Le rôle de la société civile dans la protection de l’environnement, thème d’une journée scientifique à Alger
Environmental Protection and Public Health: A Collaborative Approach
On Tuesday, the National Agency for Health Security in Algiers hosted a scientific day focused on the theme "Civil Society: A Key Player in Environmental Protection, Exploring the Links Between the Environment and Well-Being." This event highlighted the necessity of engaging all stakeholders to address emerging environmental challenges.
Key Insights from the Event
Professor Kamel Sanhadji, the president of the National Agency for Health Security, underscored that the environmental issue transcends mere technical aspects, framing it as a civilizational and humanitarian concern involving health, social, economic, and cultural dimensions. He believed that sustainable development cannot be achieved without a healthy environment that ensures a dignified life for all, especially future generations.
Sanhadji emphasized the agency’s openness to collaborating with various actors, including state institutions, research centers, and civil society. He pointed out that health security is a collective responsibility encompassing all facets of life, aligning with the strategic orientations set out by President Abdelmadjid Tebboune.
The meeting was described as a participatory pause to revisit the vital relationship between humans and their environment, amidst updated health data and the growing climate challenges affecting population health and society at large. Sanhadji called for intensified international efforts to reduce greenhouse gas emissions and highlighted the critical goal of achieving carbon neutrality by 2050.
The Role of the Environment in Public Health
In her remarks, Environment and Quality of Life Minister Nadjiba Djilali stressed her department’s focus on environmental security as a fundamental pillar of health security. She emphasized efforts to reduce pollution, promote a circular economy, and protect biodiversity while facilitating the ecological transition of society and the national economy.
Djilali elaborated on the nationwide strategy to confront environmental challenges, underlining the important role of civil society in achieving these goals through collective and participatory actions.
Claudia Ammassari, the UN Resident Coordinator in Algeria, acknowledged the commitment of UN agencies to collaborate with Algeria in achieving the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), ensuring a healthy environment, and combating climate change impacts.
Ahmed Malha, representing the National Observatory of Civil Society, expressed hope that the meeting would foster promising avenues for implementing cooperation agreements that recognize the positive role of civil society in overall development.
Partnerships for Environmental and Health Synergy
A significant outcome of the event was the signing of a partnership and cooperation agreement between the National Agency for Health Security and the Ministry of Environment and Quality of Life. This agreement focuses on preventing environmental risks that impact health, exchanging data and expertise, implementing innovative research programs, and launching awareness campaigns for civil society.
Additionally, a partnership was forged between the agency and the Algerian Space Agency (ASAL) to utilize remote sensing technology for health risk monitoring, create environmental mapping, and track factors influencing disease spread. This collaboration aims to identify healthcare facility locations and enhance medical team distribution and equipment deployment.
Conclusion
The day served as a reminder of the interconnectedness of environmental health and public well-being, emphasizing the collective action needed from various stakeholders, including civil society, governmental bodies, and international organizations. By fostering partnerships and adopting a comprehensive strategy, Algeria aims to tackle environmental challenges while safeguarding public health for present and future generations.
