14.2.1. Fresh-water ecosystems (community outreach)
In 2024, the University of Souk Ahras hosted a series of academic and outreach events including study days, conferences, and seminars, focused on freshwater ecosystems. These initiatives targeted both university members and broader audiences from local and national communities, aiming to foster awareness and scientific engagement around water-related environmental issues.
14.2.2. Sustainable fisheries (community outreach)
Participation of Dr. Ouali Noual, representing the Department of Biology at University of Souk Ahras, in the sensitization day for microenterprises in the field of aquaculture, which was held today at the Aounallah Mohamed Professional Training Centre in Al-Merahna, with third-year aquaculture students.
The activities of the advisory day on the development of family farming in border areas – with aquaculture as a model – commenced on the morning of Thursday, February 1, 2024, in the border municipality of Sidi Fredj. The event was organized by the Directorate of Fisheries and Aquaculture of the Wilaya of Guelma, the Directorate of Agricultural Services, the Agricultural Chamber of the Wilaya of Souk Ahras, the Chamber of Fisheries and Aquaculture of Guelma, in coordination with the Directorate of Vocational Training and Education, and with the participation of professors from the Faculty of Nature and Life Sciences (University of Souk Ahras).
14.2.3. Overfishing (community outreach)
On February 13–14, 2024, Souk Ahras University organized open days to celebrate World Wetlands Day under the theme “Wetlands of Souk Ahras – A Treasure to Discover.” The event featured lectures, workshops, and field activities involving university staff, local authorities, environmental organizations, and students. Key stakeholders included the Forest Conservation Authority, Environment Directorate, Fisheries and Aquaculture representatives, and MedWet.
Educational sessions were also held for schoolchildren, and a training day on cartography was offered to researchers and students. The initiative reflects the university’s commitment to raising awareness about freshwater ecosystems and combating illegal, unreported, and unregulated (IUU) fishing and destructive fishing practices through community-based environmental education.
14.3.1. Conservation and sustainable utilisation of the oceans (events)
Working session – Laboratory of Aquatic and Terrestrial Environmental Media
On February 14, 2024, a working session was held in the laboratory of aquatic and terrestrial environmental media with Mr. Jaballah Marwan, a staff member at the National Center for Fishing and Aquaculture Research in Skikda, where the mechanism of shrimp farming in freshwater was discussed.
14.3.2. Food from aquatic ecosystems (policies): No
14.3.3. Maintain ecosystems and their biodiversity (direct work)
As part of its institutional commitment to biodiversity conservation, the university actively engages in initiatives aimed at preserving and enhancing ecosystems under threat. This includes the participation of faculty members in events commemorating the International Day for Biological Diversity (May 22nd), where they contribute through scientific outreach, awareness campaigns, and collaborative dialogue with environmental stakeholders. These efforts reflect the university’s role in supporting both research and community engagement to protect plant and animal biodiversity at risk.
14.3.4. Technologies towards aquatic ecosystem damage prevention (direct work)
The University of Souk Ahras was engaged in the development of technologies that were designed to prevent damage to the aquatic ecosystem in 2022.
14.4.1. Water discharge guidelines and standards
Researchers at University of Souk Ahras consistently engage in scientific research and actively contribute to the implementation of water quality standards in collaboration with the university’s partners in the field. These efforts aim to enhance water quality as a fundamental pillar for safeguarding ecosystems, preserving wildlife, and promoting human health and well-being.
14.4.2. Action plan to reducing plastic waste
The Lina Association organized a study day on waste valorization under the slogan “Our Economy in Our Container” at the Tahar Wattar Cultural Center. This study day was inaugurated by the head of the Souk Ahras district on behalf of the governor of the province, with the participation of the Technical Landfill Institution, the Environment Directorate, the Public Institution for Cleanliness and Urban Improvement of Souk Ahras Province, and the University of Souk Ahras from the Faculty of Nature and Life Sciences “Specialization in Environment and Surroundings.” The event was attended by representatives of the executive authority, the Souk Ahras neighborhood cell, the microcredit representative, civil society activists, and a group of students and young people interested in the topic.
This meeting featured a presentation by Dr. Djouamaa Abdelkader on recycling containers in the university of Souk Ahras environment to achieve zero waste.
14.4.3. Reducing marine pollution (policy)
The University of Souk Ahras has conducted research and activities that reduce environmental disturbances in aquatic ecosystems as part of the agreement between the Directorate of Fisheries and Aquaculture in Annaba and the University of Souk Ahras
14.5.1. Minimizing alteration of aquatic ecosystems (plan)
Before 2024, the University of Souk Ahras conducted scientific research aimed at reducing chemical, physical, and biological changes in aquatic ecosystems.
It also adopted a plan to minimise physical, chemical and/or biological alterations of related aquatic ecosystems
14.5.2. Monitoring the health of aquatic ecosystems
The University of Souk Ahras actively undertakes research initiatives aimed at monitoring and preserving aquatic ecosystems. In parallel, it offers a range of academic and professional programs dedicated to this field, reinforcing its commitment to environmental stewardship and capacity building.
14.5.3. Programmes towards good aquatic stewardship practices
The University of Souk Ahras has implemented programs to promote equitable water use and appropriate water practices by establishing an agreement with the Directorate of Water Resources of Souk Ahras province.
14.5.4. Collaboration for shared aquatic ecosystems
In order to safeguard shared aquatic ecosystems, the University of Souk Ahras entered into an agreement with the Algerian Water Production Unit – Ain Dalia – Souk Ahras.
14.5.5. Watershed management strategy
Since its founding in 2010, the University of Souk Ahras’ Laboratory of Water Sciences and Environmental Technology has conducted research to create aquatic biodiversity-based watershed management plans.
University of Souk Ahras was engaged in the development of a watershed management strategy prior to 2020.