Khaberni - The afforestation campaign that took place across various provinces of Algeria, yesterday, Saturday, exceeded its aim of planting more than one million trees in just 24 hours, among wide turnout and notable participation from the citizens and local agencies.
Tens of thousands of Algerians participated between Saturday and Sunday in a afforestation campaign aimed at planting one million trees, initiated by an internet influencer and supported by the authorities, according to local media.
Fouad Maalla, the founder of the "Green by the will of Allah" initiative, which lasted a day, expressed his delight at "the huge response from the Algerians," adding in media statements "we will prepare to plant even more next time." Associations, families, and officials also participated in the campaign.
Participant Farida Issa (61 years old) said she came "accompanied by all family members and even the children, to instill in them a spirit of perseverance and love for nature, and the importance of planting trees, for a greener Algeria."
Mohamed Bou Shaqor (50 years old) wants "to leave this legacy for our children from the next generation," expressing his regret that "the climate of Algeria in the past was characterized by humidity, but with time, we have started to live in a semi-arid climate."
For several years, Maalla, the president of the "Green Algeria" association, has been investing his savings in achieving his dream of planting one million trees, to combat desert expansion and beautify Algerian cities.
The activist, who enjoys about one million followers online, was accompanied by the Minister of Agriculture Yasin Walid, on Saturday, at the start of planting 1,400 cork trees in Oumalou Forest in Tizi Ouzou province (Eastern Algeria).
1.3 Million Trees
More than 1.3 million trees were planted during the national afforestation campaign organized by the Ministry of Agriculture, Rural Development, and Fisheries, according to the general director of forests, Jamal Tahariya, who reported this today, Sunday.
Tahariya explained, in a meeting with the Algerian Radio, that this national campaign, organized in collaboration with the "Green Algeria" association, exceeded the set goal of one million trees, reaching a total of 1.39 million trees of various types, including fruit trees such as olive, pistachio, and carob trees, in line with the geographical nature of each region.
This number was achieved thanks to the great contribution of the community in all its segments, according to the general director who pointed out that the intense traffic in many planting points led to the use of additional spaces.
In this regard, Tahariya called on all concerned, especially the civil society, to monitor the planting points through regular watering of the shrubs, to ensure their growth and thus the actual success of the campaign.
After highlighting the importance of this campaign in expanding forest areas and rehabilitating burned areas and combating desertification, the general director of forests noted that the campaign will continue until March 21st next year.
"The Green Dam" Project
Regarding afforestation activities in the Green Dam, Tahariya clarified that the latest data shows that 26,000 hectares have been afforested, with a success rate of about 98%, thanks to the combined efforts of various parties involved and the assistance of specialists in the field.
