Project background
Rachgoun: an Algerian biodiversity hotspot in need of protection
As part of the Mediterranean Action Plan established under the auspices of the United Nations Environment Programme (UNEP), the Specially Protected Areas Regional Activity Centre (SPA/RAC) supports the development of numerous Mediterranean MPAs, from the stage of producing a management plan to implementing it.
The SPA/RAC is working to protect the site of Rachgoun, which is of special significance in Algeria owing to its location and its biological richness. Rachgoun Island is one of the priority areas for intervention identified in Algeria’s first National Action Plan for the creation of protected marine and coastal areas, which was launched by the government’s Environment Ministry in 2002.
In addition, with SPA/RAC support, in 2021 the Ministry launched a process to designate the area around the island as a Protected Area. The two partners worked with stakeholders to produce a classification study for Rachgoun Island MPA, as well as a road map and a management plan.
