Protecting the environment and biodiversity in Algeria’s coastal regions

Context

With a coastline measuring 2,148 kilometres and a multitude of unspoilt natural areas, Algeria has a diverse natural heritage. However, the increasing settlement of towns, industry, infrastructure, and the overexploitation of certain marine resources are disrupting coastal ecosystems. In 2015, Algeria adopted a strategy for integrated coastal zone management for 2020-2030 that aims to protect the environment and coastal biodiversity while ensuring environmentally sustainable use. The project is part of this strategy.

Objective

The environmental, economic, and planning conditions for integrated coastal zone management in Algeria have improved.

Approach

In a first step, the project updated the National Strategy for Integrated Coastal Zone Management 2020-2030 and developed a budgeted action plan, which is now being implemented. It also advises the partner organisations on data management, geographical information systems and communication.

Furthermore, the project is strengthening the organisational, entrepreneurial, and technical skills of resource users for the development of ecosystem services. It also promotes marketing through contracts with the private sector.

To improve the management of protected areas, the project is developing the skills of administrative staff and staff at civil society organisations. The project advises staff on how to develop methodological and technical guidelines for management plans for marine and coastal protected areas. As a result of the Algerian-German cooperation, Monts de l'Edough was declared a protected area at the beginning of September 2023, with protection for the coast and the land behind it.

The project also focuses on identifying new coastal and marine protected areas, and classifying them as national parks, for example, and on updating the status of existing protected areas.

Last update: February 2024