moroccan argan tree

 The Arganeraie Biosphere Reserve (RBA) is the first biosphere reserve created in 

Morocco. This biosphere reserve is based on the presence of a forest species endemic to Morocco, namely the Argan tree – Argania spinosa.

The argan-based forest formations are mainly located in the region of southwestern Morocco (between the Western High Atlas and the Anti-Atlas) and are classified as a World Biosphere Reserve because of their role as a “bulwark” against desertification.

The Arganeraie Biosphere Reserve is a 2.5 

million hectare area located in Morocco. It

 was designated by UNESCO on December 8, 1998. It includes the provinces of Agadir Ida Outanane, Inzeguane Aït Melloul, Chtouka 

Aït Baha, Taroudant, Tiznit, and Essaouira. With 830,000 hectares and 21 million trees,

 the argan tree is the second largest Moroccan forest resource. The largest

 population covers the southern slopes of High Atlas and the northern slopes of 

Antiatlas, most of the Susu basin, with continental depths of up to 100 kilometers and altitudes of up to 1,500 meters.

 The argan tree is in danger of disappearing due to various forms of aggression, such as loss of habitat and poaching. The area covered is declining by an average of 600 hectares per year, mainly due to overgrazing. Crushing work-cooperative

Important role of the region

The first scattered argan trees on the side of the coastal hills form a denser forest as they move toward the interior of the country. 

The natural heritage of southwestern Morocco is important for keeping 

desertification at bay. If the argan groves disappear, it could have serious 

consequences.

The whole formed by this ecosystem constitutes a balance in which the argan tree plays a prevalent role. Knowing this, it is clear that the socio-economic activities of the populations present in this area are strongly linked to the Arganeraie (production of argan oil, local products and eco-tourism, …

ARGANERAIE BIOSPHERE RESERVE

LIFE AROUND THE ARGAN TREE

The argan tree conditions the life of many rural communities in southwestern Morocco who have an intimate relationship with this tree. This relationship can even be qualified as organic and explains the agrarian system put into place. In fact, generations of peasants have always been able to benefit from the argan tree through several forms of exploitation:

The argan tree is a fruit tree. Its kernel constitutes the providential element of the tree. This fruit is composed of a fleshy pulp and a very hard core enclosing the oilseed. It is from this kernel that the precious argan oil is extracted. The oil itself is a basic foodstuff and is widely used in cosmetic and medical products.

The argan tree provides a hard, resistant wood that is used in construction and tool making, for heating, and is transformed into charcoal for cooking.

Its leaves feed large herds mainly made up of goats.

 

FUNDAMENTAL PILLAR OF THE REGION

The argan tree constitutes the fundamental pillar around which all the components of the system are articulated, including the structures and social practices that result from the different phases of its exploitation.

The Arganeraie owes its reputation not only to its trees but also to the agrarian civilization it has created; the result of a long process of adaptation.

These are the characteristics that have earned it the UNESCO World Heritage Label and justify the creation of the Arganeraie Biosphere Reserve (RBA).