Let’s speak Territory of OTED, the organization (O’Territorial Empowerment and Development) which wants to be a third place of territorial innovation organized on this Thursday, June 1st, yet another webinar if we can say, on the territories, this time involving cultures in the presence of several experts.
Under the theme “Cultures and territories: In search of a sustainable model“, the webinar explored the different ways in which culture can contribute to sustainable territorial development and highlighted best practices and lessons learned in this field.
The webinar moderated by communication and public affairs expert, Aïcha Elabbassy, reviewed the central role of culture in sustainable development within territories as a source of identity, diversity, knowledge and innovation. He saw the participation of several eminences who each had their involvement in the cultural world intervened from their visions to bring their stone to the building of the thing and the culture to link it durably to the territories.
This is how Abdessamad Benchrif, director of the Attaqafia chain, Hicham Abkari, director of the Mohammed V theater or even Brahim El Mezned, founder of the Visa for music festival or Jaouad Essounani, founder and artistic director of Dabatek, have defended the preservation , valuing and integrating worship into sustainable development policies and practices are essential to ensure sustainable and flourishing societies.
And if sometimes, along the way, we got somewhat lost philosophically by casting a wide net, we were able throughout the time allotted to keep reason and stay in the heart of the matter. Oh certainly, to each his own domain, we noted the various dysfunctions which bothered the image of Jaouad Essounani, who did not see what a guardianship of culture was doing as the latter concerns all areas being in this everywhere. And the assistance to stay on the right path and to agree that yes, cultures and territories could certainly lead to a sustainable model.
Indeed, when cultures and territories are taken into account in sustainable development strategies, they can play a key role in promoting sustainable practices and in preserving the environment, society and the economy. In this little game, emphasis was placed on the involvement of the human factor, which is essential for integrating harmony between cultures and territories in the planning and implementation of sustainable development.
We will have liked this approach of Brahim El Mezned, on the knowledge, local communities, their experiences and their aspirations which must be valued and taken into account. They must be involved from the beginning in the planning and decision-making processes related to sustainable development. The active participation of communities ensures that the decisions taken correspond to their real needs and respect their cultural identity and values.
Education and awareness have not been outdone with regard to their role in integrating harmony between cultures and territories in sustainable development. There was also talk of raising awareness of cultural diversity and promoting sustainable behaviors and practices. Education should include elements of intercultural dialogue, respect for human rights, valuing cultural diversity and appreciating the importance of sustainability.
As for the director of the Mohammed V theatre, Hicham Abkari, he emphasized the development of local resources in a sustainable way while encouraging local economic development and thus preserving the cultural identity which will promote a circular and local economy, reduce external dependencies and build community resilience.