UNESCO, 1996.
Updated for the CSI home page in February 1997
Action
plan for integrated town development: priorities:
Ramparts of the medina of Essaouira
and Scala of the Kasbah
Ramparts of the Medina vers Mellah
.
.
1. Restoration of
the Medina and feasibility study of a
wave-breaker project far from the historic Medina, in
order to stop the progressive coastal erosion;
2. Temporary
relocation of endangered families still
living in the houses next to the wall;
3. Rehabilitation
of the historic habitat through the creation of various
activities and the delivery of sanitary equipment into
the Medina, in order to help the most disadvantaged
families;
Dunes at Plage Safi
4. Protection
and re-establishment of the dunal coastal environment;
5. Prevention
of contamination in sea and freshwater
environment;
The historical monuments of Essaouira are
marked by a rather original architecture.
It combines the Arab-Muslim art in European architecture of the Renaissance.
In
addition, Essaouira is the only Moroccan medina, where streets
are straight and intersect at right angles.
Some of the historical monuments in Essaouira are:
