Before It’s Gone: M’hammed Kilito and the Disappearing Oases of Morocco

Moroccan photographer M’hammed Kilito is telling an important story through his photos. His project, Before It’s Gone, shows how Morocco’s oases are slowly disappearing. These places, once full of life, are now facing big problems like drought, desertification, and a lack of water.

Oases are special. They protect the land from turning into desert. They are home to many plants, animals, and people. But to survive, oases need three things: good soil, water, and date palm trees. Today, this balance is being lost because of climate change and the way some people use the land.

Kilito met many farmers during his travels. In Zagora, he spent time with Hamdani, a farmer who still has water something rare in that area. But in many nearby oases, small farmers are struggling. Wealthy landowners dig deep wells to grow water-heavy crops like watermelons and bananas. This uses too much water and leaves others with nothing. Many families have to leave their homes and move to cities.

Before It’s Gone is not only about the environment. It is also about culture. Oases are part of Morocco’s history. They are connected to nomadic communities, who have lived in balance with nature for centuries. Kilito’s photos show both the beauty of this way of life and the danger it now faces.

M’hammed Kilito is not just a photographer. He is also a National Geographic Explorer and co-founder of KOZ, a group of Moroccan visual storytellers. His work has won many awards, including the World Press Photo Award and the Louis Roederer Sustainability Prize. His photos have been shown in museums and festivals all over the world.

Through Before It’s Gone, Kilito wants to raise awareness. He hopes his photos will help people understand what is happening to the oases and why it matters. His message is clear: if we don’t act now, we may lose these important places forever.