International Day of Argania

On May 10th the UN celebrates The argan tree and its incredible contribution to society.  It is a multipurpose tree that supports income generation, increases resilience and improves climate adaptation, playing a significant role in achieving the three dimensions of sustainable development – economic, social and environmental – all at the local level.

     

 

Argan trees have been cultivated for centuries and combine agricultural biodiversity, resilient ecosystems and valuable cultural heritage. For that reason, it has been awarded recognition and protection from various UN entities.

In 1998 The United Nations Educational Scientific and Cultural Organization (UNESCO) designated the endemic production area as the Arganeraie Biosphere Reserve. Also, all knowledge concerning the argan tree was detailed in 2014 on the UNESCO Representative List of the Intangible Cultural Heritage of Humanity.

In 2021, the United Nations General Assembly proclaimed 10 May the International Day of Argania. The resolution, submitted by Morocco, was co-sponsored by 113 member states of the United Nations and adopted by consensus.

– Ruth