A successful conclusion of the 7th International Argan Tree Congress. A pioneering framework agreement to support the International Argan Centre
Under the High Patronage of His Majesty King Mohammed VI, the 7th International Argan Congress (IAC) was held in Essaouira from 10 to 12 May. Organised by the Agence Nationale pour le Développement des Zones Oasiennes et de l’Arganier (ANDZOA) in collaboration with various institutional partners, this prestigious event brought together a total of 210 participants, including researchers, professionals, industrialists and members of civil society, who debated the crucial issues surrounding the argan tree and its ecosystems.
During the conference, 60 oral communications, 45 scientific posters and 110 extended abstracts were presented, covering a wide range of subjects related to the argan tree. The discussions were enriched by three round tables focusing on argan farming, heritage, adding value to argan products and innovation, strengthening collaboration between research, professionals and industry, and raising awareness of the challenges posed by climate change for the argan tree and its ecosystems.
The celebration of the International Day of the Argan Tree, instituted by the United Nations in 2021, and an inaugural conference marked the start of the debates, followed by the signing of a framework agreement to support the International Centre for the Argan Tree, aimed at encouraging scientific research and innovation on the Argan tree and the Argan grove, chaired by the Minister of Agriculture, Maritime Fishing, Rural Development and Water and Forests.
This pioneering agreement marks a crucial stage in promoting scientific research and innovation on the argan tree and the argan grove. It testifies to the commitment of the signatories, including the Institut National de la Recherche Agronomique (INRA), the Institut Agronomique et Vétérinaire Hassan-II (IAV), and the Ecole Nationale Forestière d’Ingénieurs (ENFI), to work together for the sustainable development of this emblematic ecosystem.
The Congress held in Essaouira, the 3rd International Argan Fair held in Agadir from 08 to 12 May, the celebration of International Argan Day, and the framework agreement signed, were orchestrated by the Agence Nationale pour le Développement des Zones Oasiennes et de l’Arganier (ANDZOA), represented by its director Mrs Latifa Yaakoubi.
Two scientific competitions were organised as part of the congress: the Doctoriales de la Chaire ICESCO and the Prix Jeunes Chercheurs. These initiatives highlighted the excellence and innovation of young researchers in the field of the argan tree, reinforcing the commitment to scientific research.
At the same time, a field trip enabled participants to discover the practices involved in cultivating and rehabilitating the argan tree, offering a practical and enriching experience.
The general recommendations put forward at the 7th International Argan Congress are aimed at stimulating innovation and local economic development linked to the argan tree, as well as strengthening communication on its benefits for human health. They also encourage priority research into the environmental aspects of the argan tree, while emphasising the creation of research networks and the sharing of knowledge to encourage cooperation between the various research institutions.
As part of the specific recommendations, Axis 1 focuses on the need to capitalise on research to restore and preserve the argan tree ecosystem, by developing concrete measures to counter the effects of climate change. Axis 2 focuses on developing research into biotechnology and genetic improvement of the argan tree, as well as studying its interaction with the environment. Finally, Axis 3 highlights the importance of diversifying products derived from the argan tree to fully exploit its benefits, while promoting medical and clinical research into its bioactive compounds.
At the close of the 3rd International Argan Fair and the 7th International Argan Congress, ANDZOA would like to express its deep gratitude to all the participants, researchers, exhibitors, partners and authorities for their commitment and valuable contribution to the preservation and development of the Argan tree.
ANDZOA, its teams and its partners remain committed to pursuing collective efforts to develop innovative solutions to the challenges posed by climate change to this emblematic ecosystem.
Official site of the congress: www.congresarganier.com,
Source and photos: Endre Barcs
