[Lifestyle]Cultivation of the Argan Tree Can Help Combat Climate Change and Support Sustainable Development

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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 Arganeraie Biosphere Reserve. In 2014, “Argan, practices and know-how concerning the argan tree” was inscribed on the UNESCO Representative List of the Intangible Cultural Heritage of Humanity. 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 Globally Important Agricultural Heritage System.

Finally, the United Nations General Assembly, by resolution 75/262 of 3 March 2021, proclaimed 10 May the International Day of Argania. The resolution, 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.

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 po[CENSORED]tions 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.

 

 

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.

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.

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.

 

https://www.un.org/en/un-chronicle/cultivation-argan-tree-can-help-combat-climate-change-support-sustainable-development