#Arganeraie Biosphere Reserve

[internationaldayofargania]

May 10th as International Day of Argania.

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 Cultural Heritage of Humanity.

Moreover, in December 2018, FAO recognized the Argan-based agro-sylvo-pastoral system within the area of Ait Souab - Ait Mansour in Morocco as a Globally Important Agricultural Heritage System.

And lastly, in 2021, the United Nations General Assembly proclaimed 10 May the International Day of Argania. The resolution, submitted by Morocco, was co-sponsored by 113 member states of the United Nations and adopted by consensus.

[otarrast]

http://maroctourisme.xyz/argan-oil-natural-richness-unique-world

The argan tree (argania spinosa) is a unique natural resource found in the Souss Massa Region. The argan is endemic to southwest Morocco and boasts specific physiological characteristics that are particularly suited to arid and semiarid regions. The Arganeraie forest extends over an area of 2.5 million hectares, covering the provinces of Agadir Ida Outanane, Inezgane Ait Melloul, Chtouka Aït Baha, Taroudant, Tiznit and Essaouira (andzoa.ma). The forest's unique and precious nature led UNESCO to classify it as the first Moroccan Biosphere Reserve in 1998. In 2014, the ninth session of the Intergovernmental Committee also inscribed the practices and know-how relating to the argan tree on the representative list of UNESCO's Intangible Cultural Heritage of Humanity.

In the Amazigh culture, the argan tree is an inheritance that women pass on from generation to generation. It is the women who gather the fruit, crush it and make the oil. Argan oil, extracted from the argan tree, was first used as a consumer product before becoming a source of income generated by women. Argan oil is known worldwide for its luxury derivatives. Obtained by cold pressing, it is highly appreciated in food form for its hazelnut taste and health benefits. Its composition and properties also make it suitable for cosmetic uses with high added value.

When the argan was awarded PGI status (Protected Geographical Indication) in 2009, it was thanks to the collective input of all the partners involved in the industry. The name "argan" was recognized by the National Commission of Distinctive Signs of Origins and Quality (established in 2008 at the Ministry of Agriculture). The support of the Aquitaine region in France has been influential in terms of methodology and technique. (Regional Federation of Agricultural Cooperatives of Aquitaine. National Institute of Designations of Origin). It resulted in a transfer of skills during the phase for developing and implementing the program. The main objectives of the Argan PGI are to protect the name and its geographical origin nationally and internationally level; and to restructure the sector and the availability of guarantees for consumers regarding the traceability and quality of products.