Essaouira – Essaouira came alive on Friday, May 10, as it played host to the grand inauguration of the International Argan Congress.
Under the resonating theme “The Argan Tree in the Face of Climate Change,” this landmark event gathered minds from across the globe to delve into the diverse uses of the argan tree and its resilient spirit.
International Argan Congress, Essaouira
According to a press statement the organizers shared with Morocco World News, this year’s edition heralds a pivotal moment in Morocco’s unwavering commitment to preserving and celebrating this unparalleled ecosystem.
Over two days, the event brought together over 120 scientists and researchers dedicated to unraveling the mysteries of the Argan tree.
Many prominent personalities graced the opening ceremony with their uplifting presence. These included Mohamed Sadiki, Minister of Agriculture, Maritime Fisheries, Rural Development, and Water and Forests, Andre Azoulay, Senior Counselor to King Mohammed VI, and Ambassador Omar Hilal, Permanent Representative of Morocco to the United Nations.
Andre Azoulay, Senior Counselor to King Mohammed VI
In a speech, Minister Sadiki underscored the critical significance of scientific research and the protection of the Argan Biosphere in confronting climate change.
“We are deeply grateful to the United Nations and its agencies for their outstanding support for the initiatives aiming at the development and preservation of the Argan tree and its habitat,” he said.
Mohamed Sadiki, Minister of Agriculture, Maritime Fisheries, Rural Development, and Water and Forests
The highlight of this edition was the signing of a framework agreement to bolster the International Argan Center, fostering scientific research and innovation for the argan tree and its habitat.
Read also: Agadir Shines as Global Hub for Argan, a Moroccan Treasure
In a historic convergence of vision, the National Agency for the Development of Oasis Zones and the Argan Tree (ANDZOA) forged a groundbreaking pact with three esteemed national institutions at the forefront of research and innovation
Led by their respective directors, the National Institute for Agronomic Research (INRA), the Hassan II Agronomic and Veterinary Institute (IAV Hassan II), and the National School of Forestry Engineers (ENFI) committed themselves to expanding the frontiers of knowledge concerning the argan tree.
This agreement, spearheaded by ANDZOA Director Latifa Yaakoubi, sets forth strategic and ambitious initiatives aimed at fostering research, innovation, and collaboration within the realm of the Argan tree and its habitat.
According to the press release shared with Morocco World News, key commitments include supporting the expansion of the International Argan Center’s mission to align research programs, fostering research projects, promoting innovation in the Argan sector and ecosystem management, and facilitating knowledge capitalization and transfer.
In addition, the agreement entails the formulation, development, and execution of specialized research and training projects, alongside fostering cooperation and exchanging experiences among the signatories.
