Grow Trees and Offset Carbon with African Farmers

Olive trees can produce fruit for hundreds to thousands of years. The same trees that existed in ancient times continue to bear olives in the modern world, acting as a symbol of resilience and consistency. Today, World Olive Day 2025, marks an opportunity to recognize the enduring importance of olive trees in cultures, economies, and ecosystems worldwide. While olives have long held symbolic meaning across civilizations, representing peace, prosperity, and resilience, their practical value in addressing contemporary challenges deserves equal recognition.

In Morocco, olive trees represent both cultural heritage and economic opportunity. Covering 65% of the country’s fruit tree landscape, olives are the nation’s most widely cultivated crop and contribute significantly to the agricultural economy. Despite this extensive cultivation, Morocco faces persistent challenges in maximizing the sector’s potential. High production costs, limited processing capacity, and inadequate export infrastructure have constrained the country’s ability to compete in international olive markets.

The High Atlas Foundation (HAF) continues to take significant steps to address these challenges while advancing environmental sustainability. Since 2024, HAF has planted 1,815,579 olive trees in Morocco, supporting 3,346 farming families and rural communities. This large-scale initiative goes beyond simple tree planting, representing a comprehensive approach to sustainable agricultural development.

The program addresses multiple objectives simultaneously. Olive trees provide crucial environmental services, including erosion prevention, water management, and soil restoration. They are particularly well-adapted to Morocco’s diverse climate conditions and contribute to landscape restoration in degraded areas. Additionally, olive trees function as effective carbon sinks, with mature trees absorbing approximately 25 pounds of CO2 annually.

The scale and long-term vision of olive tree planting is notable. They require several years before reaching commercial productivity, yet they continue producing for centuries. This makes olive cultivation an intergenerational investment that will shape Morocco’s agricultural landscape and rural economies well into the future.

On this World Olive Day, we recognize that sustainable development requires practical solutions that align economic needs with environmental goals. HAF’s olive planting initiative demonstrates how traditional agriculture can be revitalized through innovative carbon mitigation mechanisms and a commitment to environmental stewardship. More than anything, HAF’s success reflects the dedication of Moroccan farming communities and the potential for agriculture to serve as a foundation for both economic development and climate action.

Our journey began early. Alongside Si Abdelghani, HAF’s driver, and Yassine, a HAF nursery technician, we headed toward Khenifra province. 

Our mission was twofold: to visit the HAF nursery there and to visit the ONSSA (National Office for Food Safety) office to obtain the annual “green card.” This card is essential—it authorizes the nursery to legally distribute saplings to farmers for the season.

After several hours on the road, we finally arrived in the city of Khenifra. There, we met Ahmed, the nursery's caretaker. Together, we went to the ONSSA office. Yassine and Ahmed entered the building to speak with the director, and after a conversation—focused on the hard work and dedication put into the nursery—they emerged with the green card in hand. Ahmed was clearly proud and Yassine seemed equally satisfied. With the card secured, we shared lunch in the city before continuing our journey up into the mountains toward Ain Leuh nursery, which is in partnership with the National Agency of Water and Forests.

This was my first time visiting the Ain Leuh nursery, one of HAF’s largest nurseries. As we arrived, I was deeply moved. The nursery was thriving, full of life—thousands of flourishing saplings of olive, fig, and pomegranate stretched across the land, creating a cool, refreshing breeze in the midst of the summer heat. The site was remarkably well managed, and I found myself wondering about the care and effort behind such an impressive operation.

While walking through the rows of trees, I met Lalla Aisha, one of the nursery’s female workers. She was quietly and diligently weeding around the saplings. Despite the physical labor, she worked with calm determination. When I greeted her and asked how work was going, she explained that normally, Wednesdays are their day off. But today, it was her turn to irrigate the trees. The seven women who work in the nursery take turns coming in on Wednesdays to ensure the saplings are watered twice a day.

Lalla Aisha and the others begin their work at 7 a.m. and finish around 5 p.m. Many of them, including Lalla Aisha, rely on the income from their work in the nursery to support their families. In her case, she is a widow and the sole provider for her children. The nursery job is her only source of income, and it brings stability and dignity to her life.

She shared that she has been working in Ain Leuh nursery since HAF took over the nursery from the Moroccan Agency of Water and Forests. Hearing her story, I felt a deep sense of respect. Her strength, resilience, and commitment reflect the broader impact of HAF’s work—especially in empowering women in agriculture.

I also met Rachid, who joined the nursery six months ago. He helps with management and daily tasks and, like many others, supports his two children through this job.

Later, I spoke with Youssef, the nursery manager. He proudly showed me the olive saplings—so green, healthy, and full of promise. Over 100,000 olive trees are currently growing and will be ready for distribution to farmers in January 2026. He also showed me the large irrigation basin with a capacity of 5,000 tons of water, along with the solar pump that powers the system. The nursery stands as a shining example of sustainable agriculture, community collaboration, and environmental care.

The nursery is not only full of life—it still has room to grow. HAF is planning to plant even more trees to fully utilize the remaining space. The total capacity of the nursery is nearly 800,000 saplings.

As the day ended and we prepared to leave, I saw Lalla Aisha walking out of the nursery. She gave me a warm smile. Her strength, like the trees she helps nurture, left a lasting impression on me.