Morocco and the United Nations are celebrating the fourth International Day of Argania, next Friday, recognized as intangible cultural heritage of humanity.

This historic celebration is an international recognition of the Kingdom’s expertise in valuing this tree, which holds great environmental, therapeutic, and cosmetic value. It crowns efforts to develop the Argan tree as a venerable source for sustainable development.

The occasion serves to introduce this unique plant globally, as Moroccan soil is its original and sole habitat. It also sheds light on the practices and vital skills linking local communities to this unique tree.

The establishment of May 10th as the international day for the Argan tree by the United Nations reflects ongoing efforts by Morocco, whether by official public institutions or civil society organizations, to preserve this enduring tree. Particularly in recent decades, there has been a succession of local, national, and international initiatives aimed at reimagining approaches to this unique botanical heritage, as many have recognized its virtues and benefits.

This celebration culminates Morocco’s efforts in valorizing the Argan tree, following the adoption of the proposal presented to the UN General Assembly. Approved unanimously by member states in New York on March 3, 2021, it garnered international support for protecting this natural heritage and expanding its vital domain.

Morocco’s recognition with this global day isn’t merely out of sympathy or coincidence; it reflects the astuteness and unique experience accumulated over decades in dealing with this national botanical wealth. The Moroccan authorities have realized the continuous degradation facing the Argan forest due to climate change. This prompted the launch of various projects aimed at preserving the Argan tree, and continuous afforestation efforts to restore damaged areas.

The High Commission for Water, Forests, and Combating Desertification has played a pivotal role in this regard, producing millions of seedlings and planting them in affected areas, alongside efforts to fence these forested areas to protect them from destruction. The private sector has also engaged in producing Argan tree seedlings to meet the growing demand and support reforestation programs.

Concurrently, Morocco has focused on the human aspect, acknowledging that local communities in Argan tree areas rely on this botanical wealth for livelihoods. Thus, various public administrations and institutions, including the social economy sector and development cooperation offices, have supported the establishment of dozens of women’s cooperatives and economic interest groups operating in Argan production, ensuring compliance with sustainability principles. This cooperative organization has evolved into a network known as the “Argan Biosphere Associations Network”, which has played a leading role in coordinating cooperatives, developing their skills, and raising awareness about the importance of their involvement in sustainability efforts.

Recognizing the importance of preserving the Argan tree, Morocco established the National Agency for the Development of Oasis Areas and the Argan Tree (ANDZOA) years ago. This agency serves as an effective mechanism for implementing and coordinating various development programs within the state’s strategy for developing the Argan sector.

One of the objectives pursued in this context is rehabilitating 200,000 hectares of Argan forest over ten years and increasing Argan oil production to meet growing national and international demands. Currently, a strategic program is being implemented to plant 10,000 hectares of “agricultural Argan,” forming a self-sustaining agricultural chain alongside the forest Argan. This project, funded by the Green Climate Fund through the Agricultural Development Agency, is being implemented in partnership with regional and provincial representations of the agriculture sector, alongside the Souss-Massa Basin Agency.

The agricultural Argan planting project in fragile areas is part of a joint financing initiative between the Moroccan government and the Green Climate Fund, contributing $39.3 million, 80% of the project’s total cost. This dynamic has led to innovative approaches for promoting Argan tree cultivation, including establishing modern farms specialized in this agricultural chain, following scientific agricultural standards.

Efforts to valorize and preserve the Argan tree in Morocco have culminated in the UN’s recognition of May 10th as the International Day of the Argan Tree. Additionally, the UN has called for enhanced cooperation to support the preservation of the Argan tree’s ecosystem and the sustainable development of the Argan production sector.

In celebration of this occasion, the Mohammed VI Foundation for Research and Conservation of the Argan Tree is organizing virtual events, featuring Moroccan and international experts analyzing various aspects of the Argan tree’s ecological system. These events also include a high-level session chaired by the Minister of Agriculture.

As we commemorate the International Day of the Argan Tree, it’s essential to highlight the ongoing efforts of Purificados in preserving and protecting the Argan tree through ethical and sustainable production processes. At Purificados, we are committed to ensuring the longevity and prosperity of the Argan tree while promoting sustainable development in the regions where it thrives.