During 12-16 December 2011, FutureWater was in Fèz for a workshop to finalize the Proof-of-Concepts phase of the Green Water Credits (GWC) project in the Sebou River basin, Morocco. Green Water Credits is a mechanism for payments to land users in return for specified soil and water management activities that determine the water supply to stakeholders in the basin. Green Water Credits can be seen as an investment mechanism for upstream farmers to practice soil and water management activities that generate benefits for downstream water users, which are currently unrecognized and unrewarded. This initiative is driven by economic, environmental and social benefits. The implementation of GWC has the potential of enhancing overall water management by reducing damaging runoff, increase groundwater recharge, simulate a more reliable flow regime, and reduce harmful sedimentation of reservoirs.The first three days were used for an intensive training course in SWAT modelling. The course was given at the Agence Du Bassin Hydraulique Du Sebou (ABHS).

During the workshop the results of the Proof-of-Concepts phase were discussed with the stakeholders. FutureWater presented the results of the biophysical analysis and cost-benefit analysis. The three GWC options analyzed, being “Stone lines”, “Bench terraces”, and “Contour tillage”, showed a significant decrease in sediment inflow into the reservoirs, a decrease in surface runoff, and increase in groundwater recharge. A final presentation was given by Mr. H. Benadderrazik, who focused on the institutional and financial aspects for the implementation of GWC measures in the Sebou basin.

Friday was used for a morning discussion on the funding and consecutive steps to be taken for phase II.