Algiers – Experts and academics participating in the national conference on “Algeria’s Environmental Issues and Challenges: A Comprehensive Approach from the Desert to the Coast,” held on Wednesday in Algiers, emphasized the urgent need to give special attention to environmental security through multidisciplinary strategies.
During this conference, organized by the National Institute for Comprehensive Strategic Studies in collaboration with the National School of Marine Sciences and Coastal Planning, on the occasion of World Environment Day on June 5th, participants unanimously agreed on the necessity of developing a new vision to address major environmental challenges, particularly climate change, which causes natural disasters such as fires, floods, droughts, and sand encroachment.
Abdelkarim Ben Tleiss, Secretary-General of the Ministry of Higher Education and Scientific Research, highlighted the importance of this issue, noting that “Algeria is a continental country exposed to global warming, with diverse climates that require strategies and programs to preserve the environment.”
In stressing the importance given to environmental preservation in Algeria, Ben Tleiss urged university researchers to engage with the social and economic fabric to contribute to “sustainable and resilient development in Algeria.”
Linda Boutkerabt, Director of the National School of Marine Sciences and Coastal Planning, emphasized the integration of environmental education and sustainable development into educational programs and vocational training sectors, as well as involving all public and private actors and civic movements.
Samir Krimes, Director of the Research Laboratory at the National School of Marine Sciences and Coastal Planning, emphasized the environmental management of major economic projects, stating that environmental impact studies required for these projects should be accompanied by complementary monitoring and evaluation programs during the operational phase.
Krimes also addressed the management of technical landfill centers, which should be supported by projects for sorting, recycling, and valorizing waste.
During this conference, projects aimed at developing the Ain Salah-Tamanrasset axis were highlighted by the Chairman of the Scientific Council of the National Institute for Comprehensive Strategic Studies, Joudi Bouras. He discussed various challenges in this resource-rich region.
These projects include energy projects, gas and electricity connection lines, the trans-Saharan road, water transfer projects, railway projects, and mining and agricultural activities. According to Bouras, these projects require a new multipolar strategy to develop this axis, driving a cross-border dynamic that serves as a “major central hub” and an “open gateway” to the African Continental Free Trade Area.
The conference, which saw the participation of representatives from national institutions, civil society, economic operators, and university experts, included four main discussion sessions on topics such as “Water and Agricultural Issues,” “Circular Economy, Responsible Consumption, and Waste Management,” “Major Risks, Adaptation, and Resilience in the Region,” and “Sustainable Housing, Energy Transition, and Environmental Awareness.”
These sessions facilitated rich discussions, idea exchanges, and the sharing of experiences on environmental protection in Algeria, particularly the balance between preserving water resources and developing agricultural chains in the southern region, the challenges of developing a circular economy, energy consumption, and addressing major risks.
Discussions also covered issues related to sustainable housing, energy transition, and the projects launched by various public and private entities aimed at changing energy consumption to combat waste and encourage new and alternative energy sources.
Participants emphasized the need to implement regulatory measures and procedures to instill a culture of rationalizing and preserving natural resources.
Linda Boutkerabt, Director of the National School of Marine Sciences and Coastal Planning, confirmed that the recommendations from this conference will be included in a roadmap to be presented to the public authorities soon, noting the upcoming launch of a Center of Excellence at the school dedicated to continuous training for senior state officials in the field of environmental management.
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Strategies to Preserve Environmental Security
