Algerian Prime Minister allows destroying 17 km of El Kala preserve

Algerian Prime Minister Abdelaziz Belkhadem said there would be no change in Algeria’s East-West motorway which would pass through 17 km of El Kala national park.The Prime Minister who listened to the members of the National Association for the National Park Protection on April 29 said the project would not have any negative impacts on the environment neither would it pose a danger to El Kala natural preserve.

In July 2007, Algerian public works minister Ammar Ghoul promised to study proposals presented by environment defenders in terms of the motorway.

Ammar Goul has recently said the topic would be concretised after it had been discussed and approved.

He believes that the road will not touch forests and will help in avoiding forest fires as intervention would be easier.

In this regard, the National Association for El Kala park decided to meet Algerian President Abdelaziz Bouteflika.

El Kala park contains 850 utilitarian plant types known for biological diversity. That represents 32 percent of different plant types in Algeria. It also includes around 70 types of rare birds and constitutes a breeding place for many species of migratory birds.

How is the park a natural preserve?

According to the decree which defines national parks, the law insists on the obligation of protecting animals, plants and land as well as weather, water and mine. In general, it stipulates the protection of every natural environment of special utility.

Laws insist on the necessity of knowing and developing all nature-related entertainment and sport activities. Concerned officials and administrations must set up touristy facilities in surrounding areas.