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This unique region, where argan trees have been cultivated for centuries combines agricultural biodiversity, resilient ecosystems and valuable cultural heritage. For that reason, it has gotten recognition and protection from various UN entities. The United Nations Educational Scientific and Cultural Organization (UNESCO) designated in 1988 the endemic production area as the Arganeraie Biosphere Reserve. Also, all know-how concerning the argan tree was inscribed in 2014 on the UNESCO Representative List of the Intangible...

“The smell of toasted argan kernels takes me back to my childhood, when at the end of the week I would sit by my grandmother and we would prepare the oil for the following week,” recalls Hafida El Hantati, vice-president of Ajddigue, a cooperative of argan-oil-producing women located close to Essaouira, Morocco. Her experience is not unique: for many people here, argan is like a childhood friend who stays with them...

The International Day of Argania, which was proclaimed by the United Nations General Assembly on March 3rd 2021, will be celebrated each year on May 10th. The argan tree is an endemic and ancient species mainly located in the southwestern part of Morocco. It is also an original marker of the landscape and the life of all communitie's members, who ensures its sustainable use and development. This species, with its multidimensional uses,...

Establishing a new GIAHS Scientific Advisory Group Rome- The FAO - Globally Important Agricultural Heritage Systems Programme opens the process of establishing a new Scientific Advisory Groupfor the 2021-2022 term.  The Programme is seeking for five qualify experts in total, three new experts representing Europe, North America and Asia-Pacific regions and two new experts without a regional requirement who are considered as having qualifications to perform the expected task.  The GIAHS Scientific Advisory...