The United Nations(UN)’s International Day of Argania is annually observed on 10th May to create awareness about the importance of Argan Tree (Argania spinosa), the native species of Morocco, in achieving the 3 dimensions of sustainable development (economic, social and environmental) at the local level.
10th May 2022 Marks the observance of the 2nd International Day of Argania.
- The theme of International Day of Argania 2022 is “The argan tree, Symbol of Resilience”.
The day is a part of the efforts of the Kingdom of Morocco in promoting the Argan tree as an intangible cultural heritage of humanity and an ancestral source of resilient and sustainable development.
Background:
i.The United Nations General Assembly(UNGA) adopted the resolution A/RES/75/262 on 3rd March 2021 and proclaimed the 10th May of every year as the International Day of Argania.
ii.The resolution, submitted by Morocco and co-sponsored by 113 member states of the UN, was adopted by consensus.
iii.The first ever International Day of Argania was observed on 10th May 2021.
Significance of Argan tree:
i.The argan tree is the defining species of a woodland ecosystem, also known as Arganeraie, is resilient to a harsh environment under water scarcity, risk of erosion and poor soils.
ii.It provides forest products like fruits and fodder and it is also used as fuelwood for cooking and heating.
iii.Argan oil, one of the rarest oils in the world and hailed as the “liquid gold” of Morocco, is extracted from the seeds of the argan tree. The oil has multiple applications, in traditional and complementary medicine and in the culinary and cosmetic industries.
Events:
Morocco and the United Nations will celebrate in Agadir, the second edition of the International Day of Argania, the endemic species of the Kingdom.
