Every year on May 10, the International Day of Argania or International Day of the Argan Tree is observed to promote awareness and understanding of the argan tree’s environmental importance worldwide. This holiday was established by UNESCO in 2021.
Buy Prime Test Series for all Banking, SSC, Insurance & other exams
In 1988, UNESCO declared the Arganeraie Biosphere Reserve, which is the endemic production area of the argan tree, as a designated area. Additionally, in 2014, UNESCO inscribed all the knowledge and know-how regarding the argan tree on the Representative List of the Intangible Cultural Heritage of Humanity.
Furthermore, in December 2018, the Food and Agriculture Organization (FAO) acknowledged the Argan-based agro-sylvo-pastoral system within the Ait Souab-Ait Mansour area in Morocco as a Globally Important Agricultural Heritage System.
Lastly, in 2021, the United Nations General Assembly unanimously adopted a resolution submitted by Morocco, co-sponsored by 113 member states of the United Nations, to proclaim May 10th as the International Day of Argania, recognizing the importance of the argan tree and raising awareness of its global environmental significance.
The argan tree, which is native to the sub-Saharan region of Morocco, specifically the southwest, grows in arid and semiarid areas and is known for its resilience to a harsh environment marked by water scarcity, erosion risk, and poor soils. It is the defining species of the Arganeraie woodland ecosystem, which is rich in endemic flora and is of significant importance not just in terms of conservation, but also for research and socio-economic development.
The argan tree woodlands offer forest products, fruits, and fodder, all of which are vital to the economy and livelihoods of the people in the region. The leaves and fruits are edible and highly valued, and serve as a vital fodder reserve for livestock during periods of drought. The trees are also used as fuelwood for heating and cooking.
Argan oil, which is extracted from the seeds of the tree, is world-renowned and has various applications, particularly in traditional and complementary medicine, as well as in the culinary and cosmetic industries.
Also Read:
The Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) has made a bold and significant…
Madhya Pradesh, a state rich in culture and traditions, celebrates many colorful festivals. One of…
The Ustad Bismillah Khan Yuva Puraskar (UBKUP) is a prestigious award instituted by the Sangeet…
The Sustainable Trade Index 2024, jointly published by the Hinrich Foundation and IMD, highlights the…
The title "Frontier Gandhi" refers to Khan Abdul Ghaffar Khan, a prominent leader from British…
India will host the International Cooperative Alliance (ICA) Global Cooperative Conference in New Delhi from…