SONATRACH, General Directorate of Forests Sign MoU for Creation of Certified Carbon Sinks

BY: Dr. Hana Saada

Algiers, Algeria | December 11th, 2024 — In a move to bolster environmental sustainability, SONATRACH, Algeria’s state-owned oil and gas company, has signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with the General Directorate of Forests to launch a major forest project aimed at creating certified natural carbon sinks. This agreement, which underscores SONATRACH’s dedication to its climate strategy, was formalized today at Mount Chenoua shooting range, in the wilaya of Tipaza, coinciding with the celebration of the December 11th, 1960 demonstrations and the International Mountains Day.

The signing ceremony was attended by key figures including SONATRACH’s Chairman and Chief Executive Officer, Mr. Rachid Hachichi; the Wali of Tipaza, Mr. Ali Moulaï; Mr. Abdelkrim Aouissi, Secretary General of the Ministry of Energy, Mines, and Renewable Energies; Mr. Hamid Bensaad, Secretary General of the Ministry of Agriculture, Rural Development, and Fisheries; as well as Mr. Rachid Nadi, President of the Hydrocarbon Regulation Authority (ARH). Also present were representatives from several ministries, national and international organizations, and UN entities.

This initiative aligns with SONATRACH’s broader climate strategy, which seeks to strike a balance between the greenhouse gas emissions generated by its activities and the natural carbon sinks capable of absorbing them. The project will contribute to reducing the company’s carbon footprint and generating carbon credits.

The ambitious project, which spans a 10-year timeline, will be rolled out in close cooperation with the General Directorate of Forests, covering a total area of 520,000 hectares across Algeria. It will involve the planting of more than 423 million tree seedlings, with 300 million dedicated to afforestation and reforestation, 120 million for the rehabilitation of degraded forest landscapes, and 3 million for agroforestry development. As part of the implementation, SONATRACH’s affiliate, the Agro-alimentary Activity (3A), will oversee the execution of the project.

The first phase of the project will consist of a two-year pilot phase, designed to provide the involved stakeholders with the necessary expertise in managing this type of environmental initiative. This will include mastering the processes of registration, certification, and the generation of carbon credits, ensuring that the project meets the highest standards in environmental sustainability.

The scale and scope of this project extend far beyond the environmental benefits. It is also expected to provide substantial social and economic advantages, including supporting local farmers, creating new job opportunities, and enhancing biodiversity by diversifying forest species. With its broad impact, this initiative exemplifies SONATRACH’s commitment to contributing to both Algeria’s environmental preservation and the well-being of its people.

This project stands as a testament to Algeria’s ongoing efforts to combat climate change while fostering economic growth and social stability through responsible and sustainable practices.

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