The Algerian government has initiated a reforestation program in Béjaïa province to restore forest areas ravaged by fires in 2017. The program, announced by the Conservation des forêts de Béjaïa, aims to replant 330 hectares of forest with various tree species. The reforestation efforts will focus on planting cork oak, Atlas cedar, and green oak. This initiative is part of a broader effort to rehabilitate the province's forest heritage.
The reforestation program will cover ten communes in Béjaïa province, including Beni Maouche, Darguina, Taskriout, Barbacha, El Kseur, Chellata, Boukhelifa, Tizi N'Berber, Melbou, and Beni Ksila. The areas most affected by the 2017 fires were Darguina, El Kseur, and Tizi N'Berber, which lost 85, 50, and 40 hectares of cork oak, respectively. The program aims to restore the forest ecosystem and promote biodiversity in the region.
According to the Conservation des forêts de Béjaïa, the 2017 fires damaged over 5,000 hectares of vegetation, 7,403 fruit trees, 1,713 bales of hay, and 159 beehives. The province's fire protection agency reported 1,246 fires in 2017. The new reforestation program will not only focus on replanting trees but also on conducting sylvicultural work to remove dead and damaged wood.
In addition to the reforestation efforts, the program includes sylvicultural work on 800 hectares to eliminate dead and damaged wood. This work will help prevent further damage and promote healthy forest growth. The authorities have emphasized that areas affected by the 2017 fires require a two-year recovery period to assess the effectiveness of the reforestation efforts.
Unfortunately, the 2023 fire season has already seen significant damage, with over 1,000 hectares of vegetation destroyed by more than 200 fires. The Conservation des forêts de Béjaïa is working to respond to these incidents and prevent further damage. The agency has highlighted the importance of continued efforts to protect and restore the province's forest heritage.
The reforestation program is a significant step towards restoring Béjaïa province's forest ecosystem. The initiative will help promote biodiversity, support local communities, and protect the environment. The program's success will depend on effective implementation and continued support from local authorities and communities.
The Algerian government has emphasized its commitment to protecting and restoring the country's forest heritage. The reforestation program in Béjaïa province is part of a broader effort to address the impacts of climate change and promote sustainable development. The program's outcomes will be closely monitored, and its success will inform future initiatives.
Key points
- Algeria's Béjaïa province to replant 330 hectares of forest damaged by 2017 fires.
- The reforestation program will cover ten communes in Béjaïa province.
- The 2017 fires damaged over 5,000 hectares of vegetation in Béjaïa province.
