My trip to Algeria, Africa’s largest country by landmass, focused on Algeria's efforts to protect the environment, and in particular, its plans to transform the country using renewable energy. It is great to see countries where oil and gas are the foundation of the economy, look to renewables to power growth! I was delighted to meet leaders including the Prime Minister Mr. Ahmed Ouyahia, Mr. Abdelkader Messahel, Minister of Foreign Affairs, and Ms. Fatma Zohra Zerouati, Minister of Environment and Renewable Energy.
I also signed a memorandum of understanding to support key environmental challenges facing the country including waste management, renewable energy for rural communities, and natural resource management and livelihoods for local communities. I was excited to also visit the Oued Smar park, once a landfill, transformed into a park. Outstanding!
UN Environment will continue to support the Algerian Government’ efforts in line with its waste management, resource efficient and sustainable production and consumption programme of work.
