Impact Makers: Errachid Montassir

NAME

Errachid Montassir

TITLE

Founder & President, Eco-Linko

LOCATION

Marrakech, Morocco

ABOUT

Errachid Montassir is the founder of Eco-Linko, a company that is using tourism as a tool for action on climate and nature. From a base in Marrakech, his team collaborates with schools, women’s cooperatives, and young people across Morocco’s Rhamna, Al Haouz, Chichaoua, and Essaouira provinces – regions increasingly affected by land degradation and drought – to organize tree-planting activities.

To date, 35,000 organic fruit trees, supplied by two local greenhouses, have been planted in partnership with 600 farming families through the company’s Planting Seeds of Life programme.

The idea is to help travellers offset their transport emissions while contributing directly to long-term restoration efforts. For Montassir, climate resilience starts at the community level, and tourism, he believes, can play a role in making that visible.

MOTIVATIONS

“I grew up in Morocco’s Rhamna province, where I witnessed firsthand how climate change and desertification affect rural communities. My passion comes from wanting to restore ecosystems while also creating opportunities for people. Through Eco Linko Travel, I combine eco-tourism with environmental restoration by planting organic fruit trees with schools, women’s cooperatives, and youth. What drives me is seeing local people become both guardians of the environment and leaders in sustainable development, while visitors leave Morocco having contributed positively to its future.”

IMPACT

Before

• Rural communities in Rhamna, Al Haouz, Chichaoua, and Essaouira faced significant environmental and economic challenges.

• Desertification, driven by deforestation and soil degradation, was reducing arable land and threatening the livelihoods of smallholder farmers. These communities, heavily reliant on agriculture, struggled with declining yields, limited water resources, and a lack of sustainable farming practices.

• Women and youth, in particular, had few opportunities for economic engagement or environmental education.

After

• Planting 35,000 trees helped offset hundreds of tonnes of carbon emissions, reduced soil erosion, improved water retention, and helped biodiversity.

• Women’s cooperatives, such as the Aboughlou Cooperative, are leading tree planting efforts, nursery management, and local education.

• Over 500 young people are now actively engaged in environmental programmes, learning about sustainable agriculture and stewardship.

CHALLENGES

Initial resistance to new farming methods was addressed through trust-building workshops and visible results.

The scale of the project required support from NGOs, donors and government agencies to meet costs and build capacity.

Harsh climates were met with drought-resistant trees, mulching, and water-saving techniques such as rainwater harvesting.

Tailored, interactive programmes were designed to make climate knowledge relevant and practical for rural communities.

Collaborations with research organizations have improved the monitoring of carbon offset data and local benefits.

ADVICE

“Start with what you have, where you are. Climate action does not always require huge resources; it begins with a seed, an idea, or a community initiative. Collaborate widely, listen to local voices, and never underestimate the power of education. If you align your work with both people and planet, you can build solutions that last.”

CONTACT

Instagram: Eco Linko | Errachid Montassir