Spatial dynamics and innovative approaches for the governance of argan forest heritage and ecological risk reduction; Case study of the Chiadma territory, Essaouira /Mogador , Morocco

In the Essaouira, Morocco’s region, the argan tree is the province's leading forest species, just ahead of the Cedar, it covers 136,430 hectares, 6% of which is in the Chiadma territory (24,181 hectares). Its world-famous oil, whose market value has exploded over the last ten years, is attracting the growing interest of many players in the argan sector.

Far from benefiting the local population, the argan grove is experiencing a decline of hundreds of hectares annually under the effect of underdevelopment and strong population growth as well as the expansion of rural centers and market gardening crops. The main challenge of the argan tree is therefore to be part of a participatory approach aimed at a sustainable development of the product of the argan tree while managing the worrying regression of its space.

The crucial question then arises: what innovative approaches and what governance to fight against the degradation of the argan grove with a view to a sustainable development of the argan tree in the territory of Chiadma, province of Essaouira?

In order to be sustainable, argan oil must be able to meet the qualities and conditions necessary to last and develop, in other words, to be viable (Eighth Principle of the Rio Declaration on Environment and Development) for this it is necessary to design a development plan for the argan tree elaborated and matured in consultation with the local population based on its knowledge and needs. Other institutional initiatives such as reforestation and the creation of a PGI (Protected Geographical Indication) must be considered aimed at reconciling the development of the sector with the preservation and protection of existing trees and the planting of new ones.