Zenata Eco-City (Morocco)

Circular and resilient water management in urban areas

August 2025

ICLEI-Local Governments for Sustainability

Zenata is an eco-city currently under construction, situated 30 km south of Casablanca, designed to accommodate 300,000 residents in the long term. Against a backdrop of increasing water stress, pressure on natural resources and the need for sustainable development, this project aims to create a resilient, sustainable and climate-adapted city. With a semi-arid climate (limited rainfall, hot summers), Zenata had to find innovative solutions to manage water sustainably, whilst supporting economic development and the quality of life of its future residents.

The Zenata Eco-City is an ambitious project carried out in partnership with the Moroccan government, local authorities and property developers. It incorporates green and blue corridors, groundwater recharge systems and climate-adapted planning to provide a sustainable living environment for its residents. The aim is to create a city where water is managed in a circular manner, with maximum reuse and minimisation of waste.

Solutions implemented

• Green and blue corridors : Green spaces and waterways designed for stormwater management, groundwater recharge and the creation of habitats for flora and fauna.

• Groundwater recharge : Infiltration systems to restore groundwater resources, which are essential for long-term water security.

• Climate-adaptive planning : Energy-efficient buildings, green roofs and local materials to reduce the ecological footprint and improve climate resilience.

• Public-private partnerships : Collaboration between central government, local authorities and property developers to finance and manage the project sustainably.

Key outcomes

• Improved water resilience : Thanks to groundwater recharge and rainwater management, the town is better prepared to cope with water shortages and extreme weather events.

• Creation of a sustainable town : Zenata has become a model for future urban projects in Morocco, demonstrating how integrated planning can reconcile urban development with sustainable water management.

• Attracting investment : The project has stimulated the region’s economic and social development, attracting investors and creating local jobs.

• Reducing the ecological footprint : The use of local materials and green technologies has helped minimise the town’s environmental impact.

Climate and environmental impacts

• Climate change mitigation :

  - Green corridors and green roofs help to reduce the urban heat island effect, thereby lowering energy consumption associated with air conditioning.

  - Recharging groundwater aquifers reduces the need to pump water over long distances, an energy-intensive operation.

• Climate adaptation and resilience :

  - Stormwater management : Blue corridors and infiltration systems help the city better withstand extreme weather events, such as heavy rainfall or prolonged droughts.

  - Water security : Recharging aquifers improves water availability for future generations, thereby strengthening the city’s resilience to climate change.

• Biodiversity : Green corridors provide habitats for a diverse range of flora and fauna, contributing to the restoration of urban ecosystems.

Success factors

• Values :

  - Integration of sustainability and climate resilience right from the city’s design stage.

  - Recognition of the importance of collaboration between public and private stakeholders to ensure the project’s success.

• Connections :

  - Physical connections : Green and blue corridors create an integrated network for water management and biodiversity.

  - Social connections : Collaboration between central government, local authorities, property developers and future residents to design a city tailored to local needs.

• Investment :

  - Blended finance : The project benefited from public funding (central government, local authorities) and private funding (property developers).

  - Sustainable economic model : Economic returns (property sales, investments) have enabled the long-term management of the project to be funded.

Sources

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