All for our environment

Restoration of Historic Parks and Garden

Exotic gardens of Bouknadel
These remarkable 4.5 hectare grounds located near Rabat were completely restored in accordance with the work of Marcel François, creator of the garden. They are run by the Foundation, which has transformed them into a space for relaxation and environmental education.
A journey of 14 destinations
A botanical trip in his garden: that was Marcel François' dream. From 1951 to 1961, he acclimatized plants and trees from all over the world and developed gardens from China, Asia, Africa, Japan, Brazil and Polynesia on the 4.5 hectare site.

Threatened with extinction, these gardens were rehabilitated in 2003 by the Foundation and reopened in 2005. The meticulous work was carried out in strict compliance with the founder's intentions. These remarkably rich botanical spaces, gathered around the many ornate basins cherished by the man nicknamed Father François, are a very popular place to visit.

Every year, they attract over 120,000 visitors, including a large proportion of schoolchildren, who come to take this world-wide botanical journey in fourteen gardens at the gates of Rabat. An educational trail was developed with the help of the Dutch Embassy and friends of the exotic gardens come to learn the art of organic gardening.

Restoration of Historic Parks and Garden

Exotic gardens of Bouknadel

The Goals

  • Introduction
  • Implementation
  • Achievements
Objectives of the Bouknadel Exotic Gardens rehabilitation program are to:
Safeguard a remarkable heritage threatened with extinction
Host schools to introduce young people to the wonders of nature and raise awareness for its protection
Provide a space for recreation and awareness-raising at the gates of Rabat-Salé
Make it as much a place for enjoyment as it is for environmental education
Safeguard local flora and acclimatize species from all five continents

Implementation

Rehabilitation was coordinated by the Foundation with the support of economic partners. The Foundation has managed the gardens since 2005.
Rehabilitation and ongoing maintenance of plantations and infrastructures
Creation of spaces for awareness and discovery: museum, arboretum, vivarium, nursery with greenhouse.
Implementation of a five-loop educational trail
Creation of reception areas for the public

Achievements

95 085

visitors, including 40,220 children