Argan forest

The argan tree has been a UNESCO Biosphere Reserve since 1998. Folk Oils works with ASMEL so every harvested tree is also a preserved tree — beyond philanthropy, it is a vital interest aligned with Idmine and the Anti-Atlas territories.

Overview on the main foundation page Contact us

Multi-year replanting programmes

Mapping and canopy follow-up

Buffer zones with forest authorities

ASMEL partnership — 8 field actions in the UNESCO argan forest

A global forest, a local stake

UNESCO-listed argan forest requires shared vigilance: economic benefits from oil must partly return to physical conservation.

Supply chain alignment

The zero-deforestation track aligns HFAM commitments with audits expected across supplier countries.

ASMEL field actions

Terrace construction

Slope stabilization, erosion control, rainwater retention. Terraces let argan roots draw deep as they always have, without soil sliding to the wadis.

Agdal — land resting

Traditional Amazigh practice: some areas are set aside from grazing and harvest until vegetation can rebuild what people have taken.

Immediate environment preservation

Perimeter clean-up, invasive species removal, maintaining undergrowth that protects young shoots from wind and drought.

Gardening & agroforestry

Argan replanting, companion crops, regenerating depleted areas. Every tree planted today is a multi-decade commitment.

Moderate & mindful harvesting

Training cooperatives: pick what is ripe, leave what is not, respect what each area can sustain.

Participatory guarding

Local men and women, trained and paid, watch sensitive areas and report illegal cutting.

Community awareness

Village workshops, passing to youth the link between a healthy forest and lasting income.

100% by-product valorization

Argan shell becomes household fuel, pulp becomes fodder — nothing is wasted after harvest.

Pillars

Programmes and target partners

Argan tree replanting programme

Quantified objective: 10,000 trees/year by 2027
Geographic area / Zone: Anti-Atlas · Souss-Massa
Target partners: ASMEL · Mohammed VI Argan Foundation

Anti-overgrazing awareness

Quantified objective: 20 villages/year
Geographic area / Zone: Argan forest area
Target partners: Rural municipalities · ANDZOA

Satellite monitoring of argan cover

Quantified objective: Annual public mapping
Geographic area / Zone: Full argan forest
Target partners: Agadir University · CRTS Morocco

Creation of protected buffer zones

Quantified objective: 5 zones/year
Geographic area / Zone: Idmine + critical zones
Target partners: High Commission for Water and Forests

Zero-deforestation programme across the supply chain

Quantified objective: Annual certified audit
Geographic area / Zone: All supplier countries
Target partners: Rainforest Alliance · RSPO