Morocco

Based in Marrakech, Université Cadi Ayyad (UCA) is one of Morocco’s leading public universities, known for its commitment to academic excellence, research innovation, and community engagement. Founded in 1978, UCA serves a wide network of institutions across southern Morocco, with faculties and schools in Marrakech, Safi, Essaouira, and Kalaa of Sraghna.

UCA plays an active role in international cooperation, fostering academic mobility and collaborative research projects with institutions across Africa, Europe, and beyond. Through its strong regional presence and global vision, Cadi Ayyad University contributes to shaping a knowledge-based, inclusive future for Morocco and the wider region.

The National Agency for the Development of Oasis Zones and the Argan Tree (ANDZOA) is a public institution dedicated to the sustainable development of Morocco’s oasis regions and the argan tree biosphere. It works to preserve natural resources, strengthen local economies, and improve living conditions for communities in fragile ecosystems.

Within the framework of the SALAM-MED, ANDZOA contributed to the establishment of reforestation activities by providing argan tree seedlings and supporting the setup of a pilot site. Their expertise in local agroforestry systems and institutional support were essential to launching restoration efforts on the ground.

The National Agency for Water and Forests (ANEF) is the national authority responsible for the sustainable management, protection, and development of Morocco’s forest and water ecosystems. ANEF plays a pivotal role in preserving biodiversity, restoring degraded landscapes, and promoting the multifunctional value of forested and natural areas.

In the context of SALAM-MED, ANEF provided access to key field sites for rangeland and grazing studies and played a facilitative role in securing the necessary authorizations. The agency’s guidance and logistical support ensured smooth coordination with local forest administrations and alignment with national environmental strategies.

The Sidi Kaouki Territorial Commune, located along Morocco’s Atlantic coast in the Essaouira Province, is an important local governance body supporting sustainable rural development and natural resource management. As a key institutional partner in the Living Lab, the commune provided a welcoming space for participatory workshops and meetings, engaged local actors, and helped to coordinate with relevant authorities.

Its involvement was instrumental in ensuring community participation and local ownership of restoration and research initiatives related to argan landscapes and rangeland dynamics.

Located near Essaouira, the Marjana Cooperative is a women-led initiative dedicated to the sustainable production of high-quality argan oil. Founded to empower rural women and preserve traditional practices, the cooperative combines ancestral know-how with modern standards of quality, safety, and traceability.

As a local partner in the Living Lab, the cooperative provided essential insights into the argan oil value chain, including production methods, yields, and market trends. Their contribution enriched the project’s understanding of community-based livelihoods and the socio-economic dimensions of argan forest conservation.