Morocco has just concluded the fifth edition of the International Argan Tree Day, organized from May 8 to 12 in Ounagha (Essaouira province) and Agadir. Under the theme “The Argan Tree, a lever to mitigate the effects of climate change”, this celebration honored an endemic tree that has become a pillar of ecological balance, local development, and social inclusion.
Recognized by UNESCO as intangible cultural heritage and Biosphere Reserve, the Moroccan argan forest serves as a natural shield against desertification. It also supports a solidarity economy largely driven by rural women’s cooperatives.
A strong local mobilization around women and the territory
In Ounagha, the festivities were led by women’s cooperatives with the support of provincial authorities. Documentary screenings illustrated the concrete impact of the argan tree on improving the living conditions of local communities. The Essaouira province alone accounts for nearly 150,000 hectares of argan forests, representing 39% of its forest cover, with an annual production exceeding 1,000 tons of oil.
Thanks to the National Initiative for Human Development (INDH), over 25 million dirhams have been invested between 2019 and 2024 in 44 projects. Since 2020, an additional 18.2 million dirhams have enabled the renovation and equipping of more than 120 cooperatives. The entire sector now relies on a dynamic network of nearly 250 cooperatives, about thirty private companies, and several economic interest groups.
A scientific and cultural aspect in Agadir
At the same time, a scientific program was coordinated in Agadir by the Ministry of Agriculture and ANDZOA, highlighting the progress of the DARED project, funded by the Green Climate Fund, particularly in terms of carbon sequestration and biodiversity monitoring.
In Taroudant, another meeting explored the synergies between biodiversity, sustainable development, and the enhancement of the sector. Awards were given to young researchers as part of the Doctoral program of the ICESCO Chair.
Between awareness, gastronomy, and sports
In parallel, educational actions were deployed in schools within the Biosphere Reserve: workshops, artistic competitions, and tree planting raised awareness among young people about the preservation of this ecosystem. The “Souss Gastro Festival” brought together about twenty international chefs in Agadir to reinterpret argan oil in culinary creations inspired by the local terroir.
Finally, a semi-marathon of the argan tree, scheduled for May 25, and trainings in women’s entrepreneurship and sustainable management complete a month dedicated to civic and climate engagement.