6.3.5 “Water-conscious planting Plant landscapes to minimise water usage. (e.g. use drought-tolerant plants)”

On March 21, 2023, the University of El Oued inaugurated the Botanical Experiment Gardens, a groundbreaking project aimed at fostering sustainable agricultural practices and water-conscious planting. Located within the Faculty of Natural and Life Sciences, this initiative reflects the university’s commitment to promoting water conservation through innovative landscaping and agricultural techniques.

The gardens, which were inaugurated by the Secretary-General of the Wilaya alongside the university’s leadership, are divided into three main sections: protected agriculture in greenhouses, open-field crops, and a nursery with an annual production capacity of 30,000 trees. The project incorporates advanced technologies such as the “Waterbox” system, an automated irrigation system that ensures young trees receive adequate moisture over an extended period, reducing water wastage and optimizing resource usage. The smart irrigation system also features automated valves that regulate water flow, contributing to efficient fertilizer application and minimal water usage.

Additionally, the gardens house a nursery designed to propagate drought-tolerant plants and tree species, supporting the university’s efforts to address local environmental challenges and promote biodiversity. By focusing on smart irrigation and innovative agricultural practices, the Botanical Experiment Gardens represent a significant step toward achieving sustainable development goals, particularly in the areas of water conservation and environmental stewardship.

Future expansions include a planned experimental farm featuring advanced agricultural systems such as drip irrigation, pivot sprinkler systems, and cultivation of medicinal plants, further strengthening the university’s role in regional agricultural innovation and water-conscious practices.

Planting Trees Campaign

On November 9, 2023, the Faculty of Arts and Languages at the University of El Oued launched its first tree-planting campaign, an initiative aligned with the university’s commitment to sustainable landscaping and water-conscious practices. This campaign demonstrates the institution’s efforts to create green, eco-friendly spaces that minimize water usage while enhancing the environmental quality of its campus.

Led by the Dean of the Faculty, Professor Dalal Washan, and supported by administrative and pedagogical teams, including Vice Dean for Scientific Research Professor Youssef Al-Ayyab and Vice Dean for Studies Mr. Nasr Dahda, the campaign brought together faculty members, security, maintenance staff, and a group of enthusiastic students. The planting efforts focused on the courtyard of the Arabic Language and Literature Department, with plans to expand to the Foreign Languages Department and surrounding areas in subsequent phases.

The initiative promotes the use of native and drought-tolerant plant species to ensure efficient water usage and resilience to local climatic conditions.