Protected Areas Expand to 24, Algeria Urges Global Funding
President Abdelmadjid Tebboune announced that Algeria has achieved a "qualitative leap" in biodiversity protection. Addressing the Leaders' Summit of the 17th Conference of the Parties (COP17) to the UN Convention on Biological Diversity in Erevan, Armenia, a message delivered by National Council President Azouz Nasri highlighted Algeria's commitment to translating international obligations into concrete actions to safeguard its rich animal and plant wealth. The President noted the conference as a crucial moment to review progress on the "Kunming-Montreal" Global Biodiversity Framework and transition from pledges to actual implementation, especially concerning 2030 targets.
As part of these efforts, Algeria has updated and submitted its national biodiversity strategy and action plan for 2025-2030. This participatory approach led to the identification of 24 national objectives and 93 executive measures, aligning with the global framework. The country has also expanded its network of protected areas to 24 classified sites, encompassing marine, forest, mountain, steppe, and desert ecosystems. Furthermore, Algeria has cataloged over 27,000 living species, comprising 8,500 plant species and 18,000 animal species. Measures are also underway to preserve cultural parks that combine unique environmental diversity with archaeological and historical heritage, extending the national conservation scope by nearly one million square kilometers.
The President also detailed several significant initiatives, including the revival of the "Green Dam" project, covering 4.7 million hectares, designed to act as a natural barrier against desertification, enhance vegetation, and restore ecosystems, while providing economic benefits to local communities. Additionally, Algeria has activated its National Seed Bank to support sustainable agricultural development and food security, and has launched a National Environmental Biodiversity Museum project aimed at showcasing and valuing the nation's natural heritage.
President Tebboune underscored that the credibility of the "Kunming-Montreal" Global Biodiversity Framework is contingent upon its real-world implementation rather than just international declarations. He called for enhanced international solidarity and cooperation, stressing the necessity of adequate financing, capacity building, and technology transfer for developing countries to meet agreed commitments. Algeria reaffirmed its unwavering commitment to the Convention's goals and its global framework, expressing hope for practical outcomes from the conference that would strengthen global cooperation for biodiversity protection and sustainable development.
