The argan tree (Argania spinosa), a species native to the Kingdom of Morocco, grows in arid and semiarid regions. It is the defining species of a woodland ecosystem known as Arganeraie, which is rich in endemic flora. The argan tree is resilient in harsh environments characterized by water scarcity, risk of erosion and poor soils.
These unique regions of Morocco, where argan trees have been cultivated for centuries, enjoy agricultural biodiversity, resilient ecosystems and valuable cultural heritage. For these reasons, the argan tree has garnered recognition and protection from various United Nations entities.
In 1988, the United Nations Educational Scientific and Cultural Organization (UNESCO) designated the endemic argan production areas as the . In 2014, “Argan, practices and know-how concerning the argan tree” was inscribed on the In addition, in December 2018, the Food and Agricultural Organization of the United Nations (FAO) recognized the argan-based agro-sylvo-pastoral system within the area of Ait Souab-Ait Mansour in Morocco as a
Finally, the United Nations General Assembly, by , proclaimed 10 May the International Day of Argania. The , submitted by Morocco, was co-sponsored by 113 United Nations Member States and adopted by consensus. By establishing the International Day of Argania, the United Nations recognized and reinforced the vision of His Majesty Mohammed VI, King of Morocco, to promote and develop the agricultural diversity and wealth of the Kingdom.
What is the argan tree and why is it important?
The argan tree, also known as the "tree of life", is a remarkable plant species. Its significance is mainly attributed to the oil-rich kernels that are extracted from its fruits. The world-renowned argan oil has multiple applications. It is rich in antioxidants and essential fatty acids, and has been used for centuries for cooking, cosmetics and medicinal purposes.
The argan tree's importance, however, goes beyond the production of its oil. It also plays a crucial role in promoting sustainable development for local populations and in mitigating the effects of climate change in the region.
This week, as the international community actively engages in the United Nations Forum on Forests, it is important to underline that the practice of agroforestry, combining agriculture and forestry, is a key aspect of the argan tree's significance. Farmers in Morocco have been using agroforestry techniques for centuries to grow crops such as wheat, barley and lentils under the shade of argan trees. This practice not only increases soil fertility but also helps prevent soil erosion and desertification. The tree's deep roots help to stabilize the soil and prevent wind erosion, which is particularly crucial in arid and semi-arid regions. This is why the model of agroforestry pertaining to the argan tree has the potential to benefit the wider international community in addressing sustainable development and mitigating the negative effects of climate change.
Why was the International Day of Argania established?
The proclamation of the International Day of Argania by the General Assembly reflects the mobilization of the international community around the important cause of safeguarding and preserving the argan tree. The Day is an invitation to promote, share and celebrate this legendary tree, and to make its cultivation a sustainable socioeconomic lever for local communities.
In this context, Morocco intends for the observance to serve as a catalyst for international cooperation, with a view to supporting the socioeconomic fabric of women entrepreneurs, particularly those living in rural areas, cooperatives, civil society, which is very active in this field, scientists, and local producers, to thrive, innovate and deliver value.
Moreover, the International Day of Argania was established to promote the cultural, ecological, and economic value of the argan tree and to encourage the adoption of sustainable land-use practices. The observance provides an opportunity to showcase the various efforts of local communities in promoting the conservation and sustainable use of the argan tree and its habitat. Activities such as seminars, exhibitions and cultural events are organized in Morocco, at United Nations Headquarters in New York and around the world to raise awareness and promote action towards conserving and sustainably using this unique tree species. The International Day serves as a platform for sharing knowledge, experiences, and best practices on argan tree conservation and sustainable use, and contributes to the global efforts to promote sustainable development in its multiple dimensions.
What is the theme for this year’s observance and why is it relevant?
Each year, the observance of the International Day of Argania focuses on a specific theme related to the conservation of the argan tree and its sustainable use. The theme for the 2023 observance is “Local Socioeconomic Development and Sustainability of the Argan Ecosystem”. This theme is highly relevant, as the argan tree and its ecosystem is unique to some of the most arid regions of Morocco. Its conservation is essential, not only for the preservation of the region’s biodiversity, but also for the economic and cultural well-being of the local communities that rely on it.
By focusing on local socioeconomic development, the theme recognizes the importance of empowering local communities to take an active role in the management and conservation of their natural resources. This approach can foster greater awareness of, and appreciation for, the value of the argan ecosystem, leading to the adoption of sustainable land-use practices and the promotion of community-led conservation efforts.
By recognizing the interdependence between the health of the ecosystem and the socioeconomic development of local communities, the theme highlights the importance of promoting a holistic and integrated approach to sustainable development that can be replicated in other regions facing similar challenges, especially in Africa.
Achieving food security
In this context, it is important to underline that His Majesty Mohammed VI, King of Morocco, has a clear and ambitious vision for achieving food security in Africa. This vision is based on His Majesty’s belief that access to adequate food and resources are essential for a stable and prosperous Africa. The approach to achieving this vision pursued by Morocco involves several key strategies:
- Firstly, by increasing agricultural productivity in Africa. In Morocco, we believe that this can be achieved by investing in sustainable agriculture practices, such as organic farming, and improving irrigation and water management techniques. To this end, His Majesty Mohammed VI, King of Morocco, has launched several initiatives, such as the Green Morocco Plan, which aims to modernize the country's agriculture sector and improve food security for Moroccans.
- Secondly, Morocco gives particular importance to reducing poverty and inequality on the African continent, to which it belongs. In fact, sustainable economic growth and job creation are key to achieving food security, and Morocco has therefore prioritized investments in infrastructure, education and technology, by establishing several vocational training centers in rural areas to provide young people with the skills they need to pursue careers in agriculture.
- Thirdly, by addressing the impact of climate change on agriculture and food security in Africa. At the twenty-second session of the Conference of the Parties to the United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change (COP 22), which took place in Marrakech in 2016, His Majesty Mohammed VI, King of Morocco, organized the African Summit on Action for Continental Co-emergence, which launched three African Climate Commissions: the Small Island States Climate Commission, the Congo Basin Commission, and the Sahel Climate Commission. These Commissions, which Morocco actively supports politically, technically and financially, represent a significant step towards achieving a coordinated, continent-wide approach to climate action and sustainable development in Africa.
Morocco's vision for achieving food security in Africa is comprehensive and multi-faceted. It recognizes the interdependence between agriculture, poverty reduction, economic growth, and climate change, and seeks to address these issues in an integrated and sustainable manner. In ?celebrating the International Day of Argania, we also hope to create a continuous dynamic that advocates for solutions made in Africa and in which everyone has access to adequate, locally produced food and resources.
What are the socioeconomic, nutritional, health and cultural benefits of argan tree cultivation?
The cultivation of the argan tree in Morocco provides important socioeconomic, nutritional, and cultural benefits to local communities. Argan oil production, in particular, has created job opportunities, particularly for women who are involved in the labor-intensive process of cracking and grinding the argan kernels. The income generated from argan oil production has contributed to poverty reduction and women’s empowerment, and improved the livelihoods of rural communities.
The tree's fruit and oil are used in culinary preparations. The oil is rich in antioxidants and essential fatty acids, making it a healthy alternative to other cooking oils. It has been shown to have anti-inflammatory properties, which can help reduce the risk of chronic diseases such as heart disease and arthritis. Its moisturizing properties can improve skin and hair health.
The argan tree also has cultural significance, and the knowledge and practices associated with its cultivation and use have been passed down through generations.
The cultivation of the argan tree supports sustainable land-use practices and biodiversity conservation, making it a valuable resource in arid and semiarid regions. The tree's unique properties and contributions make it an important resource for both local communities and the wider international community.
How does argan cultivation address climate change?
The cultivation of the argan tree can be an effective means of mitigating the effects of climate change, particularly desertification, due to its ability to stabilize soil and prevent erosion. The argan tree is well-adapted to arid and semiarid regions, making it a valuable resource for sustainable land-use practices in such areas. Additionally, the deep roots of the argan tree enable it to access groundwater, which is critical in areas where surface water is scarce. The tree's tolerance to drought and other harsh environmental conditions also reduces the need for irrigation and other resource-intensive practices.
Furthermore, the argan tree plays a vital role in carbon sequestration, helping reduce the amount of carbon dioxide in the atmosphere. The tree's large canopy and dense foliage provide shade and promote moisture retention, creating a microclimate that supports the growth of other plant species.
What special methods have been developed for the large-scale cultivation of the tree, and how can these be adapted to other countries and regions?
The large-scale cultivation of the argan tree requires special techniques to ensure successful establishment and growth. One such method is the use of mycorrhizal fungi, which form symbiotic relationships with the tree's roots and help enhance nutrient uptake and resistance to environmental stress. In addition, the use of modern irrigation technologies, such as drip irrigation, can help conserve water while ensuring optimal moisture levels for the tree's growth. These techniques can be adapted in other countries and regions with similar environmental conditions, particularly those facing desertification and other effects of climate change.
How can argan cultivation support sustainable development and the 2030 Sustainable Development Agenda?
The cultivation of the argan tree supports sustainable development and contributes to the achievement of the 2030 Agenda in several ways. By providing employment opportunities and reducing poverty, particularly for women, argan cultivation supports the Sustainable Development Goals of eradicating poverty and promoting gender equality (SDGs 1 and 5). The tree's ability to prevent soil erosion and promote biodiversity conservation supports the goal of ensuring sustainable use of land and ecosystems (SDG 15). Argan cultivation also promotes the adoption of sustainable agricultural practices, such as the use of mycorrhizal fungi and modern irrigation technologies, which contribute to the goal of ensuring food security and promoting sustainable agriculture (SDG 2). Finally, the tree's capacity to sequester carbon and mitigate the effects of climate change supports the goal of combating climate change and its impacts (SDG 13).
Under the High Instructions of His Majesty Mohammed VI, Morocco is a strong advocate in and an active player for South-South cooperation, including on food security, and continues its active support of agricultural development in other African countries as well as in Caribbean and Pacific States. For instance, Morocco’s fertilizer sharing initiative provides subsidized fertilizer to such countries, focusing on those that are particularly vulnerable to food insecurity. The program has been highly successful and has contributed to significant increases in agricultural productivity in recipient countries. In addition to this initiative, Morocco has also provided, in the context of South-South cooperation on food security:
- Technical assistance and capacity building to fellow African countries on a range of agricultural issues, including water management, soil conservation and crop diversification. This has included workshops, study tours and other forms of capacity building to help build the skills and knowledge of African farmers and agricultural professionals.
- Development of agricultural infrastructure, including irrigation systems, storage facilities and processing plants. This has helped to improve the efficiency and productivity of agricultural systems, and has contributed to the development of value-added industries on the African Continent.
- The promotion of regional trade. Morocco has been a strong advocate for regional trade and for the African Continental Free Trade Area, including in agricultural products. The Kingdom’s ambition is to create new markets for agricultural products, and to contribute to the development of more integrated and sustainable regional food systems.
- Research and innovation. Morocco has been investing in research and innovation in agriculture, and has worked to develop new technologies and approaches to address the challenges of food security and climate change. This has included the development of drought-resistant crops, including in the field of argania cultivation, and the use of precision agriculture techniques, as well as the promotion of sustainable land-use practices.
Supporting sustainable development and the 2030 Agenda also involves building partnerships and South-South cooperation (SDG 17: Enhance the Global Partnership for Sustainable Development). By sharing its expertise and resources with other countries, Morocco has demonstrated its commitment to addressing the urgent challenges of food security and poverty reduction in our region, and has helped to build stronger and more resilient communities across Africa and with various other countries of the Global South.
How can the benefits of argan cultivation be duplicated in the wider international community?
The benefits of argan cultivation can be duplicated in the wider international community through the implementation of sustainable agroforestry practices that prioritize conservation and socioeconomic development. This can involve establishing partnerships and knowledge-sharing initiatives between Moroccan stakeholders and international organizations, researchers, and practitioners. Furthermore, sustainable land use practices that support the growth of argan forests could contribute to the mitigation of the effects of climate change, which is a global issue.
To ensure the successful duplication of argan cultivation benefits, it is important to tailor the approach to the specific context and needs of each community. This includes assessing the local social, economic and environmental conditions and designing programs and initiatives that are appropriate for the community's specific circumstances. Furthermore, capacity-building programs and educational initiatives that promote sustainable agroforestry practices could be developed to equip local communities with the necessary skills and knowledge to implement successful argan cultivation projects.
By replicating the sustainable practices used in argan cultivation and conservation, other communities around the world could benefit from the ecosystem services provided by the argan tree, such as soil conservation, water retention, carbon sequestration, socioeconomic development and women empowerment, thereby contributing to sustainable development and the achievement of the 2030 Agenda.
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