Latest news with #DatePalm
Morocco World
4 days ago
- Climate
- Morocco World
Moroccan Oases Face Climate Crisis as Officials Push for Innovation, Adaptation
Rabat — Morocco's oasis ecosystems face an existential threat as climate change destroys the ancient balance between communities and their environment. Morocco World News (MWN) sat with Mustapha Faouzi, territorial director of ANDZOA in Zagora, at the second International Congress on Oases and Date Palm held May 22-23 in Ouarzazate. The event brought international experts to discuss the theme of 'Resilience and Adaptation of Oasis Ecosystems to Climate Change.' 'In oases, there used to be a balance between the population and the environment,' Faouzi explained to MWN, adding that these ecosystems traditionally thrived on subsistence, 'based on what the local population produces and lives on.' However, climate change has shattered this equilibrium, the official noted, explaining: 'We're seeing numerous extreme phenomena: fires, floods, and climate disruptions.' He further argued that these changes severely impact the oases residents' quality of life. Urgent action required ANDZOA has launched multiple initiatives focusing on water mobilization and regenerating aging palm groves. The agency faces three major challenges: improving socioeconomic conditions that lag behind regional averages, preserving oasis ecosystems, and increasing investment in scientific research while securing international funding. Concrete actions include drilling wells, distributing firefighting equipment, providing laboratory-grown plants, and training young farmers for sustainability. Read also: International Congress Tackles Oases, Date Palm Survival Amid Climate Change Challenges Water crisis threatens oases' survival The most critical threat involves water scarcity, compounded by soil and water salinization. 'Without water, we can only talk about the decline or even the end of oases,' Faouzi warned. He called for a paradigm shift toward reusing non-conventional water sources and optimizing existing supplies through technological innovation. Hope through innovation Despite these challenges, Faouzi remains optimistic. 'We are already on track with the use of new technologies, new adaptation methods, and new development approaches,' he said. The international congress provides crucial opportunities for 'exchanging experiences with other oasis countries around the world,' allowing Morocco to learn from successful strategies elsewhere. 'This reassures us and gives us hope for a better future for our oases,' Faouzi concluded. Tags: ANDZOAclimate changeMoroccan oasesMoroccoOases in Morocco
Morocco World
24-05-2025
- Business
- Morocco World
Morocco-UAE Partnership Strengthens Date Palm Industry Development
Ouarzazate — Morocco and the United Arab Emirates (UAE) are deepening their collaboration in date palm cultivation and oasis preservation, with both countries emerging as global leaders in sustainable agricultural practices for oases ecosystems. Dr. Abdelouahhab Zaid, agricultural advisor at the UAE Presidential Court and Secretary General of the Khalifa International Award for Date Palm and Agricultural Innovation, spoke to Morocco World News on the sidelines of the second International Congress on Oases and Date Palm in Ouarzazate on May 22-23. 'We are here representing the Khalifa Award from the UAE to share the United Arab Emirates experience in the development of the date palm industry at all levels,' Zaid explained. The UAE came to exchange expertise in tissue culture development, large-scale plantations, disease control, packaging, processing, and international marketing. Shared vision for oasis protection Both countries have championed the sustainable development of oasis systems on the international stage. Morocco first brought this issue to global attention at COP22 in Marrakech in 2016, with the UAE's Khalifa Award later supporting the initiative at subsequent climate conferences. 'We put the subject on the table at various international climate change arenas,' Zaid said, citing recent participation at COP26 in Glasgow, COP27 in Sharm El Sheikh, and COP28 in Dubai. 'The idea is to make sure that oases are protected for future generations.' The collaboration aims to establish an international body, possibly under UN auspices, dedicated to sustainable oasis development. This initiative addresses the urgent need to protect fragile oases ecosystems while improving production systems and living conditions for oasis inhabitants. Technical cooperation and innovation Despite geographic differences — Morocco in North Africa and the UAE in the Gulf region — both countries face similar agricultural challenges and opportunities. They have become world leaders in date palm tissue culture development and large-scale multiplication techniques. The UAE's Al Foah factory stands as a testament to the UAE industry's potential, producing and exporting an average of 200,000 tons of dates annually to more than 50 countries worldwide. Meanwhile, Morocco has developed extensive plantations spanning several thousand hectares in the Boudnib area, focusing on premium varieties like Medjool dates. 'Both countries are working hard and going for what we call noble varieties,' Zaid noted, stressing their shared focus on high-quality date production for international markets. Addressing regional challenges The partnership also tackles region-specific agricultural threats. Morocco faces the Bayoud disease, which doesn't exist in Gulf countries, while the UAE deals with the red palm weevil, which has recently appeared in northern Morocco. 'Disease and pest control is an important common achievement,' Zaid pointed out, noting how knowledge sharing helps both countries develop effective responses to emerging threats. Strengthening bilateral relations The agricultural cooperation reflects broader diplomatic ties between the two nations. Zaid highlighted the 'high-level relationship quality' between King Mohammed VI of Morocco and UAE President Sheikh Mohammed bin Zayed Al Nahyan. Since his appointment in 2017, Zaid has also served as goodwill ambassador for the FAO's International Date Palm Network, coordinating festivals and technical assistance programs across the Arab world and beyond, including in Mexico, Pakistan, Jordan, Egypt, Sudan, and Mauritania. 'Our presence here reflects such collaboration,' Zaid concluded. 'Khalifa Award is of international stature, and we are sharing all UAE experience in this field with our colleagues here in Morocco.' The two-day congress in Ouarzazate represents another milestone in the growing partnership between Morocco and the UAE, as both countries work to preserve oases ecosystems while developing sustainable agricultural industries for future generations. Tags: ANDZOAdate palmMoroccoMorocco UAEOasesUAE
Morocco World
22-05-2025
- Business
- Morocco World
International Congress Tackles Oases, Date Palm Survival Amid Climate Change Challenges
Ouarzazate — The second International Congress on Oases and Date Palm opened today in Ouarzazate, bringing together policymakers, researchers, and agricultural experts to address the mounting challenges facing these ancient ecosystems. The two-day gathering runs under the theme 'Resilience and Adaptation of Oases Ecosystems to Global Changes,' focusing on the urgent need to protect these vital agricultural systems from climate threats and desertification. Latifa Yaacoubi, Director of Morocco's National Agency for the Development of Oasis and Argan Tree Zones (ANDZOA), delivered a speech during the inauguration ceremony of the congress by recalling King Mohammed VI's commitment to oases development. 'Morocco's oases cover 90,000 hectares and represent diverse natural treasures that form distinctive natural ecosystems,' she said. Yaacoubi explained that these areas face unprecedented challenges. 'Today, these local communities face unprecedented challenges,' she noted, adding that they 'create an imbalance in the environmental, economic, and social factors that have sustained them.' The director referred to Morocco's ambitious expansion plans under the Green Morocco Strategy, which includes planting 5 million new date palm trees alongside rehabilitating traditional oases. Significant progress already made Morocco has already achieved substantial results in oases development. The country has planted over 3 million date palm trees, with 2 million specifically dedicated to rehabilitating traditional oases, according to Yaacoubi. She noted that this effort has created storage and processing facilities handling approximately 10% of national production. The ministry has implemented comprehensive support programs for oases through various revolutionary initiatives, she explained, providing technical support and modern technology to farmers. Research drives innovation Morocco's National Institute for Agricultural Research has made significant breakthroughs in oases agriculture. 'The efforts have resulted in encouraging achievements, especially through the National Institute for Agricultural Research in cooperation with institutions,' Yaacoubi said. She outlined four key research areas, namely cataloging plant and animal genetic resources according to scientific standards while preserving threatened varieties, developing disease and pest control techniques, improving livestock production, and enhancing product processing methods and technologies. Global experts share solutions The congress features presentations from international specialists addressing different aspects of oases development. Saudi Arabia's Saud Al-Rowaily discussed 'Oases and Desertification Threat: Opportunities and Challenges,' while Morocco's Amrani Mohamed examined Development Model Transformations in North African Oasis Regions. French expert Alain Cariou presented on Environmental and Climate Change Challenges in Arid Zones, and ICARDA's Aly Abousabaa outlined strategies for 'Transforming deserts and oases into thriving agricultural systems.' Challenges garner international response Yaacoubi stressed that oases' challenges extend beyond Morocco's borders. 'The major challenges we face cannot be overcome through isolated efforts,' she said. 'The nature of these challenges requires confronting them within a global framework, where they are not linked to a specific geographical region, but are general phenomena that call for international cooperation.' She referenced Morocco's leadership in launching the Sustainable Oases Initiative during COP22 in Marrakech in 2016, which aims to enhance recognition of oases' importance and mobilize necessary resources for their protection. Preserving agricultural heritage Morocco's Ministry of Agriculture has worked extensively to organize producers and farmers in mountainous and rural areas, Yaacoubi noted, while involving rural women in all development operations and establishing specialized educational institutions. Morocco has successfully classified several oases as Global Important Agricultural Heritage Systems under the Food and Agriculture Organization. The country has also developed a national program dedicated to this heritage within a comprehensive sustainable development framework. Looking towards the future 'The situation that oases are experiencing pushes us all to work seriously to advance these ecosystems, through an integrated vision aimed at achieving comprehensive and sustainable development,' Yaacoubi concluded. The congress continues tomorrow with additional sessions focusing on practical solutions for ensuring oases sustainability and improving living conditions for local populations while preserving these unique ecosystems for future generations. Tags: ANDZOAclimate changedate palmMoroccoOases
Al Etihad
16-04-2025
- Business
- Al Etihad
Khalifa International Award for Date Palm and Agricultural Innovation celebrates breakthroughs in food security and sustainable farming
17 Apr 2025 01:21 SARA ALZAABI (ABU DHABI)Under the patronage of His Highness Sheikh Mansour bin Zayed Al Nahyan, UAE Vice President, Deputy Prime Minister, and Chairman of the Presidential Court, the 17th edition of the Khalifa International Award for Date Palm and Agricultural Innovation honoured its ceremony was attended by Sheikh Nahyan bin Mubarak Al Nahyan, Minister of Tolerance and Coexistence, Chairman of Khalifa International Award for Date Palm and Agricultural Innovation Board of Trustees and key figures from across the globe. Held at the Emirates Palace on Wednesday, the event brought together over 10 agriculture ministers, 52 ambassadors, international experts and innovators, all united in celebrating groundbreaking work in date palm cultivation and agricultural Al Nahayan honoured leading national and international figures for their role in advancing date palm cultivation, including His Royal Highness Prince Dr. Faisal bin Mishaal bin Saud bin Abdulaziz, Governor of Al Qassim Province in the Kingdom of Saudi the Kingdom, Eng. Salman Jarallah AlSuwainea, General Supervisor of the Ministry's branches in the northern and northwestern sectors, at the Ministry of Environment, Water and Agriculture highlighted the award's significance."There is no doubt that this award is of great importance to date palm producers and to the overall advancement of the sector… It's driving development, increasing research and contributing to the cultivation of new and improved varieties."Acknowledging Prince Dr. Faisal's recognition in the Innovation Sector, he added: "He is a pioneer and the general supervisor of all activities related to date festivals. In Qassim, we have more than 12 million palm trees producing over 400,000 tons of top-quality dates, exporting to 113 countries. In line with our Vision 2030, we aim to become the world's leading producer of high quality dates."There is no doubt that dates require support for scientific research. The global date palm industry must rely on continuous innovation to maintain and improve production quality."Sheikh Nahyan bin Mubarak honoured the winners of the 17th Khalifa International Award for Date Palm and Agricultural Innovation in the following categories:· The Distinguished Innovative Studies and Modern Technology Category, shared by Dr. Abdulqader Jighly – SuSTATability Statistical Solutions Company, Australia; and Dr. Khaled Michel Hazzouri, Khalifa Center for Genetic Engineering & Biotechnology, UAE.· The Pioneering Development and Productive Projects Category, shared by EDEN Innovations, UAE, and Dr. Nawaf Salem Alhajeri, Kuwait University.· The Pioneering and Sophisticated Innovations Serving the Agricultural Sector Category, won by SPOTTA Company, UK.· The Distinguished Producers, Manufacturers and Marketers Category, shared by Mr. Khamis Mohammed Khamis Freih Al-Qubaisi, UAE, and Eng. Benaoun, Gadri Mohammed, Tunisia.· The Influential Figure in the Field of Date Palm and Agricultural Innovation Category, shared by Dr. Ghulam Sarwar Markhand, Pakistan, and Dr. Sherif Fathy Ali Ibrahim El-Sharbasi, Egypt. Speaking to Aletihad , Al-Qubaisi from the UAE, who won in the "Distinguished Producers, Manufacturers, and Marketers" category, said his farm stood out thanks to its strong focus on quality and variety. "The farm is distinguished by its production of dates and palm trees. We have greenhouses for cultivating select fruits, a modern water network, and over 15 types of palm trees, including rare, imported varieties. We are working to increase their numbers because they are not widely available in the local market."Al-Qubaisi further shared his plans to further develop the farm: "For the future, we aim to maximise the benefits of palm trees by improving date varieties and boosting production quality. We also rely on traditional knowledge passed down from our ancestors, like irrigation methods, precise water distribution and timely fertilisation. These practices play a key role in improving crop quality."Dr. Alhajeri from Kuwait University, who won in the Pioneering Development and Productive Projects Category, said of his project: "The project is about using photovoltaic-powered water desalination to support food security and resilience in arid regions."He stressed the critical role of food security in the region, particularly in the Gulf, noting: "Food security is a top priority, and that is what the Award aims to support - sustainable food sources in line with the Sustainable Development Goals. By backing research and innovative projects, the Award plays a major role in advancing this vital sector and ensuring its long-term resilience."From my perspective, the future looks very bright. The 17th edition of the Award saw key agreements signed. Bringing together researchers, institutions and volunteers in one place sets a strong foundation for the future of date production and agricultural innovation."Dr. Markhand of Pakistan, won the Influential Figure in the Field of Date Palm and Agricultural Innovation Category, shared: "I am proud to be one of the winners in the 17th edition of the awards. This is the real value of the award - it boosts the date palm sector globally by recognising scientists and innovators. It's a marvellous opportunity to be here."Dr. Markhand's work focuses on date palm propagation, along with research on post-harvest practices, drying technologies and disease control. "Date palm is a fast-developing crop with huge potential. With rising global demand, more countries are investing in cultivation and innovation. It has a very bright future."
