Plant Organic Fruit Trees with African Farmers

On 20 January 2025, I had the privilege of participating in the 12th annual Tree Planting Day organized by the High Atlas Foundation (HAF).

This event was held with the support of several key partners, and brought together youth, students, cooperatives, schools, farmers, HAF staff, and volunteers, all united by a common environmental cause.

As a YCC Fellow, I was both excited and motivated to be part of this event. Our journey began early in the day as we met with the HAF team and volunteers from Global Shapers Marrakech, an initiative focused on social change.

Our first stop was in the Women's Empowerment Center in Tahanaoute, where we met the center's director and the women who have been trained there.

The women welcomed us with warmth and enthusiasm, eager to learn about tree planting and how they could enhance the garden at their center.

HAF Monitoring Officer Abdeljalil gave us a brief insightful lesson on the proper techniques for planting trees. After his demonstration, all participants, including myself, got to plant our first tree of the day.

For some of us, it was our first time planting, while others were more familiar with the process. Regardless of experience, everyone was eager to contribute.

It was heartwarming to see the joy and excitement on the faces of the women, knowing that their garden would soon flourish as a result of our efforts.

Next, we traveled to the Amizmiz municipality where we joined local farmers in planting olive trees. As usual, we were greeted warmly by the farmers, who were eager to share their knowledge and learn from us as well.

Planting olive trees is a practice that has deep roots in Moroccan culture, and it was inspiring to be part of this old tradition. Each of us shared our knowledge with others, exchanging tips and techniques as we worked side by side.

The sense of teamwork was noticeable, and I couldn’t help but feel proud of what we were achieving together.

Although it will take time for the olive trees to grow and thrive, I look forward to seeing the long term impact of our efforts on the local community.

The day was not just about planting trees, it was about connecting with others, learning from one another, and contributing to a shared vision of a more sustainable future.

I feel incredibly grateful to have been part of this experience, and I want to extend my deepest thanks to HAF for their dedication to environmental causes and for making a tangible difference in the lives of so many.

As I reflect on the day, I am reminded of the power of small actions. Planting trees might seem like a simple task, but when done together, it becomes part of a much bigger picture, one that has the potential to create a lasting positive impact on our planet.

Thank you, HAF and YCC (USFS and USAID) for making this day possible, and thank you to everyone who joined in the effort.