Launching of an ICZM Strategy for Algeria

On January 25, a meeting to launch the national ICZM strategy for Algeria and the Réghaia coastal plan was held at the premises of the Algerian Ministry of Land-use Planning and Environment (MATE) in Algiers. The meeting, which was organized by MATE with the support of PAP/RAC and UNESCO-IHP, was attended by more than 50 participants including representatives of national, regional and local authorities, as well as representatives of national associations and organizations concerned with the Algerian coastal zone.

The meeting included presentations, which were followed by a vivid discussion where all stakeholders expressed their point of view on the main problems and issues. The participants concluded that the problems identified in Réghaia are actually relevant to the entire Algerian coastal zone and expressed their interest in starting from a pilot project covering a restricted perimeter to extrapolate on a wider zone. It was also noted that although several projects had been realized in the coastal zone of Réghaia in the last years, the site was not yet treated as its fragility required.

Furthermore, an operational meeting was organised with representatives of the teams of the two activities. Sectoral consultants were identified, the road map was agreed and the role of the partners defined. Finally, it was decided that the teams of the Plan and the Strategy meet regularly to secure integration throughout the process.