Mr. Bouari Inaugurates the 60th Edition of the International Exhibition of Damask Rose in Kalaat M’Gouna
The 60th edition of the International Exhibition of Damask Rose in Morocco was inaugurated today, Tuesday, in Kalaat M’Gouna, under the High Patronage of His Majesty King Mohammed VI.
The opening ceremony of this annual event, organized this year under the theme “The Damask Rose Value Chain: A Lever for Sustainable Development within the Green Generation Strategy,” was presided over by the Minister of Agriculture, Maritime Fisheries, Rural Development, and Water and Forests, Mr. Ahmed Bouari.
The exhibition, which runs until May 8, aims to highlight the economic, social, and cultural importance of the Damask rose value chain and its pivotal role in promoting oasis regions and achieving integrated and sustainable regional development.
The event features over 100 booths, including institutional spaces, areas dedicated to the Damask rose value chain and various local products, as well as a space for agri-food industries.
In a statement to the press, Mr. Bouari emphasized the importance of the International Exhibition of Damask Rose as a platform that reflects the efforts made to advance this value chain in the region.
He particularly praised the women who, through their mastery of harvesting and distillation techniques, contribute to the preservation and promotion of this cultural heritage.
The minister and his accompanying delegation visited the various booths of the exhibition and presided over the award ceremony honoring the best farms and valorization units in the Amgoun and Dades oases, in recognition of their contributions to preserving and developing this value chain.
He also presided over the signing of five partnership agreements, mainly focused on implementing a solidarity-based agriculture project aimed at sustainably intensifying agricultural production systems and promoting self-employment in the Alnif area.
The agreements also include a partnership to implement a solidarity-based agriculture project focused on livestock breeding to help rebuild herds in the communes of Ighil N’Oumgoun, Ait Sedrate Jbel El Soufla, Ait Sedrate Jbel El Oulia, and Ait Youl. Additionally, two agreements were signed for the implementation of solidarity-based agriculture projects aimed at developing the Damask rose sector in the M’Goun and Dades basins.
The minister also oversaw the signing of a framework agreement for the financing and implementation of a program to protect oases and promote territorial development in the communes of Tinghir Province for the 2025–2027 period. This program aims to improve living conditions in the targeted communes and support efforts to protect the region’s oases from fires, reduce flood risks, and preserve the environment.
The opening ceremony of this socio-economic and cultural event was attended by the Governor of Tinghir Province, Mr. Ismail Heikal, the President of the Regional Council, Mr. Hro Abrou, elected officials, and several civilian and military dignitaries.
This event, which underscores the economic, social, and cultural significance of the Damask rose value chain and its key role in sustainable regional development, is expected to attract more than 100,000 visitors from inside and outside Morocco, including professionals, investors, and visitors from various backgrounds.
The 60th edition of the exhibition provides an opportunity to showcase the main achievements within the framework of the “Green Generation 2020–2030” strategy, particularly in terms of modernizing production chains, promoting value addition and innovation, encouraging youth and women entrepreneurship, and enhancing resilience in the face of climate change challenges, especially those related to water scarcity.
The four-day event agenda includes scientific conferences and roundtables on topics related to the development of the Damask rose value chain, innovation, spatial equity, and the promotion of the social and solidarity economy.
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