Algeria is deepening its commitment to sustainable development through a new partnership with the Global Green Growth Institute (GGGI). The Minister of Agriculture and Rural Development, Yacine Oualid, recently met with GGGI’s Director-General, Sanghyup Kim, and his delegation, to explore avenues for enhanced collaboration.
The discussions centered on supporting Algeria’s sustainable development goals, particularly within the agriculture and fisheries sectors, as the nation confronts the escalating challenges posed by climate change to food security and natural resources. The meeting highlighted Algeria’s proactive approach to addressing these challenges.
A Focus on Desert Agriculture and Combating Desertification
Minister Oualid showcased Algeria’s pioneering experience in developing desert agriculture as a strategic option for securing national food needs. This initiative emphasizes the rational and sustainable utilization of resources in the southern regions of the country. The two parties also discussed Algeria’s decades-long efforts in combating desertification, notably through the Green Dam project, which is undergoing a comprehensive rehabilitation as part of a national strategy for climate change adaptation and sustainable development in the High Plateaus region.
Reforestation and Rehabilitation Efforts Underway
The national reforestation program and the rehabilitation of areas affected by wildfires were also key topics. This includes extensive tree-planting campaigns across the country, building upon the volunteer initiative that saw one million trees planted in a single day on October 26, 2025. A new campaign is scheduled for February 14, 2026, with the ambitious goal of planting five million trees.
Following a presentation by Mr. Kim on the GGGI’s mission and areas of expertise, both sides agreed on several key areas for future cooperation. These include providing technical support for establishing a center of excellence for agriculture in arid regions of Algeria, exchanging expertise in green growth with a focus on innovation and artificial intelligence, assisting Algeria in financing sustainable agricultural projects, and exploring the possibility of launching dedicated programs.
