Mapping exercise
Environmental and security issues in Morocco, Western Sahara, Algeria
and Tunisia
Perception map resulting from a cartographic exercise
NB: This map was produced at gatherings of regional specialists (environmentalists, teachers, representatives of UN organiza-
tions, journalists, etc.). Using blank or topographic maps to guide them, we asked them to name and locate as precisely as pos-
sible what they see as major environment and security issues. This results in a subjective map that is neither comprehensive
nor highly accurate, but reflect the sensibilities of the audience assembled on a particular day.
Notes: forced to leave (refugee camps near Tindouf), a wall had
1. Morocco and the independence movements of Western been built, dotted with landmines and checkpoints, sepa-
Sahara led by the Polisario organization have been in conflict rating the territory under the control of the Moroccan army
for more than 30 years. The Saharawi Democratic Arabic Re- from the area controlled by Polisario.
public, self-proclaimed in 1976, is now recognized by more 2. Diplomatic relations between Algeria and Morocco have
than 50 countries. The UN classifies it as a “non-autonomous been plagued by conflicts since the 1960s, but are now un-
territory” but draws a border between the two territories. dergoing “normalization”. The dotted border on the map has
Much as the Israel-Palestine conflict many people have been been a major source of discord.
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