Algeria on track with project to plant 420 MILLION trees in decarbonisation drive

Algeria is embarking on a project to plant 420 MILLION trees as part of the government’s decarbonisation and reforestation plans.

The North African country is made up of over 80% desert, falling within the Sahara.

The large-scale reforestation initiative is spearheaded and financed by state-owned oil and gas company Sonatrach.

The energy giant signed a contract with the Directorate-General of Forests in December 2024.

The project is reported to cost upwards of R17 billion ($1 billion), with the trees to be planted in various stages across multiple regions over the next decade.

It's part of the Algerian government's wider push to combat climate change and promote sustainability and is billed as the first natural carbon capture project in the region.

The project is also aimed at supporting the government's goal to promote sustainable development by integrating local communities into forest management and agroforestry practices.

'We are pinning high hopes on this unique forestation project to protect our environment', said Sonatrach's Mustafa bin Amara.

Algeria's goa is to increase the share of renewable energy to nearly 30% of its total energy mix by 2035, reports Maghreb Insider.

In addition to the tree-planting initiative, it is advancing its green hydrogen ambitions and has sought international cooperation to help reach its clean energy targets.