Algeria staged an unprecedented day last week when more than one million trees were planted across the country in a massive effort to curb desertification. The campaign, led by the Ministry of Agriculture and the General Directorate of Forests, mobilised authorities, citizens and environmental organisations in all provinces.
The epicentre of the action was in Tizi Ouzou, in the mountainous region of Kabylia, affected in recent years by fires that severely degraded the vegetation cover. Thousands of trees were planted there, combining forest and fruit species adapted to each environment, with the aim of restoring ecosystems and protecting soils from erosion.
The programme included detailed ground preparation, digging of pits, installation of drip irrigation systems and selection of indigenous species. These measures aim to ensure that the new trees will survive in a country where more than 84 % of the territory is desert.
Those responsible for the project stressed that the initiative not only seeks to curb the expansion of the Sahara, but also to rehabilitate areas degraded by recent fires and to strengthen local biodiversity. The campaign covered all cities and provinces, achieving massive citizen participation.
In addition to its environmental impact, the action has an educational and social component, involving students, associations and local communities in nature conservation. This collaboration reinforces awareness of the importance of protecting natural resources in the face of climate change.
With this journey, Algeria takes a significant step towards sustainable reforestation and the creation of green barriers capable of mitigating desertification. The government plans to continue the project by extending vegetation restoration throughout the country in the coming years.
Source: aps.dz; dzair-tube.dz