The oasis ecosystems are characterized by a climate marked by low rainfall, significant temperature fluctuations, and a crucial dependence on water management to support agricultural and economic activities. These ecosystems play a vital multifunctional role environmentally, economically, and socially in the world's arid regions. Water is of paramount importance in these areas, necessitating precise knowledge of potential and available water resources. This requires the implementation of sustainable management strategies focused on the efficient mobilization and use of water resources to preserve and maximize their value.

Oasis ecosystems are the cradle of exceptional biodiversity. Traditional oases in North Africa and the Middle East are notable for their remarkable richness in plant and animal species. Beyond the exceptional diversity of date palms, these ecosystems host a wide variety of associated crops, including tree species, cereals, vegetables, fodder, and aromatic plants. They also contain significant wealth in pastoral and medicinal species. These ecosystems are also hotspots of diversity for both domestic and wild animal species. In Morocco, for instance, the D'mane and Siroua sheep breeds are recognized for their adaptability and productivity in these oasis environments. Given the threats to this biodiversity, it is crucial to develop appropriate strategies and action plans to ensure its preservation and sustainable development.

The soils of oasis ecosystems, despite covering vast areas, face serious degradation threats. These include adverse weather conditions, salinization, and desertification, which compromise their sustainability. Erosion, depletion, pollution, and loss of fertility are major challenges. It is urgent to understand these degradation processes and implement concrete actions to mitigate them. Sustainable soil management is essential to preserve this unique heritage and ensure the resilience of the ecosystems and communities that depend on them. In addition to natural phenomena threatening the sustainability of oasis ecosystems, social transformations must also be considered to adopt an integrated approach to sustainable development. The active involvement of youth in this vision is an urgent necessity to prepare a better future for oases and their communities. Investing in their participation and engagement is essential to ensure the longevity of these unique ecosystems and strengthen their resilience against future challenges.

In palm groves, the date palm industry plays a strategic role in the preservation and development of these ecosystems. It serves as a major lever around which all agricultural activities revolve. This industry requires an integrated approach and tailored solutions to address the specific challenges of oases. In Morocco, this approach has been implemented through the Green Morocco Plan and reinforced by the Generation Green initiative, leading to significant development progress in these areas. However, it is important to note that, although adapted to the climatic conditions of oases, the date palm still faces numerous challenges. These include recurring droughts, fungal diseases, pests, and soil salinization, which significantly weaken this essential pillar of oasis ecosystems. To ensure the sustainability of this industry, it is crucial to continue investing in innovative and adapted solutions while enhancing the resilience of oases to climatic and environmental challenges. Despite the numerous advantages of oasis ecosystems, most oases worldwide face severe constraints: drought, isolation, salinity, genetic erosion of plants and animals, as well as sand encroachment, leading to a gradual degradation of these ecosystems. Addressing these challenges requires a comprehensive and integrated approach that considers environmental, economic, and social dimensions to promote the sustainable development and resilience of oasis communities.