The Syrian Future Movement joins the international community in celebrating “International Argan Tree Day” on May 10th each year. This occasion was established by the United Nations General Assembly in recognition of the vital role this unique tree plays in achieving sustainable development and combating desertification.
The Syrian Future Movement believes that celebrating the argan tree serves as a reminder of the need to protect ecosystems, which form the backbone of food security and the livelihoods of local communities.
Although the argan tree is native to North Africa, its resilience and economic value resonate deeply with the challenges of the current Syrian reality.
The Syrian Future Movement affirms that Syria lost approximately 29% of its tree cover (equivalent to 30,000 hectares) between 2001 and 2024, with the highest losses recorded in coastal areas and western mountain ranges due to deliberate fires, illegal logging, and the conditions of war. The Syrian Future Movement also points out that this environmental degradation, which coincided with a severe drought that struck the country in 2015 before improving this year, and which threatened the food security of millions of Syrians, requires a courageous national vision that transcends traditional crisis management towards building a sustainable “green economy.”
The Syrian Future Movement believes that the upcoming transitional phase must prioritize “environmental sovereignty.” Just as the argan tree represents a natural bulwark against desertification in its region, revitalizing Syrian forests and protecting fruit trees (such as olives and pistachios) is the only guarantee against climate change, which has raised average temperatures in the region by 4 degrees Celsius over the past decade.
Through its vision for the future, the Syrian Future Movement calls for the following approaches:
- The necessity of adopting agricultural and forestry policies that rely on drought-resistant varieties, drawing inspiration from the argan tree’s resilience in harsh environments with temperatures reaching 50 degrees Celsius.
- The Syrian Future Movement believes that protecting vegetation is an integral part of the reconstruction process, as conflicts have destroyed nature reserves and irrigation systems, resulting in agricultural losses exceeding $50 billion.
The Movement emphasizes the importance of empowering local communities and rural women in managing natural resources, just as the argan tree contributes to supporting thousands of families and achieving sustainable local development.
In conclusion, the Syrian Future Movement affirms that preserving even a single tree in our land is an act of resistance against destruction and a true investment in the future of generations to come.
We in the Movement aspire to a green and stable Syria where people and the environment flourish together.
