Perception of ICZM: analysis of the socioeconomic and environmental vulnerability of the coastal zone of skikda province

The work we have accomplished in the coastal area of the province is a pilot project that allowed for the first-ever analysis of the socio-environmental vulnerability of this coastal zone. This exercise was not easy because it required a significant amount of data and covered various sectors. In order to achieve our objective, we had to make a choice regarding the vulnerability segments we considered. Based on the data context, we focused on the dimensions of coastal erosion, pollution, ecology (including species and habitats of remarkable or high ecological value), socio-economic aspects (including tourism, agriculture, industry), as well as urbanization and population. The combination of all these parameters allowed us to create an initial assessment of the socio-environmental vulnerability of the coastal area in the province of Skikda. Among the major results obtained from this final research project, we identified the risks posed by anthropogenic activities, particularly those related to industrial and petrochemical zones. Additionally, the combination of these risks with overexploitation or fishing activities in habitats of significant ecological value became evident. It is clear that areas with high ecological value, such as El Marsa and the Collo Peninsula, both in marine and terrestrial aspects, face increasing risks. Urgent and concrete measures need to be implemented to prevent the potential loss of species and habitats. In this regard, the establishment of a marine protected area in L'Edough, covering a large part of the western region of Annaba, the eastern part of El Marsa, as well as the coastal and marine protected area in the Collo Peninsula, form part of the response to reduce the vulnerability of the coastal zone in the Skikda province. These marine and coastal protected areas will help establish the necessary conditions and regulations to manage human activities, particularly fishing and various sources of marine pollution. Another important element for reducing this vulnerability is the implementation of measures to control urbanization, which is accompanied by the discharge of industrial and domestic wastewater. Furthermore, the artificialization and change in land use in coastal municipalities will impact the ecological balance in the coastal zone of the province. This work provided us with a comprehensive overview, but we believe that further refinement is necessary, especially to better understand the overall vulnerability by integrating the dimensions of climate change, marine submersion, and sea-level rise. Another research project focusing on these aspects is currently underway at the school.