Semi-Arid Watershed Restoration and Dune Stabilisation Engineering in Casablanca

Programme Overview

Semi-arid landscapes face accelerating land degradation, sand encroachment, and severe soil erosion, which threaten rural livelihoods and water security across vulnerable river basins.⁣​‌​‌​​‌​​‌‌​‌‌​​​‌‌‌​​‌‌​‌‌​‌​‌‌​​‌​‌‌‌​​​‌‌​​​‌​‌‌‌‌​​​​‌‌​‌​‌​⁣ This five-day executive programme in Casablanca delivers engineering and nature-based solutions tailored to fragile dryland environments. Participants examine integrated watershed management approaches, focusing on the mechanical, biological, and hydrological interventions required to stabilise shifting dunes, rehabilitate degraded sub-catchments, and restore microclimates in water-stressed regions.

The curriculum combines technical engineering practices with participatory catchment planning to address large-scale landscape degradation. Through Moroccan case studies and applied exercises, delegates evaluate structural measures such as check dams and retention trenches alongside vegetative techniques including shelterbelts and agro-forestry systems. The programme underscores international standards for soil and water conservation, enabling practitioners to select, design, and supervise site-specific interventions that withstand climate extremes and seasonal torrential run-off.

Designed for technical leaders and project teams, the training addresses the operational complexities of donor-funded environmental operations. Delegates gain practical competencies in establishing hydrological baselines, calculating environmental flows, and deploying bio-engineering systems to arrest gully progression. By linking technical design to community-centred maintenance arrangements, the course ensures that public institutions and project implementation units can deliver resilient landscape interventions that align with multilateral development bank environmental and social frameworks.

Public agencies across the Sudano-Sahelian belt, particularly in Nigeria, are scaling up investments to counter desertification, extreme gully erosion, and dryland degradation under major initiatives such as the Agro-Climatic Resilience in Semi-Arid Landscapes (ACReSAL) project.⁣​‌​‌​​‌​​‌‌​‌‌​​​‌‌‌​​‌‌​‌‌​‌​‌‌​​‌​‌‌‌​​​‌‌​​​‌​‌‌‌‌​​​​‌‌​‌​‌​⁣ Implementing these multi-sectoral investments requires immediate technical capacity to design robust civil works, deploy bio-engineering techniques, and manage environmental flows effectively. Without sound watershed engineering and local landscape governance, physical infrastructure remains vulnerable to siltation, flash floods, and maintenance failure, jeopardising the long-term sustainability of donor-financed environmental interventions.

Delivered by Risalat Consultants International in Casablanca, Morocco, it combines expert-led sessions, real cases and group work, so that participants can apply what they learn in their own institution.

The Programme Strengthens Institutional Capability

• Principles of semi-arid catchment hydrology, run-off dynamics, and sediment transport
• Assessing land degradation processes: gully formation, topsoil loss, and wind erosion
• Application of the Revised Universal Soil Loss Equation (RUSLE) in data-scarce zones
• Establishing baseline catchment profiles and environmental flow requirements
• Screening site conditions against World Bank Environmental and Social Standard 6 (ESS6)
• Design parameters and material selection for loose stone, gabion, and masonry check dams
• Sizing drop structures, retention basins, and emergency spillways for extreme run-off events
• Grading techniques, earthworks computation, and reshaping unstable gully banks
• Climate and environmental risk assessment
• Adaptation and mitigation planning
• Sector strategies for energy, water and land
• Project design for climate and environmental goals

It is designed for catchment management officers and river basin development authority engineers, state and federal forestry directors and conservation programme managers, climate adaptation specialists and environmental desk officers in public ministries and others who want practical, current skills in climate, environment and natural resources.

The Growing Importance of Semi-Arid Watershed Restoration and Dune Stabilisation Engineering in Casablanca

Climate change, environmental pressure and resource management now shape national plans, budgets and investment decisions. Financiers increasingly expect climate and environmental considerations to be built into projects from the start.

Institutions that can plan for climate risks, manage natural resources well and prepare sound proposals are better placed to protect services and to access the funding available for this work.

Organisations increasingly require professionals capable of:

• Assess climate and environmental risks to their services and assets
• Design projects that meet climate and environmental goals
• Prepare proposals that financiers can approve
• Measure and report results credibly
• Work with communities and partners across sectors

Strong climate, environment and natural resources systems help organisations:

• Protect services and infrastructure from climate risks
• Access climate and environmental finance
• Meet national and international commitments
• Use natural resources sustainably

This Semi-Arid Watershed Restoration and Dune Stabilisation Engineering in Casablanca programme brings these elements together in a practical format, so that participants understand not only what good practice looks like but also how to introduce it in their own setting, with the people and resources they have.

Who Should Attend This Semi-Arid Watershed Restoration and Dune Stabilisation Engineering in Casablanca Training?

This programme is designed for:

• Catchment management officers and river basin development authority engineers
• State and federal forestry directors and conservation programme managers
• Climate adaptation specialists and environmental desk officers in public ministries
• Project implementation unit engineers working on ACReSAL and related dryland programmes
• Soil and water conservation technical officers from semi-arid state agencies
• Agricultural land resources and irrigation management specialists
• Environmental and social safeguard specialists monitoring civil works and catchment plans
• Hydrological monitoring officers and surface water resource planners
• Non-governmental organisation programme leads managing dryland restoration projects
• Climate change and environment officers
• Energy, water and agriculture sector staff
• Planning and policy officers

The programme suits experienced professionals as well as those moving into new responsibilities. Groups that mix institutions and countries are encouraged, because participants learn a great deal from each other’s experience.

Semi-Arid Watershed Restoration and Dune Stabilisation Engineering in Casablanca Training Objectives

Upon successful completion of this Semi-Arid Watershed Restoration and Dune Stabilisation Engineering in Casablanca Training, participants will be able to:

• Evaluate bio-engineering interventions and mechanical structures for semi-arid catchment rehabilitation
• Design effective gully control structures, check dams, and run-off diversion mechanisms
• Appraise sand dune stabilisation techniques using biological shelterbelts and mechanical barriers
• Formulate integrated agro-forestry models suited to fragile dryland river basin ecosystems
• Develop community landscape management plans incorporating local governance and maintenance arrangements
• Establish environmental flow monitoring mechanisms and baseline indicators for degraded hydrological zones
• Apply multilateral environmental and social standards to large-scale landscape restoration works
• Explain the main climate and environmental challenges for their sector
• Assess climate and environmental risks to services and assets
• Plan adaptation and mitigation measures

Each objective is practised during the programme through exercises, cases or group work, so that participants leave able to do it, not only to describe it.

Programme Contents and Structure

Semi-Arid Watershed Restoration and Dune Stabilisation Engineering in Casablanca Training Methodology

The training employs an applied, engineering-focused adult learning methodology suited to practitioners managing active capital works. Instruction combines technical masterclasses with the review of real-world arid-zone case designs from Morocco and the Sudano-Sahelian corridor. Working in project teams, participants complete calculation exercises, design structural and vegetative interventions for degraded catchment scenarios, and develop complete watershed management frameworks using standardized project templates.

The programme combines:

• Expert-led sessions on current practice
• Regional and international case studies
• Group work and practical exercises
• Simulations and role plays where relevant
• Discussion of participants' own challenges
• Peer learning across institutions and countries
• Practical tools and templates to take back to work
• Daily reflection and action planning

Before the programme, a short pre-assessment helps the facilitators understand each participant’s role and priorities, so that examples and exercises can be adjusted to the group.⁣​‌​‌​​‌​​‌‌​‌‌​​​‌‌‌​​‌‌​‌‌​‌​‌‌​​‌​‌‌‌​​​‌‌​​​‌​‌‌‌‌​​​​‌‌​‌​‌​⁣ Each day ends with a short reflection in which participants note what they will apply at work.

Expected Outcomes

Upon completion of this Semi-Arid Watershed Restoration and Dune Stabilisation Engineering in Casablanca Training, participants will be able to:

• Produce engineering designs and bills of quantities for gully rehabilitation and check dams
• Formulate integrated dune stabilisation programmes balancing physical fencing and biological fixatives
• Select appropriate native plant species and spacing regimes for catchment agro-forestry projects
• Prepare comprehensive community catchment management plans aligned with donor safeguard policies
• Implement field protocols to monitor environmental flows, siltation rates, and vegetation survival
• Supervise civil works and bio-engineering contractors against technical specifications and quality standards
• Assess climate and environmental risks
• Plan adaptation and mitigation measures

Participants leave with a personal action plan and practical tools they can use in their institution from the first week back. Institutions that send several participants can use the programme to agree shared methods and templates across teams, which makes improvements easier to sustain.

Institutional Application of Semi-Arid Watershed Restoration and Dune Stabilisation Engineering in Casablanca Training

This programme supports organisations in strengthening:

• Climate and environmental planning
• Project design
• Access to finance
• Results measurement
• Stakeholder involvement

Participants return with practical tools to improve:

• Risk assessments
• Concept notes
• Results frameworks
• Monitoring systems
• Partnership arrangements

The programme is built so that learning moves from the classroom into the institution. Participants work on their own processes and documents where possible, and leave with an action plan that their managers can review and support.

Regional Relevance & Application

Europe

European institutions apply climate, environment and natural resources within detailed regulatory frameworks and reform agendas. Participants from Europe can compare their practice with colleagues from other regions and test how established methods work under different conditions.

Africa

Across Africa, ministries, agencies and project teams working in climate, environment and natural resources increasingly operate alongside donor-financed programmes that expect clear systems and evidence. The programme helps participants adapt good practice to the institutions and resources they work with.

Middle East

In the Middle East, national development strategies and diversification plans place growing demands on climate, environment and natural resources. Participants explore how to build the capability these plans need inside public bodies and companies.

Asia

Institutions across Asia combine rapid growth with ambitious modernisation programmes. Participants from Asia can share their experience of scaling systems quickly and learn from approaches used elsewhere.

Pacific

Small island and Pacific states face particular constraints of size, distance and capacity. The programme highlights practical, proportionate approaches to climate, environment and natural resources that suit smaller institutions.

Holding the programme in Casablanca, Morocco brings participants together away from their daily pressures, so they can compare how climate, environment and natural resources is handled in different settings. The same programme can also be delivered in-house for one institution, in its own country or online, with cases taken from its current work.

Host Country Profile – Morocco

Training programmes and study tours in Casablanca suit government officials, project teams and professionals focusing on international trade, maritime transport, banking and regional economic development.

Studying away from their own country gives participants time to focus, a fresh view of their own institution and the chance to build a network with colleagues from other countries.

Semi-Arid Watershed Restoration and Dune Stabilisation Engineering in Casablanca Training Deliverables

Participants receive support before, during and after the programme, so that preparation, learning and follow-up form one continuous experience.

Before the Programme

• Participant Pre-Assessment
• Semi-Arid Watershed Restoration and Dune Stabilisation Engineering in Casablanca Readiness Assessment
• Semi-Arid Watershed Restoration and Dune Stabilisation Engineering in Casablanca Resource Pack
• Preparatory Reading Materials
• Complimentary Visa Support & Advisory

During the Programme

• Airport Pickup & Welcome Assistance
• Accommodation with Breakfast
• Welcome Networking Dinner
• Risalat Training Kit (Bag, Bottle, Mug, T-Shirt, Cap, Passport Cover, Pens, Notebook, Magnet & Keychain)
• Comprehensive Semi-Arid Watershed Restoration and Dune Stabilisation Engineering in Casablanca Training Manual
• Climate Risk Screening Checklist
• Options Appraisal Template
• Concept Note Template
• Results Measurement Template
• Practical Workshops & Simulations
• Group Discussions & Peer Learning
• Daily Lunch and Refreshments
• Full Access to Training Venue Facilities
• Mini Pad / Tablet with Digital Learning Materials
• Field Visit (where applicable)
• Entertaining City Tour

After the Programme

• Certificate of Completion
• Risalat Programme Participation Recognition Award
• Post-Training Reference Materials
• Funding Readiness Checklist
• Monitoring and Reporting Template
• Post-Training Support & Follow-Up Guidance
• Programme Report

Institutions can also request a tailored in-house version of this programme, delivered at their premises or online. Request a proposal.

Common Challenges in Semi-Arid Watershed Restoration and Dune Stabilisation Engineering in Casablanca, And How This Training Helps

How can institutions assess climate and environmental risks to their services and assets?

The programme addresses this directly on the first day (Dryland Hydrology and Watershed Degradation Dynamics), where participants practise the methods involved and adapt them to their own institution, then build it into their action plan.

How can institutions design projects that meet climate and environmental goals?

The programme addresses this directly on the second day (Mechanical and Structural Gully Control Engineering), where participants practise the methods involved and adapt them to their own institution, then build it into their action plan.

How can institutions prepare proposals that financiers can approve?

The programme addresses this directly on the third day (Dune Stabilisation Systems and Sand Encroachment Control), where participants practise the methods involved and adapt them to their own institution, then build it into their action plan.

How can institutions measure and report results credibly?

The programme addresses this directly on the fourth day (Bio-Engineering and Agro-Forestry Landscape Restoration), where participants practise the methods involved and adapt them to their own institution, then build it into their action plan.

How can institutions work with communities and partners across sectors?

The programme addresses this directly on the fifth day (Catchment Management Planning, Governance, and Monitoring), where participants practise the methods involved and adapt them to their own institution, then build it into their action plan.

Frequently Asked Questions

When and where does the Semi-Arid Watershed Restoration and Dune Stabilisation Engineering in Casablanca programme take place?

It runs from 8 Mar 2027 to 12 Mar 2027, in Casablanca, Morocco. The registration deadline is shown at the top of this page.

Who should attend?

The programme is designed for catchment management officers and river basin development authority engineers, state and federal forestry directors and conservation programme managers, climate adaptation specialists and environmental desk officers in public ministries, project implementation unit engineers working on ACReSAL and related dryland programmes, and others who want practical skills in climate, environment and natural resources.

Will I receive a certificate?

Yes. Participants who complete the programme receive a Certificate of Completion from Risalat Consultants International.

Can this programme be delivered for our institution only?

Yes. We can deliver a tailored in-house version at your premises, in another city or online, built around your own cases. Use the proposal request on this page.

Do I need prior experience in climate, environment and natural resources?

No specialist background is required beyond experience in a related role. A short pre-assessment helps the facilitators adapt the sessions to the group.

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