Algiers 2006: Chosen theme: Deserts and Desertification
Algiers was chosen to host World Environment Day in 2006. They wanted to focus on the subject of deserts and desertification. The Sahara covers much of the country. The continued arid conditions mean the desert is encroaching onto the narrow strip of land in which the majority of the population live. As hosts, they wanted to draw attention to the threat to all arid regions, and gain recognition for their efforts to prevent the expansion of the desert. The impact of climate change varies by region. Arid regions like Algeria are likely to see even more prolonged dry periods with extreme heat. Preventing further desertification will become even harder.
A Brief Look at Algeria
Algeria is a large, predominantly Muslim country located on the north coast of Africa. Most of its 44.5 million population live on the Mediterranean coast, while four fifths of the country is part of the Sahara desert. Algiers is the capital and chief seaport of the country. It is the economic centre and hosts the University of Algiers. Through history it has been ruled by many different civilisations, including Romans, Berbers, Ottomans and French, which is reflected in much of its architecture.
Cultivated land is limited to the northern fringe of the country. Irregular rainfall makes it harder for farmers to maximise yield from crops on the land available. Construction of dams has helped irrigation, but the low rainfall is not sufficient to keep up with the increasing urban and industrial demands as well as agriculture. With the need to feed a growing population, desertification is an important factor. An attempt to build a “green barrier” of forest to stop further encroachment north of the Sahara in1970s and 80s had only limited success.
Algeria has been heavily in the news in August 2021, because of extensive wildfires, and the public unrest leading to an innocent man being linched when they thought he had started the fire. He had travelled to the area specifically to help fighting the blaze.
Ideas for Further Study
Find out more about how Algeria shared the threat of desertification in 2006 here.
- Why is this theme important to the host city/country?
- Why is the theme important in averting the climate crisis and supporting environmental sustainability?
- How did they raise awareness of its importance?
- What actions arose from this? Is the world in a better place because of it?
- What more might they have done with today’s knowledge?