The Challenges of Sustainable Development for Date Palm Cultivation Under Moroccan and Libyan Law

Abstract

The challenges of sustainable development of date palms are reflected in both Moroccan and Libyan legislation, serving as a model for balancing fragile natural conditions with pressing economic imperatives. Despite differences in political and institutional contexts, both legal systems converge in recognizing the palm tree as sovereign capital that transcends its status as a mere agricultural crop. Accordingly, the Moroccan legislator emphasizes modernization and the upgrading of the value chain as a driver of development, while the Libyan legislator focuses on environmental stability and the prevention of extinction. The overarching common challenge lies in the extent to which legal texts can adapt to accelerating climate change and transform palm-growing regions from threatened areas into sustainable economic hubs that ensure the stability of local populations.