Every year, on May 10, the International Day of Argania or International Day of the Argan Tree is observed. This day, instituted by UNESCO in 2021, aims to increase people’s knowledge of argan trees and raise awareness of their global environmental significance.
The Background of International Day of Argania
Argan trees are trees that grow in the southwest of Morocco. These plants can withstand extreme temperatures and aridity and can live up to 200 years. Their height ranges from 26 to 33 feet, while their circumference can reach 230 feet. From the numerous branches of argan trees dangle argan fruit. The oil-rich seeds are surrounded by a fruit. This oil is used as the base for numerous moisturisers in the cosmetic industry.
Numerous farmers and cattle ranchers have been discovered in the Argania region exploiting argan trees for firewood and overfeeding goats and camels with argan fruit due to its economic benefits. These exploited trees were never replanted, UNESCO declared an environmental crisis, and the Arganeraie Biosphere Reserve was established as a result. This location falls under UNESCO’s jurisdiction. This same organisation has posted knowledge regarding argan oil production and other argan tree-related practises.
Since then, the region has flourished, and locals have been able to produce high-quality argan tree-based goods. In 2021, UNESCO proclaimed the establishment of the International Day of Argania, which will be observed annually on May 10 in order to promote and safeguard the growth of argan trees in Morocco.
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5 Interesting Facts Regarding Argan Trees
It is estimated that argan trees grew on Earth approximately 80 million years ago!
Farmers and cattle ranchers have been observed harvesting argan trees for use as firewood and as fodder for camels and goats, but never replanting any other species.
Did you know that local women use argan oil to combat the Moroccan heat-induced dehydration of their skin?
Every year, tourists visit the argan region to observe goats leaping onto the tree branches in an attempt to consume argan fruit.
Argan trees can grow up to 10 metres tall!
INTERNATIONAL DAY OF ARGANIA DATES
Year | Date | Day |
---|---|---|
2023 | May 10 | Wednesday |
2024 | May 10 | Friday |
2025 | May 10 | Saturday |
2026 | May 10 | Sunday |
2027 | May 10 | Monday |