Morocco Invests $10.7 Billion on Oasis and Argan Zones

Rabat – Morocco has invested MAD 105 billion ($10.7 billion) to preserve the oasis and argan zones in the country. The investments have improved socioeconomic indicators in the targeted regions, said Brahim Hafidi at a press conference following the ANDZOA Board meeting, which took place on Thursday, April 7, 2022.

The president of the National Agency for the Development of Oasis and Argan Zones (ANDZOA) Brahim Hafidi reported that this amount exceeded the original MAD 92 billion ($9.4 billion) that was provided in the development strategy (2012-2020).

Hafidi specified that the efforts made aim to rehabilitate and preserve the oasis and Argan tree areas that were threatened with extinction. The ANDZOA planted more than three million palm trees, spread over more than 100,000 hectares of argan trees, and 10,000 hectares of agricultural argan trees.

The assistance programs have helped open up geographic areas that account for more than 35% of Morocco’s surface area and 15% of the country’s total population. Access to education, safe drinking water, and health care has also improved.

The strategy has additionally helped launch several initiatives in agriculture, tourism, and crafts to improve the local population’s economic conditions.

The United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization (UNESCO) established the Arganeraie Biosphere Reserve in 1988, which covers an area of over 2,560,000 hectares.

UNESCO added the Argan Tree to the Representative List of Humanity’s Intangible Cultural Heritage in 2014.

The argan tree’s original habitat is the Souss valley in south-western Morocco. The argan forest covers more than 71% of the Souss valley, firmly establishing Morocco as the leading international exporter of argan-based products.

Argan oil sales, whether for medicine, cosmetics, or consumption, account for more than 90% of the Souss-Massa region’s economy.

Last year, Morocco observed its first International Day of Argania, a holiday honoring the Argan tree and its unique impact on Moroccan society and economy.

Earlier this year, Morocco proposed to the UN the annual celebration of its national tree, inviting all member states to observe the International Day on May 20, 2021.