In 2021, the United Nations General Assembly approved the allocation of May 10 globally for a pillar tree, to be recognized by the high environmental, health and development value of this type of forest trees, which is an integrated environmental and economic system.
The Arkan Tree (Arkania Spinoza) is a settlement type of forest trees located in a reserve in southwestern Morocco, and this tree grows in arid and semi -arid regions, and it is able to withstand a harsh environment in light of the scarcity of water, the risk of erosion and poor soil.
The argan tree summarizes a unique and integrated environmental, economic system, as it is the specified type of the ecosystem of forests rich in endemic plants, and for social and economic development.
The argan tree plays a vital role in preserving the environmental balance, as its roots grow in a great depth to reach water outlets, and contribute to protecting the soil from damage, erosion and limiting desertification, according to experts.
The argan tree can bear temperatures of up to 50 degrees Celsius, and may reach a height of 10 meters and its life cycle reaches 200 years, so “it is a symbol of immortality and resistance, with a strong symbolic and emotional value in local communities” in Morocco, according to the United Nations.
The tree also contributes to preserving biological diversity, forests, forest products, fruits and feed, and their leaves and fruits are eating and with high value, and they constitute a vital feed reserves for herds of livestock in dehydration periods, and trees use firewood and fuel for cooking and heating.
The unique system based on the transplantation of forests and pastures is used only locally adapted and grazing activities and depends on the traditional management of water by the rain water tanks engraved into the rocks, which thus contributes to mitigating the effects of climate change and adapting to it, as well as maintaining biological diversity.
Economic benefits
The uses of the argan tree and its forests in Morocco, which extend over an area of more than 830 thousand hectares, are multiple of an important economic resource, as well as its role in improving the adaptation to the climate, and achieving the three dimensions of sustainable economic, social and environmental development, at the local level.
It also plays an essential role as an economic resource in promoting local job opportunities. In southwestern Morocco, famous for the vast argan forests, the United Nations estimates that these trees provide economic opportunities for 3 million people directly or indirectly.
Its fruits are used to extract argan oil, which was used for centuries in folk medicine and in Moroccan cuisine, which is an oil rich in natural vitamins, essential fats and antioxidants.
Argan oil has become widely used in cosmetics, and Morocco annually produces more than 5 thousand tons of argan oil, and most of it is exported to various regions of the world.
The United Nations indicates that this unique region, (southwest of Morocco), where the Argan trees have been grown for decades, combines agricultural biological diversity with eclipse ecosystems and the precious cultural heritage.
The Food and Agriculture Organization (FAO) also recognized in December 2018 the agricultural and pastoral system based on argan trees in Morocco as an agricultural heritage system of global importance.
Despite the attention of the argan tree and its habitors, according to experts, the experts remain from the negative impact of climate changes, the phenomenon of excessive exploitation, and overflowing during drought periods.
It is still threatened by the removal of forests, the exacerbation of dehydration and high temperatures. Therefore, UNESCO ranked the Arkan area in southwestern Morocco, a protected surroundings, and included it in the World Heritage List.