Pumping Morocco’s Liquid Gold one Drop at a Time

The United Nations, Madonna, and Kim Kardashian have one thing in common -, they all laud the unique qualities of argan oil, the millennian old Moroccan cosmetic that has quickly become a global beauty therapy, as well as culinary must-have. Appearing in everything from salad dressing to instant eye-tightening serum, the Berber herb has rapidly become a global phenomenon. Argan (found exclusively in the arid Sousse valley of southwestern Morocco) is extolled for literally changing the face of the cosmetic industry. However, because of the high demand, there seems to be an idea circulating, that like coal, and other exported goods,; the mass production of Argan oil is highly destructive and unsustainable for the environment.

Moroccan Development agencies and government offices state that the current argan frenzy has resulted in protection to the once threatened argan tree. The United Nations Education, Scientific and Cultural Organization recognized the importance of the argan tree to Morocco’s economy and environment in 1998, when the southwestern region of Morocco became a Biosphere Reserve under the Biosphere Program. This program's objective is to “counteract the exploitative practices that the Argan tree has fallen victim to while encouraging the economic development within the region—particularly for Berber women” (Berji), which is what they are currently working towards.

A recent interview with a local producer of Argan oil states that “the production of the oil is helping preserve the tree.” Large companies, such as L'oreal and Neal’s Yard Remedies, have partnered up with municipal cooperatives (particularly Beber women), who carry out the the centuries old technique, in which the oil is extracted from the fruit. By involving locals in the production of the sought-after oil, they resist from cutting down the tree that once covered the entire Maghreb region of North Africa (what is today the Atlas Mountains and the coastal plain of Morocco, Algeria, Tunisia, and Libya). Rather than using the tree for traditional purposes such as fuel, firewood, charcoal, timberland or medicine, the 137+ co-ops now use the tree’s benefits as an incentive to work and gain a social status. Thus, increasing the chances of proper maintenance and renewed expansion of the Argan Forest, which would too possess countless benefits.

The tree itself is vital for its local environment. The tree’s roots extend up to ninety meters below Earth’s surface, preventing erosion by binding the soil and allowing for the replenishment of aquifers, which functions as a buffer against desertification. In fact, the barren lands of southwestern Morocco have resisted the advancement of the Sahara desert due to the tree’s aid in landscape stability. The tree’s environmental benefits do not stop there. The bushy canopy of argan trees provides shade and protection for both crops and pastureland, this allows for the growth of grass which ultimately aids agroforestry. Meanwhile, the leaves and fruits serve as animal feed and further contribute to the production of argan oil. It is no wonder that Moroccans have named Argania Spinosa the Moroccan “tree of life.”

It was because of these unique geographical properties that the Moroccan government applied to the European Union for Argan to become a Protected Geographical Indication (“a sign used on goods that have a specific geographical origin and possess qualities or a reputation that are due to that place of origin”)(Luth). Once approved, Argan oil became the first African product to receive a PGI, meaning that the producers of agran and products derived from it (oil) would have the opportunity to enter the EU market under a PGI. This gives them the opportunity to easily differentiate their products from competitors. Also, the Argan oil would have to be produced in a way to meet specific standards, decreasing the chances of hazardous working conditions and ensuring sanitation of the product. According to the World Intellectual Property organization, such standards would make it possible to easily “detect unofficial and fake Argane based products, thus protecting both local producers and consumers”. Lastly, because Argan received a Geographical Indication GI, the Argan forest and its trees are under close-watch, which once again discontinues deforestation and other harmful practices.

In short, the increasing demand of argan oil has called for a larger supply and therefore more production. The production of Argan oil, along with the involvement of the locals has 1) prevented the tree from deforestation, 2) resulted in the Argan tree receiving a PGI, and 3) caused the southwestern region of Morocco to become a Biosphere Reserve under the Biosphere Program. With this, the mass production of Argan oil has benefitted the environment as a whole, by both increasing the maintenance, as well as the renewal of the tree Argan Forest. This high demands has engendered the implement of conservation measures to ensure that the current size increase of the Argan forest (800,000 hectors every year) does not dwindle. Through this research and recent findings, it is clear that Argan oil, unlike most exported goods, does good for not only its country's economy, but its environment too.

There is more...

As previously mentioned, large companies such as L'oreal and Neal’s Yard Remedies are currently working with local Berber women in the production of Argan oil.… but what does this mean for those women? Through interviewing two women who produce and sell Argan oil, it became evident that both the production and sale of Argan oil provide Berber women with jobs, supply them with fair salaries and allow them to work in safe conditions, while also exposing them to education and literacy programs. Above all, through working in the Argan industry, the Berber women are able to be a part of the Moroccan workforce. This evokes a great empowerment for the women, as Moroccan women are customary to living in a traditionally male-dominated society. Although the “process to produce argan oil is a difficult one, the outcome makes it worth it” said Charrouf (a professor at the Université Mohammed in Rabat) says “Women regain the capacity to decide, to manage their income and to invest in the future by sending their children to school.” This changes the overall status of women in Morocco, and acts as a catalyst for positive change in the way women are viewed within Morocco, more specifically islamic societies.

Uses of Argan oil:

According to Dr. Axe; Here are 12 of the ways that you can incorporate this anti-aging, moisturizing, and all-natural oil into your daily beauty regimen.

Sources:

https://draxe.com/argan-oil-benefits-skin-hair/

http://undergroundhealthreporter.com/benefits-of-argan-oil-healing/

http://www.thehealthyhomeeconomist.com/argan-oil-benefits-health/

https://www.grandviewresearch.com/press-release/global-argan-oil-market

https://www.moroccoworldnews.com/2016/12/204408/argan-oil-on-eight-year-rise-as-international-demand-grows/

http://www.oleador.com/en/arganoil/production.html

https://www.theguardian.com/sustainable-business/2015/apr/28/argan-oil-beauty-anti-ageing-loreal-lush-berber