#argania

So Argania is the problem child of my work place. Unfortunately, her brain damage has affected her ability to understand where to urinate and defecate. As a result, she is sometimes semi-affectionately referred to as ‘The Shitten’ and I’ve been tempted to rename her Pootunia.  She’s well over 5 months old and literally does not understand what litterboxes are for, and will go to the bathroom where ever she happens to be...

The United Nations will celebrate the third International Day of Argania, under the theme: "Socio-economic development & sustainability of the Argan ecosystem." The celebration will aim to share knowledge and practices from the Argan production sector, in support of food security and sustainable production and consumption patterns. Follow the event on UN Web TV on 10 May, 3:00 pm EST

Follow the step-by-step process of how argan oil is made.

Did you know?

The argan tree withstands temperatures of up to 50° Celsius.

The argan trees are a true bastion against desertification, which can reach 10 meters in height and can live for 200 years.

A symbol of eternity and resistance, the argan tree has a strong symbolic and emotional value for local communities.

Argan oil is given as a wedding gift and is used extensively in the preparation of festive dishes.

The argan tree is typically a multipurpose tree that supports income generation, increases resilience and improves climate adaptation, playing a very important role in achieving the three dimensions of sustainable development - economic, social and environmental - at the local level.

The sustainable argan production sector contributes to the economic empowerment and financial inclusion of local communities, especially women living in rural areas. Cooperatives are instrumental in promoting local job opportunities and can play an important role in contributing to food security and in eradicating poverty.

For centuries, the argan tree has been a mainstay of the Berber and Arab-origin indigenous rural communities, which developed a specific culture and identity, sharing their traditional knowledge and skills through non-formal education, particularly the unique knowledge associated with the traditional production of argan oil by women.

This unique region, where argan trees have been cultivated for centuries combines agricultural biodiversity, resilient ecosystems and valuable cultural heritage. For that reason, it has gotten recognition and protection from various UN entities.

The United Nations Educational Scientific and Cultural Organization (UNESCO) designated in 1988 the endemic production area as the Arganeraie Biosphere Reserve. Also, all know-how concerning the argan tree was inscribed in 2014 on the UNESCO Representative List of the Intangible Cultural Heritage of Humanity.

Moreover, in December 2018, FAO recognized the Argan-based agro-sylvo-pastoral system within the area of Ait Souab - Ait Mansour in Morocco as a Globally Important Agricultural Heritage System.

And lastly, in 2021, the United Nations General Assembly proclaimed 10 May the International Day of Argania. The resolution, submitted by Morocco, was co-sponsored by 113 member states of the United Nations and adopted by consensus.