The 8th edition of the International Argan Congress opened on Saturday, May 9, 2026, in Essaouira, Morocco, under the theme 'From Argan Forest to Argan Cultivation: The Argan Tree, Pillar of Water Resilience.' The event brings together scientists, policymakers, and industry experts to discuss the argan tree's role in combating desertification and supporting sustainable development.
Organized by the National Agency for the Development of Oasis Zones and Argan Trees (ANDZOA) and the Mohammed VI Polytechnic University, the congress features sessions on arganiculture—the cultivation of argan trees outside their natural habitat—as a strategy to enhance water resilience in arid regions. The argan tree, native to Morocco, is recognized by UNESCO as a biosphere reserve.
Key topics include advances in argan oil production, genetic improvement of argan trees, and the economic empowerment of women in argan cooperatives. The congress runs until May 12, 2026, and includes workshops and field visits to argan groves.
This edition highlights Morocco's commitment to preserving the argan ecosystem while promoting sustainable agriculture and climate adaptation. The event is expected to produce a roadmap for expanding argan cultivation across North Africa.
