Morocco to create agency safeguard oases 

(MENAFN - Morocco Business News) Morocco has decided to set up an agency for the development and safeguard of the country's oases and Argan trees, as recognition of their importance.

In fact, HM King Mohammed VI has asked the government to create the new agency called 'the national agency for the development of oasis zones.'

This agency will have as a mission the protection and the promotion of oasis zones and Argan trees -which have become known worldwide- in accordance to the principles of sustainable development.

It will also strive to protect and upgrade the country's date palms, rationalize the management of water resources and fight against desertification, besides enhancing the living conditions of the populations of these areas.

Oases, which represent 15% of the national territory surface mainly in the Saharan regions, harbor up to 1.6 million inhabitants.

The anticipation of climate change risks and impacts, and the promotion of scientific research relating to this ecosystem are also among its responsibilities.

To be headed by Dr. Bachir Saoud, who has been appointed by the king, the new body will cooperate with the different authorities and ministerial departments, mainly the Agriculture department.

Yesterday, HM King Mohammed VI launched a project for planting one million palm trees in the Tafilalet oases (Errachidia province) by the year 2015.

Worth MAD 1.25 billion (about USD 163 million), the project will benefit some 6000 farmers, help create 450,000 working days and increase production.

It is part of agriculture's "Green Plan", which intended to develop Morocco's agricultural sector.