Water and Environment : Sharing to Preserve

The activities of the first international conference on "Water and Environment" were launched on Wednesday, June 07, 2023, under the theme "Water and Environment: Sharing to Preserve." This event, marking World Environment Day observed annually on June 05, was organized by the Institute of Science and Technology at the Maghnia University Center, chaired by: Dr. BELARBI Halima ...and with the participation of professors and experts from within the country and abroad, through lectures and research papers presented both in person and via videoconferencing, covering various technical, economic, and legal aspects.

...in the presence of the Head of the District of Maghnia, alongside representatives from the civil, security, and military authorities, Algerian Customs, and members of the media.

Conference International

The University Centre of Maghnia

Dr. Halima BELARBI

The opening session began at the late "Baaziz Ahmed" auditorium with verses from the Holy Quran recited by Mr. "Berandou Mohammed." Following the national anthem, Prof. Houari Ahmed, Chair of the Scientific Committee, delivered a welcoming speech praising the efforts of both the scientific and organizing committees. Subsequently, Dr. Belarbi Halima gave her welcoming remarks. The official opening of the international conference was then announced by Prof. Mourad Naoum, Director of the University Centre, who welcomed the attendees and provided an overview of the university institution’s academic and scientific standing, as well as its projects and future prospects. Following this, the proceedings commenced with valuable lectures from professors, experts, and representatives of the economic sector, presented as follows:

– Innovation in the Service of Water: Achievements of the National Agency for the Promotion of the Results of Research and Technological Development (ANVREDET), presented by Dr. Wassila Boulichi, representative of the ANVREDET agency.

– An integrated cycle coupled with human and natural systems for climate change adaptation. Presented by Prof. Ziad Abu-Nada, Central Queensland University, Australia, and Dr. Leila Boghari, University of Blida 2

– Flood Risk Prevention Plan (PPRI). Presented by Mr. Benmouffok Hocine, Director of the AGIRE / ABH AHS Agency.

– Reconstructing climate changes in the northern Sahara based on fluctuations in the hydrological cycle. Presented by Prof. Nacer Messen, Birine Nuclear Research Center – CRNB / COMENA.

– Biological purification using trickling filters: a technological process of choice dictated by the geography of piedmont settlements. Presented by Dr. Meksi Abdelkader, Former Director of Water Resources for the Wilaya of Tlemcen (DRE).

– Preparation of new microporous materials and nano-composites: Application in the treatment of water contaminated with pharmaceutical products.

Presented by Prof. Noureddine Hamdi, University of Gabès – Tunisia.

– Prospects for utilizing Blue Economy drivers as a sustainable development alternative in Algeria. Presented by Dr. Souad Bouzidi, University of Tlemcen.

– Establishing the right to water in light of the 2020 constitutional amendment and its legal dimensions. Presented by Dr. Bouzidi Khaled.

Along with the guests of honor:

– Mr. Mennad Charef, Director of the Oran-Chott Chergui Hydrographic Basin Agency, National Agency for Integrated Water Resources Management (AGIRE) – Oran.

– Mr. Maaraf Belkacem, Director of the Chlef-Zahrez Hydrographic Basin Agency

– Mr. Sidi Yacoub Slim, National Sanitation Office (ONA), Director of the Tlemcen Unit.

– Mr. Oughrib Nabil, Director of Algérienne des Eaux (ADE), Production Unit – Maghnia.

– Mr. Mohajer Samir, Director of the Renewable Energy Research Unit in Saharan Environment

– Prof. Megnounif Abdellatif, Professor and Former Rector of the University of Tlemcen.

– Prof. Ziadi Abdelkader, Rector of Belhadj Bouchaib University – Ain Témouchent.

– Dr. Rouissat Bouchrit, Director of the Higher School of Applied Sciences – Tlemcen.

The conference also saw an influx of professors and experts who moderated the workshop sessions scheduled across all venues of the event. This was in addition to a significant attendance of students, particularly doctoral candidates. Furthermore, some professors and researchers presented their work in the form of "posters," where attendees toured the exhibition area and engaged with the detailed explanations provided by the researchers

On the sidelines of the conference, a cooperation agreement was signed between the University Centre of Maghnia, represented by its Director, Prof. Mourad Naoum, and the National Agency for the Promotion of the Results of Research and Technological Development (ANVREDET), represented by Dr. Wassila Boulichi, Head of the Innovation Department, on behalf of the Agency's Director. This agreement opens new horizons for scientific research cooperation between the university institution and the Agency.

Work continued for the second day, June 8, 2023, with the presentation of scientific research through workshops where participants discussed water and environmental issues. The event concluded that evening with the reading of recommendations and the honoring of participants and guests of honor in a joyful and fraternal atmosphere, reflecting the success of this distinguished scientific gathering.

On the third day, June 9, 2023, a sightseeing tour was organized for the visiting professors, researchers, and experts to various landmarks in the Wilaya of Tlemcen. The tour included the ruins of Mansourah, the caves of Beni Add in Ain Fezza, and other tourist sites, where the guests enjoyed their time in a warm and fraternal atmosphere.

We extend our sincere thanks to **Dr. Belarbi Halima** and her team from both the scientific and organizing committees for their immense and tireless efforts in ensuring the success of this international conference, which serves as a qualitative addition to the University Center’s record. We also thank all the professors and staff for their support and active presence, notably: **Dr. Hadj Djelloul Mohamed**, **Dr. Ghrissi Radia**, **Dr. Benmansour Khadija**, **Prof. Achi Fethi**, **Dr. Zenasni Hocine**, **Dr. Zegnouni Aymen**, **Dr. Kazi Tani Hicham**, **Dr. Diaf Amine**, **Dr. Ain Seba Nabila**, **Dr. Belmokhtar Azzedine**, and **Dr. Maachou Sofiane**. Our gratitude also goes to all the professors who worked behind the scenes, and the female faculty members who honored the guests with their warm reception: **Dr. Sari Awatef**, **Dr. Chouaou Fatiha**, **Dr. Benyahia Nassira**, **Dr. Rezzagui Jihad**, **Dr. Rekab Afaf**, and **Dr. Deriz Hafidha**.

Our thanks also go to the administration of the University Center of Maghnia (UCM), notably Dr. Kadri Riad, Mr. Abdelrahmane Seddini, and Ms. Chikhi Hafidha, as well as the Head of Internal Security, Mr. Saidani Kamal, and all the security personnel. Furthermore, as a token of our sincere gratitude, we wish to acknowledge the hygiene maintenance staff (the "engineers of cleanliness"), who worked exceptionally hard from the early hours of the conference's first day to ensure the best possible conditions for welcoming our guests until the very end of the event.

We hope that this conference serves as a promising start for the University Center, following the undeniable and distinguished success it has achieved. We also look forward to exploring unique topics in its future editions, God willing—particularly those that support the aspirations of the supervising Ministry in making the university a locomotive for development, serving its economic and social environment.