Event: May 10–11, 2025
Partners : Faculty of Sciences of Kenitra, Ibn Tofail University – Mohammed VI Foundation for Research and the Safeguarding of Argan Tree – The Commune of Idaougomad – Ibn Zohr University of Agadir – UNESCO
“In every branch of the argan tree lies a story of resilience, and in every drop of its oil, flows the wisdom of generations.”
Morocco recently witnessed a meaningful celebration honoring one of its most iconic natural treasures. On May 10 and 11, 2025, the International Day of the Argan Tree was celebrated in Idaougomad, located in the province of Taroudant. This significant event was organized by the Faculty of Sciences of Kenitra – Ibn Tofail University, in partnership with Mohammed VI Foundation for Research and the Safeguarding of the Argan Tree, the commune of Idaougomad, Ibn Zohr University of Agadir, and UNESCO.
Held under the theme: “The World of the Argan Tree: Five Years Before the 2030 Goal,” the celebration aimed to reflect on the progress made and the path forward in achieving the Sustainable Development Goals. It emphasized the importance of strengthening collective efforts to protect biodiversity and preserve cultural heritage.
The argan tree (Argania spinosa), native to southwestern Morocco, is much more than a botanical marvel; it represents a cultural and ecological legacy. Recognized for its resilience in arid climates and its role in preventing desertification, the argan tree symbolizes the harmony between humans and nature. Its oil is valued worldwide for its nutritional and cosmetic benefits. More importantly, it provides crucial economic support to thousands of rural families, especially women, who manage cooperatives focused on its cultivation and processing. These cooperatives not only create income but also act as centers for women’s empowerment and inclusive development.
Recognized by UNESCO as an Intangible Cultural Heritage of Humanity, the argan tree embodies traditional knowledge, environmental adaptation, and national identity. At a time when climate change threatens natural ecosystems, protecting such unique species is a global imperative. In this context, the 2025 celebration in Idaougomad served as a dynamic platform for raising awareness, sharing scientific insight, and promoting sustainable action.
This year’s event also highlighted the increasing role of universities and scientific institutions in addressing environmental challenges. Ibn Tofail University, through its Faculty of Sciences and strategic partnerships, continues to invest in research, education, and public engagement. Events like this one are part of a broader movement to connect science with society and link ancestral wisdom with modern innovation. The involvement of UNESCO and Ibn Zohr University further underlined the synergy between local commitment and global environmental agendas.
As the 2030 deadline for the global sustainable development agenda approaches, the argan tree stands out as a powerful symbol of what can be accomplished through unity, long-term vision, and persistent effort. Its impact extends well beyond the environment, supporting climate resilience, promoting gender equity, strengthening rural economies, and preserving biodiversity. The theme “Five Years Before the 2030 Goal” presented a valuable opportunity to connect more deeply with the progress made so far, to analyze the actions already taken critically, and to reflect on how to reinforce efforts moving forward. And such reflection cannot be truly meaningful without being rooted in the heart of the argan tree’s native landscape, where its cultural, ecological, and human significance is most vividly felt.
This year’s International Day of the Argan Tree was a moment of awakening, a powerful call to collective awareness and sustained action. It reaffirmed that the road to a truly sustainable future is paved not only with innovation and policy but with deep respect for nature, the empowerment of local communities, and the preservation of cultural identity. In honoring the argan tree, Morocco celebrates a living legacy that embodies resilience, intergenerational knowledge, and harmony between humanity and the environment. As the world moves steadily toward 2030, the argan tree stands as a timeless guardian of these values, rooted in Moroccan soil, yet speaking to the conscience of the global community. It is a reminder that real change begins with rooted action, and that the strength of a tree can inspire the strength of people.