BIODIVAL 2025 -EN

Discovery of the coastline of the Wilaya of Ain Témouchent
A visit was carried out along the western coast of the wilaya (from Beni-Saf, at the Ain Témouchent–Tlemcen border, to Ouardania–Oulhaca).
Sites visited: Sidi Bouchekfa, where participants observed a variety of coastal landforms and discussed the interactions between these landforms and their effects on the structure, organization, and functioning of marine and coastal biodiversity. They also observed former caves of the Mediterranean monk seal Monachus monachus, a species that has completely disappeared from the Algerian coastline and much of the Mediterranean.

At the site of Djorf El Zouanif, the workshop participants explored low coastal cliffs where the effects of erosion are particularly striking. On-site explanations were provided regarding the impact of swells, wind, and, more broadly, marine circulation and dynamics, as well as the evolution of urbanization indicators.
In the afternoon, the BIODIVAL 3 group visited the eastern sector of the wilaya, with observations of low beaches at El Puits Beach. Zohir, the cultural guide, provided valuable historical insights about the area and its importance in the region’s development.
At Oued El Halouf, the guide outlined the history of the beach and emphasized the influence of coastal constructions on shoreline dynamics.

At the Terga site, participants observed a significant dune cordon currently in a state of degradation due to development that is incompatible with ecological requirements. On site, the BIODIVAL 3 group noted that the main sediment supply sources for the beach appear insufficient. Explanations were given about dune cordon rehabilitation techniques, the selection of the most suitable halophytic species for dune resilience, and several related initiatives undertaken in Algeria, notably by the National Coastal Commission.
Further explanations were also provided by the guide regarding the evolution of Oued El Maleh (Rio Salado).

The last site visited was the port of Bouzedjar, where explanations were provided on fishing activities, fishing professions, fishing zones, and the construction and development of fishing ports.

Day supervised by:
Prof. Grimes Samir, Prof. Mezouar Khoudir, Dr. Dahmani Abd El Alim,
Doctoral student Challal Yahia, and cultural guide Zohir.

Report prepared by students:
Dahak Feriel and Benamane Mohamed Abderrahmane.

Discovery of Rechgoun Island (Leyla) and Citizen Awareness and Cleanup Action

Welcomed by the director of the EPIC managing the Rechgoun Marine Protected Area (MPA), participants of the 3rd edition of BIODIVAL were divided into three diving groups supervised by divers from the PARADIVE Club. ENSSMAL students carried out a seabed cleanup operation organized by the Rechgoun EPIC, which was also joined, for the terrestrial part, by local environmental protection associations and local representatives of the wilaya. The main objective was to clean both the seabed and the land area through waste collection and to raise participants’ awareness of marine ecosystem conservation.

This activity was followed by a presentation from the director of the Rechgoun MPA EPIC, detailing the history of the site’s designation and the process undertaken by the wilaya of Ain Témouchent to make it Algeria’s first MPA with a management entity and consultative and deliberative bodies.

A cultural visit, guided by Zohir, the cultural guide, included a presentation on the history of the region and Rechgoun Island: Phoenician trading posts, Punic remains, necropolises, Roman period, and the Portus Sigensis during the French colonial period. The history of the Kingdom of Siga and its emperor Syphax was explained, including the itinerary of Antoninus that mentions the port. Several historical events were highlighted, particularly the Punic War and the reconciliation meeting organized by Syphax between two enemy generals, one Roman and one Carthaginian.

The visit to the lighthouse was a remarkable moment. Although in a state of advanced degradation, the Rechgoun Island lighthouse remains a witness to nearly two centuries of the island’s recent history. Its remarkable architecture, strategic location, and role in navigation should encourage public authorities to restore its status as an advanced observation post on the Algerian west coast and, at the same time, as a premier cultural and tourist center.

In the evening, an introduction to Geographic Information Systems (GIS) was conducted by Chalal Yahia. This session highlighted the importance of GIS as a decision-support tool, particularly for the management and monitoring of marine protected areas, through mapping natural habitats and assessing anthropogenic pressures for planning conservation and management measures.

Day supervised by:
EPIC Management of Rechgoun Island, cultural guide Zohir, PARADIVE Club staff, Chalal Yahia, Grimes Samir, Mezouar Khoudir, Dahmani Abdelalim.

Report prepared by students:
BELHADJI Issam and BELLACHE Massina