Mediterranean Coast Day 2024 celebration in Algeria
The event brought together over 160 key stakeholders in Annaba, including high-level policymakers, environmental experts, and civil society representatives. By showcasing the achievements of women across the region, the celebration underscored how local and international efforts led by women are vital to the future of Mediterranean coastlines.
Abdelkader Djeallaoui, Wali of the Wilaya of Annaba, expressed his pride in hosting such a significant event in this historic coastal city. He stressed Algeria’s commitment to coastal preservation, citing the 2002 Law on Integrated Coastal Zone Management (ICZM). "This law has been essential in raising awareness of the need to protect our coastline from degradation and preserve its rich biodiversity," he noted. "This year's theme is particularly relevant. Women play an indispensable role in safeguarding the beauty and purity of our coastlines, and this event brings their valuable contributions to the forefront."
Daria Povh Škugor, Director of the Priority Actions Programme Regional Activity Centre (PAP/RAC), reinforced this message by stating - “This celebration is not just about our shared coastlines, but also about recognizing the essential role that women play in its sustainable development,”. The PAP/RAC Director emphasized the connection between gender equality and societal progress, noting, "Making progress in gender equality also means making progress to achieve a peaceful and prosperous society, which is vital for our region."
She also touched on Algeria’s ongoing work under the MedProgramme, funded by the Global Environment Facility (GEF), highlighting vulnerability studies in El Tarf and Mostaganem, aimed at improving women’s quality of life in these regions. "The insights from this study will not only benefit local communities but also provide recommendations that can be replicated in other Mediterranean countries," the PAP/RAC Director explained.
Celebrating women's leadership in coastal sustainability
A key highlight of the event was the recognition of Samira Hamidi, Secretary General of the Environment and Renewable Energy of Algeria, as the Ambassador of the Mediterranean Coast 2024. In her acceptance speech, Hamidi, a former
PAP/RAC Focal Point for Algeria, emphasized the long-term importance of women’s involvement in environmental efforts. "Protecting and preserving the Mediterranean coastline is both a critical issue and a significant challenge for future generations of women," she noted. During the panel session, "Women’s voices in Algeria," Hamidi underscored the importance of concrete actions and thematic projects for women across the Mediterranean, empowering them to foster and engage in sustainable practices.
Women’s cooperatives in Algeria were also celebrated for their active role in promoting eco-friendly initiatives. Several women’s organizations, supported by the Conservatoire National des Formations à l'Environnement (CNFE), showcased their efforts, emphasizing how local communities contribute to preserving natural and cultural heritage for future generations.
The event also featured a theatrical performance and an exhibition that reflected this year's theme, showcasing the power of arts and creativity in engaging with environmental issues.
#WomensWave Campaign: Success stories
As part of the online Mediterranean Coast Day 2024 campaign with the slogan "#WomensWave for Coastal Sustainability in the Mediterranean," an online call was launched inviting women actively involved in coastal and marine conservation, climate change adaptation, and other environmental issues in the Mediterranean to share their stories - and showcase how they are driving positive change in their coastal communities.
Follow us on LinkedIn, X, Instagram, and Facebook to discover their inspiring stories from across the region, and beyond, reflecting their their profound passion for creating a greener future.
About the project
The Mediterranean Sea Programme (MedProgramme), funded by the Global Environment Facility (GEF) and launched in 2020, is dedicated to 'Enhancing Environmental Security' across ten countries: Albania, Algeria, Bosnia and Herzegovina, Egypt, Lebanon, Libya, Montenegro, Morocco, Tunisia, and Turkey. Led by the UNEP/Mediterranean Action Plan (MAP) with support from UNEP and the European Bank for Reconstruction and Development (EBRD), the MedProgramme collaborates with reputable partners such as UNESCO/IHP, European Investment Bank (EIB), IUCN Med, GWP Med, WWF Med, Plan Bleu, PAP/RAC, SCP/RAC, and SPA/RAC.
This initiative aims to alleviate major transboundary environmental stresses in coastal regions while bolstering climate resilience, ensuring water security, and enhancing the well-being of coastal communities. Emphasizing gender mainstreaming, the MedProgramme strives for equitable environmental management that benefits both women and men.
Building upon previous endeavors like the MedPartnership, ClimVar, and Integrated Coastal Zone Management (ICZM) GEF projects, the MedProgramme leverages enriched knowledge and understanding of the Mediterranean environment. It comprises eight Child Projects designed to deliver complementary outcomes, aligned with the priorities identified in the Transboundary Diagnostic Analysis (TDA) for the Mediterranean Sea. A detailed list of all Child Projects and the executing partners is available on the UNEP/MAP website.
The Mediterranean Coast Day celebration is an integral component of Child Project 2.1 titled “Mediterranean Coastal Zones: Water Security, Climate Resilience and Habitat Protection”. The project is executed by PAP/RAC, the Regional Activity Centre of the United Nations Environment Programme’s Mediterranean Action Plan (UNEP/MAP), which supports Mediterranean countries on their path towards sustainable coastal development. With the backing of UNEP/MAP, the Centre has incorporated gender equality as a core component across all its activities, including the implementation of Child Project 2.1 under the GEF MedProgramme framework.
For more information, contact Tea Marasović: [ tea.marasovic@paprac.org].
Words by Tea Marasović.
