Argan at the heart of Ouargla a tree of high value

A awareness day on the argan tree was held Sunday in Ouargla, on the occasion of the International Day of this emblematic species, through an initiative by the local forestry directorate in coordination with several sector partners, at the National Institute of Specialized Vocational Training “Martyr Sultani Abdelkader.”

According to the region forestry director, Abdelhafid Hamchi, the event, organized with the University of Kasdi Merbah and local technical institutes, as well as the agricultural services directorate and the chamber of agriculture, aimed to assess the spread of the argan tree in the region and highlight its many values. He stressed that the tree carries major environmental, economic and social importance, not only for its role in protecting the ecosystem, but also for the wealth of products it provides, especially argan oil, widely known for its benefits.

Speakers at the event also reviewed traditional oil-extraction methods and the role of the agriculture sector in preserving and developing this species. They underlined the need to raise awareness among farmers, investors and researchers about the potential of sustainable argan cultivation, while preserving the know-how passed down by “argan women,” who have long transmitted these practices from one generation to the next.