The Cadi Ayyad University of Marrakech and the University of Natural Resources and Life Sciences in Vienna (BOKU) are collaborating on the Argan Africa-UniNet research project, which aims to preserve Morocco's argan forests through sustainable solutions. Announced on the occasion of the International Day of Forests, the initiative focuses on both protecting and regenerating these forests, using advanced technologies to assess their condition and extent. The project's goal is to «develop effective strategies for the sustainable management and restoration of these valuable ecosystems», which span nearly 950,000 hectares in southwestern Morocco. Christoph Pucher from the BOKU Institute of Silviculture, quoted by Oekonews, explains that high-resolution satellite data will help identify the areas most at risk, allowing for the creation of «tailored strategies for sustainable exploitation and conservation». These forests are not only crucial for the environment but also serve as an economic foundation for many people in the region. As Oekonews highlights, the research is vital due to the role of the argan forests in combating desertification, storing carbon, and producing argan oil for both food and cosmetic use. The ecosystem faces further threats from drought, illegal logging, and overgrazing, prompting the study to also explore the application of modern technologies in safeguarding these areas. In this context, Viennese academics visited Marrakech last February, uncovering shared challenges between Morocco and Austria in forest conservation. The project, which runs from September 2024 to August 2026, underscores the importance of international cooperation in addressing environmental degradation. For both universities, it represents an «integrative approach that combines ecosystem protection with socio-economic development», benefiting local communities.
