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Morocco World
3 days ago
- Business
- Morocco World
The Great Argan Appropriation: How a French Multinational is Undermining Morocco's Heritage and Economy
In the sun-scorched hills of southern Morocco, generations of women have toiled with care and pride to extract a golden oil from the nut of the argan tree, a tradition that has nourished communities, empowered cooperatives, and safeguarded one of the world's rarest ecosystems. But today, that tradition stands on the edge of collapse. The reason lies in a silent and systematic takeover of the argan oil industry by a French multinational: Olvea Group. What began as an inspiring model of social entrepreneurship, where Moroccan women's cooperatives transformed ancestral knowledge into economic opportunity, has now become a cautionary tale of dispossession and corporate dominance. A Market Once Moroccan, Now Industrial Olvea, originally a fish oil company from Normandy, France, entered the Moroccan market in 2005 and swiftly expanded its argan operations under the brand Olvea Morocco. Today, it controls nearly 70% of argan oil exports, acting as both buyer and processor, leaving Moroccan producers and cooperatives clinging to the fringes of a sector they built. According to figures highlighted by Médias24 and field research by Reporterre, Moroccan cooperatives, once responsible for over 80% of exports, now represent less than 20% of output. Most have been relegated to subcontracted roles, cracking argan nuts for a pittance while Olvea reaps the profits of processing, branding, and international sales. Many women-led cooperatives are locked into contracts that oblige them to sell below cost. One such cooperative, led by Jamila Idbourrous, was compelled to operate at a loss for nearly a year due to binding agreements. Others have shut down altogether, unable to compete for raw argan fruits, which have become scarce and unaffordable due to climate change, forest degradation, and illegal harvesting networks. Fatima El Mehni, president of a cooperative in Ameskroud, notes with sorrow that they used to produce 3,000 liters a month and now are lucky to make 50. The once-bustling storage rooms of women's collectives now stand eerily empty, while Olvea's state-of-the-art industrial tanks operate at full scale in Agadir. Legal Blind Spots and Trademark Barriers The legal framework has also failed Morocco. Despite the country's long history of argan cultivation, there is still no internationally recognized Protected Geographical Indication for argan oil. A French pharmaceutical company, Pierre Fabre, registered the name 'Argane' as a trademark in 1983, effectively barring Moroccan producers from using their own heritage name in various markets. Although a French court acknowledged in 2013 that 'argan' refers to a generic tree endemic to Morocco, no exclusive rights were granted to Moroccan cooperatives. As a result, Moroccan producers still operate without any guarantee of intellectual property protection, despite the product being listed by UNESCO as an Intangible Cultural Heritage of Humanity. Climate Stress and Ecological Collapse The environmental situation is just as alarming. The argan ecosystem is under siege. Drought, overgrazing, and agricultural encroachment are shrinking forests and exhausting groundwater reserves. In this context of scarcity, industrial players with deep pockets such as Olvea are buying up raw argan in bulk, pushing local producers out of the market. The traditional 'agdal' system, a form of ecological resting period, has been violated, with illegal collectors raiding forests even during seasonal bans. Women have been harassed or threatened when trying to collect fruit, a resource they historically managed and protected. The power imbalance is clear and deeply unjust. A Pattern Repeated Across Africa Olvea's extractive logic is not limited to Morocco. Greenpeace Africa has exposed the company's role in the depletion of fish stocks in West Africa, where fish oils destined for European livestock and aquaculture feed are extracted at the expense of local communities' food security. In addition to argan oil, Olvea also produces Omega-3 oil extracted from sardines, widely used in food supplements and health products. According to a reliable source in Morocco, the company holds exclusive control over the production of refined fish oils, including Omega-3 derivatives. This operation is carried out through its subsidiary, Winterisation Atlantic, established in Agadir in 2005 as part of Olvea's fish oil activities. While Moroccan raw materials are used, the refined oil is neither sold to Moroccan organisations nor made available to local manufacturers, effectively shutting domestic actors out of the value chain. This has sparked concern among industry professionals, who view the situation as a clear restriction on access to a valuable national resource with both nutritional and economic potential. The same pattern now unfolds in Morocco. Just as Olvea has taken fish from African plates to produce feed for livestock and aquaculture industries in Europe, it is now taking ancestral knowledge and forest fruits from Moroccan women to supply the European beauty market. Reclaiming What Is Rightfully Moroccan This is not simply a business concern. It is a matter of economic justice, cultural sovereignty, and environmental responsibility. Moroccan authorities must act decisively. Securing international recognition for Moroccan argan oil, reforming the sector's governance, supporting value-added local processing, and enforcing environmental protections are no longer optional. They are essential if Morocco is to retain control over one of its most iconic and valuable resources. At the same time, global consumers, especially those who purchase argan oil under the assumption of fairness and sustainability, must ask difficult questions. Who benefits from this product? And who has been left behind? The story of argan oil should not become another example of Africa exporting raw materials while importing poverty. It should remain a celebration of Moroccan excellence, women empowerment, and ecological wisdom. But that can only happen if Morocco reclaims what belongs to it: its land, its knowledge, its communities, and its future. The argan tree grows on Moroccan soil, nurtured by Moroccan hands. Its story should be written by Moroccans, not erased by others. The Broader Struggle for Resource Sovereignty What is unfolding in the argan oil industry reflects a larger structural issue facing developing countries: the imbalance of power between multinational corporations and local economies. From cocoa in Côte d'Ivoire to fishmeal in Mauritania and shea butter in Burkina Faso, African natural resources are consistently extracted and commercialized abroad, often without fair value returning to the source communities. In this landscape, Olvea is not an isolated actor. It is emblematic of a broader system that commodifies heritage while sidelining the custodians of that heritage. This is not merely about argan oil. It is about the principle of who gets to benefit from Africa's natural wealth. The Moroccan case should be a wake-up call for the region to build stronger legal safeguards, reinvest in community-based enterprises, and actively resist the normalization of economic models that strip local populations of value while exporting narratives of ethical trade. Towards a New Vision of Economic Justice Morocco has the potential to pioneer a new model, one that aligns environmental protection, women's empowerment, and national economic development. This means putting cooperatives back at the center of the value chain. It means building a Moroccan-owned export infrastructure that does not rely on foreign intermediaries. It means educating consumers worldwide that true sustainability is not a certification stamped by a European body but a commitment to fair partnerships and shared prosperity. The international community must also bear responsibility. It is time for governments, consumers, and ethical certification bodies to stop rubber-stamping exploitative systems. A product should not be considered ethical if it silences the voices of the people who made it possible. Argan oil is not just a luxury product. It is the symbol of a culture, a history, a way of life. It must remain in Moroccan hands, not just in memory but in reality. In light of these concerning developments, it may be timely for the relevant Moroccan authorities to consider examining such monopolisation practices by foreign organizations. While economic openness is important, the strategic and cultural significance of argan oil makes it vital to ensure that access to this natural treasure remains fair, inclusive, and beneficial to local communities. Safeguarding the argan sector is not only an economic imperative but a cultural responsibility essential to preserving one of Morocco's most meaningful heritage assets.
What's On
3 days ago
- General
- What's On
The UAE heritage files: The majlis
In this installment of the UAE heritage files, an exploration of the rich and ravishing Emirati culture, tradition and hospitality, we're taking a deep dive into the majlis, a cornerstone of Emirati culture. As residents of this foreign country we choose to call our own, we must learn the way of the land we love, and the majlis is as deeply ingrained in this society as can be. If you've lived in the UAE long enough, you've seen a majlis, talked about a majlis, or at least came across a mention of it. In the present Understanding the importance of a majlis comes from the meaning of the word itself – council or sitting place. A majlis is essentially the social centre of a typical Emirati domestic setting, a place where members of the community gather to socialise, discuss community matters and flourish hospitality to their guests. While the majlis is a vital hub of the home, locally, the custom is that the majlis space for men and women is separate. These spaces, traditionally massive rectangular halls featuring a seating set-up of cushions and mattresses lining the walls, reflect the religious inclination of Emirati society, in which open interaction between strange men and women is looked at more conservatively. In a way, it also provides guests, especially women, to socialise in a more relaxed manner. Globally, the majlis has been recognised and inscribed in 2015 on the Representative List of the Intangible Cultural Heritage of Humanity. History The majlis was a tented meeting place where warm hospitality would be extended to guests before top-level political and business meetings. Ahead of negotiations, guests would be welcomed here first, a custom that was first established thousands of years ago since this region has been trading with the Silk Route. People also gathered here for a number of reasons – to discuss local events, exchange news, resolve problems, pay condolences, host wedding receptions and give religious clerics a space to clarify political, social and religious rights and responsibilities. Spinning the wheel of society If you study any civilisation, you will find that a community space like the majlis shapes up to become a preservation site for the culture and heritage of that society. Places where people meet to exchange dialogue automatically play an important role in the transfer of oral heritage, including folk stories, folk songs and 'Nabati' poetry, in the case of the Emirates. These are places where culture is imbibed by the next generation, as majlises are open to all age groups and knowledge is mostly transmitted informally to the children who accompany older community members, family and friends on their visits. Through observing elders in the Majlis, the children learn the manners and ethics of their community, dialogue and listening skills, and respect for the opinion of others. Images: Getty/UNESCO > Sign up for FREE to get exclusive updates that you are interested in
Time of India
19-06-2025
- Business
- Time of India
Bengal ranks third among foreign tourists' fave Indian destinations
1 2 Kolkata: Bengal has emerged as one of India's top tourism hotspots for foreign travellers, clocking a record 32 lakh international tourist arrivals in 2023–24 — the third highest in the country after Maharashtra and Gujarat, Bengal's tourism minister Indranil Sen said in the assembly on Thursday. This marks a significant jump from 27.1 lakh in 2022–23 and just 10.4 lakh in 2021–22, underscoring the state's growing global appeal and tourism turnaround post-Covid, he said. Sen said the state accounted for 14.8% of India's foreign tourist arrivals last year. "This is a huge achievement. Bengal is firmly on the international tourism map," Sen said in response to a question by BJP MLA Bishwanath Karak. The data, sourced from 'India Tourism Statistics 2023' released by the Union ministry of tourism, places Bengal alongside national tourism giants. Sen debunked a common perception that a bulk of Bengal's foreign tourist inflow is limited to visitors from neighbouring Bangladesh. "Only 1.8 lakh out of the 32 lakh foreign tourists came from Bangladesh. Over 27 lakh were from Europe, Russia, and Australia," he said. One of the biggest tourism magnets remains Kolkata's Durga Puja, which was inscribed in Unesco's Representative List of Intangible Cultural Heritage of Humanity in 2021. by Taboola by Taboola Sponsored Links Sponsored Links Promoted Links Promoted Links You May Like Villa For Sale in Dubai Might Surprise You Villas in Dubai | Search ads Learn More Undo In 2023, during the festival period from Mahalaya to Diwali, the city welcomed over 5 lakh foreign visitors — with trade estimates suggesting at least 20,000 were international travellers during the five puja days in Kolkata. Anil Punjabi, national committee member of Travel Agents Federation of India, said, "We are already getting puja bookings from Canada, Spain, Europe and UK. The festive charm, the craftsmanship on display, and Bengal's value-for-money factor make it an irresistible destination during this time." Hill stations, particularly Darjeeling and Kurseong, are also witnessing a massive influx of foreign visitors. "Bengal's hill stations are now more preferred than overcrowded destinations like Shimla and Kullu-Manali. Tea tourism is popular too," said Manav Soni, national committee member of Travel Agents Association of India. Purulia and Bankura — once peripheral to Bengal's tourism economy — are now gaining traction. Launched on April 22, an eco-tourism centre near Ayodhya Hills run by local enthusiasts has already reported 87% occupancy, Sen said. The Purulia Tourism Development Council has been formed to assist local tourism stakeholders and attract more visitors. Bengal has also taken a pioneering step in professionalising its tourism industry. The state now boasts the highest number of certified tourist guides in the country — 1,022 — trained under its Tourist Guide Certification Scheme. Bengal's strategic location as a gateway to the Northeast has also given it a dual advantage. Tourists exploring states like Sikkim, Assam, and Meghalaya often transit through Bengal. New spiritual landmarks, like the Jagannath temple in Digha, are also becoming major pilgrimage and tourist attractions, travel agents said.
Ya Biladi
14-06-2025
- Politics
- Ya Biladi
Algerian Minister sparks controversy, accuses Morocco of «stealing» couscous heritage
Algeria's Minister of Communication, Mohamed Meziane, has reignited the long-running debate over the origins of couscous. Speaking before the House of Representatives yesterday, he accused «the western neighbor» of «stealing» the iconic traditional dish from Algeria. According to Meziane, «all ancient historians agree that couscous, along with its utensils, first appeared in Algeria», though he offered no evidence to support the claim. He also refrained from naming the author of what he described as an «important study» from «the beginning of the last century» that allegedly proves Algeria's national ownership of couscous. He simply noted that the study was written by a «French historian». «This is just one example among many other products whose ownership has been unfairly attributed to the western neighbor», he said. Meziane also claimed, in front of the deputies, that Morocco «took advantage of the black decade (1992–2000) to appropriate symbols of Algerian heritage, including music and architecture». For context, couscous was officially recognized by UNESCO as part of the Intangible Cultural Heritage of Humanity in 2020, following a joint submission by Morocco, Algeria, Mauritania, and Tunisia. Mohamed Meziane was appointed Minister of Communication in November 2024, replacing Mohamed Laâgab, who held the post for just 13 months.
Ya Biladi
14-06-2025
- Politics
- Ya Biladi
Algerian Minister sparks controversy, accuses Morocco of «stealing» couscous heritage
Algeria's Minister of Communication, Mohamed Meziane, has reignited the long-running debate over the origins of couscous. Speaking before the House of Representatives yesterday, he accused «the western neighbor» of «stealing» the iconic traditional dish from Algeria. According to Meziane, «all ancient historians agree that couscous, along with its utensils, first appeared in Algeria», though he offered no evidence to support the claim. He also refrained from naming the author of what he described as an «important study» from «the beginning of the last century» that allegedly proves Algeria's national ownership of couscous. He simply noted that the study was written by a «French historian». «This is just one example among many other products whose ownership has been unfairly attributed to the western neighbor», he said. Meziane also claimed, in front of the deputies, that Morocco «took advantage of the black decade (1992–2000) to appropriate symbols of Algerian heritage, including music and architecture». For context, couscous was officially recognized by UNESCO as part of the Intangible Cultural Heritage of Humanity in 2020, following a joint submission by Morocco, Algeria, Mauritania, and Tunisia. Mohamed Meziane was appointed Minister of Communication in November 2024, replacing Mohamed Laâgab, who held the post for just 13 months.
