Abstract
The argan tree is a slow growing tree exclusively endemic in the dry lowlands of Southwest Morocco. The argan forest constitutes a long time ignored specific biotope that has been declared a Biosphere Reserve by UNESCO in 1998. The argan forest is particularly fragile to climate change. Forecasts show annual precipitation levels and prolonged drought periods that could severely threaten the future of the argan forest. In some places, the argan forest is already damaged, resulting in the retreat of the argan tree and the subsequent desert encroachment. An acceleration of this trend would have devastating consequences. In response, some twenty years ago, an ambitious, unique in Northern-Africa, and government-supported program was initiated in Morocco to rescue the argan tree via the sustainable development of the argan forest. Because in the late 1980s, sustainable development in developing countries was often considered as a utopia, the argan forest case represents a sign of progress, as it is also an interesting and unique experience in Africa. This review analyses the process followed, the measures taken, the pitfalls encountered, and the results obtained during the last two decades. It also points out the measures that still need to be taken before declaring the argan forest rescue mission is accomplished.
Highlights
In Northern Africa, the High Atlas mountain range extends for almost 2,000 kilometers fromMorocco to Tunisia
1980s, sustainable development in developing countries was often considered as a utopia, the argan forest case represents a sign of progress, as it is an interesting and unique experience in Africa
It points out the measures that still need to be taken before declaring the argan forest rescue mission is accomplished
Summary
In Northern Africa, the High Atlas mountain range extends for almost 2,000 kilometers from. Wind- and water-induced soil degradation varies from 340 to 660 tons/km2/year Because of these combined climatic and geologic factors, the Souss valley and its surrounding mountains constitute an exceptional area, where the argan tree is exclusively endemic [1]. For all these reasons, the argan forest has been declared a Biosphere Reserve by UNESCO in 1998. In remote areas of developing countries, when survival is sometimes a major problem for the poorest, when income reduction often means taking girls out of school, environmental issues are not a priority Such issues will be considered only if one can ensure that revenue derived from imposed changes is funneled back into local communities. Tangible proofs were necessary to build the confidence of the poor
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