Arganière Reserve

This study assesses the carbon storage potential of the Argan Biosphere Reserve (ABR) in the Souss et Dir plain. The analysis focused on two sites (Admine and Ouameslakht) each divided into three zones: core buffer and transition.At Admine carbon stocks were 65 50.73 and 31.63 t C/ha respectively with no significant difference between zones. For Ouameslakht they reach 44.75 31.84 and 19.66 t C/ha with notable significant differences.The land use study (1998-2021) reveals that the central zone of Admine has undergone forest regression in favor of rangeland despite restrictions. Ouameslakht on the other hand shows an increase in forest area thanks to effective fencing.These results underline the importance of appropriate management to optimize carbon sequestration in these ecosystems while demonstrating the effectiveness of fencing as a conservation tool.Key words: climate change carbon sequestration RBA core areas land use dynamics Admine Ouameslakht