Protection and enhancement of the coastal area of the wilaya of El Tarf (Algeria): Automatic analysis using computer tools

Abstract The coastline of El Tarf province, stretching for 90 km, presents a great variety of forms and complex ecosystems that need to be protected. The Coastal Law 02-02 was established to achieve this goal by using geographic information system (GIS) and remote sensing to assess the degree of implementation of this law on the ground. This evaluation highlighted a significant evolution of land use in the coastal zone of El Tarf province over a period of 32 years, from 1990 to 2022. In 1990, the area was predominantly forested (55.08%) with a proportion of agricultural land of 27.26% and a significant portion of wetland areas (17.26%). Over time, the forested area decreased to reach 48.58% in 2022, while agricultural land and urban areas increased. This evolution suggests increasing pressure on natural resources, with potential implications for the environment and biodiversity of the region. Despite the 2002 Coastal Law 02-02s which sets specific provisions for the protection and enhancement of the coastline, it is important to emphasize the importance of sustainable management of natural resources and land use in the region. It is essential to implement measures to protect the fragile ecosystems of the region and ensure the sustainability of natural resource use to preserve the environment and biodiversity of the region for future generations. This analysis could also eventually enable decision-makers to have supporting elements to evolve the law 02.02 with the aim of better preserving the coastal area.