CHAPTER IV
Results & Discussion
93
IV.4. Coastal vulnerability of Skikda
The analysis of the socio-environmental vulnerability map (figure 54) of the Skikda province
is a combination of marine and coastal ecological values with pressures from degradation and
pollution sources.
This analysis shows that the entire coastal area of the Skikda province is vulnerable on a socioenvironmental level. The level of vulnerability varies from one area to another, depending on
the level of risk and the existence of marine and coastal ecological heritage in the zone. In fact,
eight major vulnerability zones can be distinguished, including three red zones on the map. The
first one is located near Collo, exposed to fishing port activities as well as other ecological risks
in the area characterized by coral and species presence. This zone has different sources of
pollution such as agriculture and uncontrolled waste.
The second zone is located in the center and includes Skikda and Ain Zouit, which are exposed
to pollution caused by human activities such as industry, petrochemical plants, desalination
plants, and fishing, pleasure, industrial, and commercial ports. Its ecological value is significant
due to remarkable species and important habitats, as well as a large marine protected area
(Serigina).
The third zone is El Marsa, in the extreme east, bordering the Skikda and Annaba provinces.
This zone has a very high ecological value with the presence of Posidonia and red coral, as well
as other species considered as heritage by the Barcelona Convention. This zone is exposed to
intense fishing activity, particularly optimized fishing, as well as pollution generated in the east
of the province and reaching this area through the NNW/SSE currents.
Regarding the zones showing orange vulnerability on the vulnerability map, they are located in
three areas. The first one is in the communes of Ben Azzouz and Djendel, which are exposed
to ZAC (Coastal Development Zones) and TEA (Agricultural Development Territories). This
zone is exposed to pollution sources such as current patterns and agriculture. The second and
third zones are the communes of Tamalous and Cheraia. These zones are characterized by
similar natural and anthropogenic pressures, including coastal erosion, agriculture, a significant
population size, controlled and uncontrolled waste, and ZAC.
Results & Discussion
93
IV.4. Coastal vulnerability of Skikda
The analysis of the socio-environmental vulnerability map (figure 54) of the Skikda province
is a combination of marine and coastal ecological values with pressures from degradation and
pollution sources.
This analysis shows that the entire coastal area of the Skikda province is vulnerable on a socioenvironmental level. The level of vulnerability varies from one area to another, depending on
the level of risk and the existence of marine and coastal ecological heritage in the zone. In fact,
eight major vulnerability zones can be distinguished, including three red zones on the map. The
first one is located near Collo, exposed to fishing port activities as well as other ecological risks
in the area characterized by coral and species presence. This zone has different sources of
pollution such as agriculture and uncontrolled waste.
The second zone is located in the center and includes Skikda and Ain Zouit, which are exposed
to pollution caused by human activities such as industry, petrochemical plants, desalination
plants, and fishing, pleasure, industrial, and commercial ports. Its ecological value is significant
due to remarkable species and important habitats, as well as a large marine protected area
(Serigina).
The third zone is El Marsa, in the extreme east, bordering the Skikda and Annaba provinces.
This zone has a very high ecological value with the presence of Posidonia and red coral, as well
as other species considered as heritage by the Barcelona Convention. This zone is exposed to
intense fishing activity, particularly optimized fishing, as well as pollution generated in the east
of the province and reaching this area through the NNW/SSE currents.
Regarding the zones showing orange vulnerability on the vulnerability map, they are located in
three areas. The first one is in the communes of Ben Azzouz and Djendel, which are exposed
to ZAC (Coastal Development Zones) and TEA (Agricultural Development Territories). This
zone is exposed to pollution sources such as current patterns and agriculture. The second and
third zones are the communes of Tamalous and Cheraia. These zones are characterized by
similar natural and anthropogenic pressures, including coastal erosion, agriculture, a significant
population size, controlled and uncontrolled waste, and ZAC.