Algeria launches national reforestation campaign to plant 1.2 million trees

Algeria has launched a major reforestation initiative following devastating summer wildfires. Djamel Touahria, Director General of Forests, announced a national program to plant approximately 1.2 million trees during the 2026-2027 season.

A significant portion of this effort will focus on the Jijel province, which was among the hardest-hit regions during recent fires that caused at least twelve deaths across the country. The reforestation project in the Soumaâ area aims to plant 25,000 trees across 18 communes, involving citizens, civil society, the national army, and civil protection services.

To support local economies and nutrition, the forestry department is prioritizing species such as olive, chestnut, and carob trees. This environmental recovery follows recent legislative moves by deputies to introduce the death penalty for those found guilty of intentional forest fires.