Environmental Memory Committee Holds Second Session in Algiers
Algeria's Inter-Ministerial Committee for Environmental Memory recently held its second session in Algiers, continuing efforts to document French colonial crimes against the environment and people. The initiative aims to compile a scientific and historical file on ecological violations using evidence and testimonies.
The second session of Algeria's Inter-Ministerial Committee for Environmental Memory recently convened in Algiers, overseen by Minister of Environment and Quality of Life, Kouther Krikou, and Minister of Mujahideen and Rights Holders, Abdelmalek Tachrifte. Held under the slogan "Environmental Memory... Land Bears Witness and Crimes Are Documented," the meeting saw the participation of the State Minister, Dean of the Grand Mosque of Algiers, Sheikh Dr. Mohamed El Maamoun El Kacimi El Hassani, alongside representatives from relevant national bodies and institutions. This session marked a continuation of the national project dedicated to addressing colonial environmental memory, coinciding with the 72nd anniversary of the Glorious Liberation Revolution.
Minister Krikou affirmed that the environmental memory project's primary objective is to meticulously document the French colonial crimes committed against both the environment and its inhabitants. This comprehensive effort relies on scientific evidence and historical testimonies to unveil the extent of damage caused by chemical weapons, nuclear explosions, landmines, and the scorched earth policy that targeted national ecosystems. The committee is also focusing on the devastating effects of napalm bombs, which led to the destruction of vegetation cover and significant ecological imbalance.
During the session, Minister Krikou presented the interim results of laboratory analyses conducted at several environmentally damaged sites. These analyses are crucial for identifying the precise nature of the harm and scientifically documenting its impacts. The overall initiative is part of a national drive to prepare a robust scientific and historical file, aiming to definitively prove colonial violations against Algeria's environment and ecosystems, and to underscore the colonizer's responsibility in light of international conventions and agreements concerning environmental protection.
