Objectives & Themes

Protection and enhancement (valorization) of natural and cultural heritage (geoheritage) is among the main concerns of many countries around the world, including the United Nations through the UNESCO programs. Morocco has included these goals in a national strategy by adopting, in 2010, the "National Charter for the Environment and Sustainable Development". Certainly, this is a very encouraging step towards the preservation and enhancement of Moroccan geosites, in particular fossiliferous sites, some of which are known worldwide for the diversity and outstanding quality of fossils.

Following the previous Meeting (RIV3P7) held in Er-Rachidia in 2018, it was decided that the 8th edition would take place at Chouaïb Doukkali University in El Jadida, in 2020. But due to the Covid19 pandemic, it was postponed to a later date.

The RIV3P8 is dedicated to the presentation of novelties in the fields relating to the preservation and enhancement of geoheritage (paleontological, archaeological and cultural). It will be a meeting place between researchers, national and international, and socio-economic operators. It is also an opportunity for doctoral students and young researchers to forge links with the various stakeholders.

The Department of Geology and the Laboratory of Geosciences and Environmental Techniques (LGTE),  in collaboration with the Institute of Archaeolgy and Heritage Sciences (INSAP) of Rabat,  are pleased to organize this scientific and cultural event, during November 23 to 25, 2023, within the Faculty of Sciences of El Jadida, Morocco. 

The expected objectives of the RIV3P8 can be summarized in the following points :

- Presenting research work in geology, paleontology, archeology and prehistory concerning fossiliferous and archaeological geosites, including the presentation of new tools and techniques for their protection and enhancement.  

- Strengthening cooperation between researchers and socio-economic operators.

- Raising awareness and involving local communities in the protection of geoheritage and its enhancement through the creation of reserves, museums and geoparks.

- Evaluating the activities carried out on the basis of the recommendations of previous meetings and continuing the debate on the objectives set.

- Discussing the legislative aspect of the protection of geoheritage by reviewing the achievements made so far and by consolidating the gains.

- Approaching the pedagogical problem of the teaching of paleontology which is about to disappear from the Moroccan university and to become "extinct" like the fossils, subject of its investigations.

1. Research in geology and paleontology (fossiliferous sites, collections and inventory).

2. Research in archaeology and prehistory (sites, collections and inventory).

3. Protection, enhancement and management of geoheritage in the perspective of sustainable development (geotourism and creation of reserves, geoparks and museums).

4. Research projects relating to geoheritage protection and enhancement.

5. Legislation relating to the protection and preservation of geoheritage.

6. Involvement of local communities and associations (development of the local economy), as well as customs.