The United Nations(UN)’s International Day of Argania is annually observed across the world on 10th May to create awareness about the major role of the 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 2023 Marks the observance of the 3rd edition of International Day of Argania.
The theme of International Day of Argania 2023 is “Socio-economic development & sustainability of the Argan ecosystem”.
- The 2023 theme aims to highlight the role of Argania in reinforcing resilient communities, contributing to food security and adapting to climate change while empowering rural women through the support and promotion of cooperatives and agricultural organizations.
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 was the initiative led by Morocco and co-sponsored by 113 member states of the UN.
iii.The first-ever International Day of Argania was observed on 10th May 2021.
Significance:
The observance of the International Day of Argania highlights 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.
Aim of International Day of Argania 2023:
- To share knowledge and practices from the Argan production sector, in support to food security and sustainable production and consumption patterns.
- To initiate an exchange of experience around the contribution of natural ecosystems to food security.
- To share the products and the culinary and food heritage of Argania with the international community.
- To highlight the unique attributes of the Argan ecosystem and its agricultural heritage as well as its national and global value chains.
About Argan Tree:
i.Argan Tree is endemic to the calcareous semi-desert Sous valley of southwestern Morocco and to the region of Tindouf in southwestern Algeria.
ii.It is resilient to a harsh environment under water scarcity, risk of erosion and poor soils.
iii.The oil extracted from Argan seeds “Argan oil” is one of the rarest oils in the world. It is hailed as the “liquid gold” of Morocco.
iv.The oil is used in traditional and complementary medicine and in the culinary and cosmetic industries.
