Under the theme "The Argan Tree: A Lever to Mitigate the Effects of Climate Change", the celebration brought together over 150 participants, including researchers, partners, representatives of the argan interprofessional network, and local stakeholders.
At the heart of the celebration was a scientific workshop organized by ANDZOA (National Agency for the Development of Oasis and Argan Zones) and INRA (National Institute for Agronomic Research), which presented the results of applied research conducted under the DARED program (Development of Arganiculture in Vulnerable Areas). The workshop focused on technical improvements in argan tree cultivation, the carbon sequestration potential of the argan ecosystem, and biodiversity monitoring in agroforestry systems. It emphasized the strategic importance of agronomic research in supporting public climate resilience policies by combining ancestral knowledge with scientific innovation.
As part of the celebration, three key agreements were signed to strengthen collaboration: i) a partnership between ANDZOA, ONCA (National Office for Agricultural Advisory Services), ADA (Agricultural Development Agency), and the company ARGAND'OR, to support the development of the argan value chain in the Argan Biosphere Reserve; ii) a Memorandum of Understanding between ANDZOA and APNI (African Plant Nutrition Institute) to advance joint research, knowledge exchange, and sustainable agriculture in Morocco; and iii) a framework cooperation agreement between ANDZOA and UM6P (Mohammed VI Polytechnic University) in the fields of advanced engineering, technological development, and scientific research.
Following the workshop, a symbolic field activity took place in Essaouira, with the launch of a 10-hectare argan tree planting operation implemented as part of the TransforMed-PRIMA project. This initiative reflects the project's commitment to restoring ecosystems in drylands and empowering local stakeholders through field-based sustainable development actions.
In parallel, a rich and diverse program was carried out across the provinces of the Argan Biosphere Reserve. It included educational and artistic activities in schools, targeted training sessions for rural women on entrepreneurship and leadership, and farmer exchange visits to share best practices in sustainable land management. A culinary festival showcased local products and innovative uses of argan oil.
The 2025 celebration of the International Day of Argania demonstrated the power of collective action in preserving a unique ecosystem while promoting inclusive, sustainable development. Through science, local engagement, institutional partnerships, and knowledge sharing, the argan tree once again affirmed its role as a symbol of climate resilience and a catalyst for innovation in dryland agriculture. The success of this edition reflects Morocco's ongoing leadership and commitment to fostering resilient rural territories.
Links and downloads
Official page of the International Day of Argania
Overall program of activities for the International Day of Argania
Book of abstracts from the scientific workshop
Replay of the celebration of the International Day of Argania (2025 edition)
TransforMed Facebook Page
TransforMed LinkedIn Page
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