The National Agency for Water and Forests (ANEF) has strengthened its partnership with users of the argan forest to promote sustainable, community-driven management. On the sidelines of an international event held from June 16 to 18 in Agadir, supporting the United Nations Forum on Forests (UNFF), two agreements were signed to advance local «community management» of these forests, in line with Morocco's National Forestry Strategy 2020–2030. According to a statement, the first agreement was signed with the National Federation of Provincial Associations of Rights Holders, Users, and Argan Producers (FNADEPA). It focuses on mobilizing local actors to protect, manage, and sustainably develop the argan biosphere reserve, recognized as a global natural heritage site. This includes strengthening local capacities, organizing users around joint projects, and promoting a green economy that benefits rural communities. Within this framework, FNADEPA will play a central role in coordinating Forest Development Organizations (FDOs) and helping build their capacities in their respective areas. It will also help organize argan forest users to ensure the success of rehabilitation and reforestation programs led by ANEF, in collaboration with partner cooperatives and associations. The second agreement was signed by ANEF's regional directorate in Souss-Massa and the Ait Ouazghi Azghar Association for Development and Cooperation. It focuses on implementing a watering program for a 100-hectare argan regeneration area in the territorial commune of Aziar, Agadir province, following a request from the NGO. This pilot project in silvopastoral management aims to expand the scope of association activities and strengthen their role in forest preservation and development, especially during drought periods.
