Cypress trees from a valley of Morocco’s High Atlas Mountains are in danger. The conifer species can yield resin, edible seeds, medicines, and is one of the world’s most important resources for timber. Cypress trees fall into a category of trees dating back to at least 300 million years ago.
Unfortunately, modern-day threats like excessive foresting, climate change, droughts, forest fires, and other exploitations mean they are declining exponentially. According to the Royal Botanical Garden, between 1940 and 1982, Cypress trees decreased by 75%.
Morocco’s Endangered Cypress Trees Offered Protection in Scotland
Two UK organizations, the Scottish East Lothian Council and North Berwick in Bloom, have teamed up to help the International Conifer Conservation Programme (ICCP). Based at the Royal Botanic Garden Edinburgh, ICCP has devoted space to conserve the endangered Moroccan Cypress trees. For nearly three decades, the ICCP has helped conserve trees in over 50 countries.