Reviving Algeria's cork oak forests for a sustainable forestry future

13/11/2025

In the heart of Algeria lies the cork oak forest ecosystem, somewhat of a natural treasure. These forests hold ecological and economic significance, providing both a habitat for a rich variety of biodiversity and crucial resources for local communities. However, they have come under increasing pressure from land degradation, unsustainable harvesting, and socio-economic challenges. Recognizing the need for urgent action, the Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations (FAO) launched the "Rehabilitation and Integrated Sustainable Development of Algerian Cork Oak Forest Production Landscapes" project, also known as the “suberaie project” to restore and sustainably manage these vital ecosystems.

Cork oak forests are a lifeline for rural communities, offering non-wood forest products (NWFPs) such as cork, honey, and mastic that sustain local livelihoods. Yet, years of degradation, erosion, and the impacts of climate change have weakened their productivity and ecological balance. Traditional practices that once maintained harmony between people and nature have been replaced by overexploitation. The project aims to reverse this trend by promoting sustainable forest management and aligning with national priorities, including the Five-Year Growth Plan (2015–2019) and the National Strategy for Land-Use Planning 2030 (SNAT), both of which emphasize the green economy and sustainable land use.

Restoring and managing cork oak forests

The first phase of this ambitious project was steering the sustainable management of cork oak forests through science-based planning and community participation. Local biodiversity censuses and inventories provided a foundation for informed management decisions. Mapping was carried out in three pilot zones: Taourirt Ighil Bejaia, Béni Idder-Jijel, and Hafir Tlemcen, leading to the development of sustainable forest management plans now being implemented with active stakeholder engagement.

Over 400 technicians, association representatives, and local partners have benefited from training sessions, ensuring community ownership and long-term success. By the end of the project, three comprehensive management plans will guide conservation and restoration efforts, supported by workshops at national and regional levels that foster awareness and participation in forest management and biodiversity protection.

Training and capacity building are central to the project’s delivery. In 2025 alone, 13 sessions were organized to strengthen local skills in forest restoration, biodiversity conservation, and the sustainable use of NWFPs. Participants received practical instruction on species identification, biodiversity monitoring, and the use of digital tools for field data collection. Twenty-four tablets equipped with forest management software were distributed to subericole conservations, enabling real-time mapping and monitoring.

Modules in Tlemcen, Béjaia, and Jijel focused on developing sustainable NWFP value chains and improving harvesting practices for cork, medicinal, and aromatic plants. Complementary workshops will promote participatory forest management and introduce training on cooperatives and associations as drivers of green economy initiatives, ensuring that restoration translates into tangible social and economic benefits. 

Local engagement has been key to the project’s success, with communities taking an active role in restoring and managing their forests. As Ms Sabah Linda, a member of the association La Femme Rurale in the Taourirt Ighil pilot area, Wilaya of Bejaia, explains: “Thanks to the Suberaie project, we have rediscovered the value of our forests. They are no longer just a place of work, but a living heritage that we are learning to manage and protect together.”

Creating sustainable value and measurable impact

To ensure that forest conservation delivers tangible economic and social benefits, the project’s second component focuses on strengthening value chains for priority NWFPs while promoting inclusive, sustainable livelihoods. Efforts are underway to establish 60 small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) and community-based organizations (CBOs) that will derive income from the responsible commercialization of products such as cork, honey, and mastic. At least 40 percent of these will be women-led, advancing gender equality and empowering women entrepreneurs. Local operators and companies are being trained and supported to improve production, marketing, and governance capacities. Initiatives include implementing traceability systems to ensure product quality and sustainability, and introducing labelling and certification tools that add market value and foster consumer trust in sustainably sourced goods.

Despite delays caused by administrative challenges and the COVID-19 pandemic, the project has achieved notable progress. By completion, it will have improved management practices across 18 530 ha of unprotected landscapes and 4 000 ha of protected areas. The establishment and strengthening of 60 SMEs and CBOs will directly contribute to local economic growth, job creation, and sustainable livelihoods. Through extensive outreach, capacity-building, and community engagement, the project continues to embed sustainable forest management practices at the local level, ensuring that the conservation of forest ecosystems goes hand in hand with inclusive economic development and long-term environmental stewardship.

Scaling up success

The third component of the project focuses on scaling up the successful models and practices developed in the pilot zones to the entire cork oak forest ecosystem in Algeria. The project has standardized work methodologies for mapping and management, ensuring consistency and effectiveness across all forest sites. Efforts are underway to establish political and technical mechanisms that support the broader implementation of best practices. This includes developing a scaling-up strategy based on rigorous monitoring, evaluation, and knowledge management.

As the project moves forward, it continues to pave the way for a sustainable future where Algeria's cork oak forests thrive alongside resilient communities. By combining ecological restoration with socio-economic development, this initiative is protecting a critical ecosystem while empowering the people who depend on it. The project demonstrates the power of collaborative, well-planned interventions in reversing environmental degradation and fostering sustainable development. Through dedicated efforts and strategic partnerships, Algeria's cork oak forests are on a promising path to recovery and prosperity.