Algiers – Since the official relaunch of the Green Dam rehabilitation and expansion project in 2023, evaluations have indicated “positive” progress, according to Algeria’s Ministry of Agriculture, Rural Development, and Fisheries. The initiative, which is deemed a strategic priority for public authorities, aims to achieve its ambitious goals by 2030.
Over a year after the program’s official relaunch on October 29, 2023, in the province of Djelfa, notable advancements have been recorded. According to the General Directorate of Forests, which oversees the project, 64% of the targeted reforestation efforts have been completed, while 100% of soil protection work, including flood control and the installation of barriers to protect steppe pastures (which make up 63% of the Green Dam’s area), has been finalized. These measures are also aimed at increasing forage production in the region.
A Strategic Project with National and Global Significance
The Green Dam rehabilitation initiative, closely monitored by President Abdelmadjid Tebboune, has been equipped with the necessary resources to ensure its implementation. The project is expected to deliver significant economic and social benefits to local populations while playing a crucial role in combating climate change and desertification.
The General Directorate of Forests reports that the project has facilitated the integration of isolated agricultural investments into the national economy by improving conditions for planting fruit trees and making these lands more productive. Additionally, the initiative has generated numerous job opportunities through small and medium enterprises across the 13 provinces involved in the project.
Mid-Term Review and Future Objectives
In December 2024, the Minister of Agriculture, Rural Development, and Fisheries, Youssef Cherfa, chaired a meeting to assess the project’s progress. The review was “positive,” with officials emphasizing the need to maintain the current pace of progress to meet the project’s 2030 objectives. These goals include restoring natural ecosystems, enhancing their resilience to climate change and desertification, and ensuring their long-term sustainability.
The Green Dam spans an area of 4.7 million hectares across 13 steppe provinces and encompasses 183 municipalities, home to approximately 7 million residents. The project includes reforestation efforts, water resource mobilization, the creation of new access routes, and land development activities. It also incorporates economic activities designed to engage and benefit local communities.
A Comprehensive and Participatory Approach
The rehabilitation of this ecological belt, which is regarded as a regional, continental, and international model, is being pursued with a new approach. This strategy emphasizes the active involvement of local communities to combat desertification in its various dimensions. This participatory method not only addresses the environmental challenges posed by climate change but also fosters socio-economic development in rural areas.
The Green Dam initiative aligns with Algeria’s international commitments, particularly in achieving the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs).
Execution and Collaboration
The rehabilitation work is being carried out by a range of institutions, including the Rural Engineering Group, the National Office for Rural Development Studies, and the High Commission for Steppe Development. Additionally, small and medium enterprises, as well as start-ups, have been actively involved in the project, in line with President Tebboune’s directive to engage local youth in the initiative.
By integrating ecological restoration with socio-economic development, the Green Dam project underscores Algeria’s commitment to sustainable development and climate action while empowering rural communities.
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Author: Nor-Eleslam
