The Ministry of Agriculture, Rural Development, and Fisheries of Algeria, through the General Directorate of Forestry (DGF), celebrated World Wetlands Day by organizing an official national event on Sunday, 2 February, at the Djorf Torba reservoir in the Wilaya of Bechar. The event, held under the theme ‘Protecting Wetlands for Our Common Future’, aimed to highlight and valorize wetlands in the southern regions, such as those in Bechar.

The event brought together national officials from the General Directorate of Forestry, representatives of the Wilaya of Béchar and from various sectors, as well as foreign experts. Chris Rostron, MedWet Coordinator, participated alongside guests from WWF North Africa, the United Nations Development Programme (UNDP), the Mediterranean Wetlands Observatory, and others. Local school children also joined the celebration, participating in a drawing competition.

The Djorf Torba reservoir, which had been dry for several years, is now full after an unprecedented 105 mm of rain fell over two days in January—equivalent to the region’s typical annual rainfall. While the rain replenished the reservoir, it caused significant infrastructure damage, including washed-away sections of roads. These impacts highlight the increasing frequency and severity of extreme weather events due to climate change. Properly managed wetlands and river basins can help mitigate or significantly reduce such devastating events.

The Djorf Torba reservoir

MedWet continues to work towards promoting wetland protection and restoration across the region by sharing best practices, fostering partnerships, and developing impactful projects. Working closely with the Anis Guelmami and the Mediterranean Wetland Observatory, we are also preparing to share the results of the third Mediterranean Outlook, which will be launched this year.

Chris Rostron (MedWet) with Nadjiba Bendjedda (DGF) and Anis Guelmami (Mediterranean Wetlands Observatory)

Watch Chris Rostron (MedWet), Nadjiba Bendjedda (DGF), and Anis Guelmami (Mediterranean Wetlands Observatory) share their insights on the World Wetlands Day celebration in Algeria.