El Mansour Ad Dahbi Reservoir, reservoir in Morocco
El Mansour Ad Dahbi is a large reservoir in the southern High Atlas mountains near Ouarzazate, divided into two sections fed by the Draa River and smaller streams. The water averages about 30 meters (98 feet) deep, with rocky shores where reeds and shrubs grow, and supports fish, frogs, lizards, and birds that nest and hunt along the shoreline.
The reservoir was created in 1972 when a hydroelectric dam was built on the Draa River. The project was designed to regulate water flow for irrigation and generate electricity, with the power plant having a capacity of 10 megawatts.
The reservoir is named after the Saadian sultan Ahmed el-Mansour ed-Dahbi, reflecting the region's historical ties. Today, the water supports traditional farming practices that have sustained local families for generations, with about 25,000 hectares of date palms and other crops depending on the steady flow it provides.
Visitors can walk along the shores and enjoy mountain views, with the area remaining quiet and rural. Motorboats are not permitted, but fishing is allowed, and birdwatching is most rewarding during the warmer months when migratory birds arrive.
A rare toad called Bufo brongersmai lives only in Morocco and is found in this reservoir, making it an important place for wildlife. However, the water gradually loses capacity because sediments settle at the bottom and cannot leave the lake, affecting its long-term management.
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