Launched in 2014, the Algerian organization PROBIOM was established with the aim of protecting biodiversity and preserving seas and oceans. It set out to build a network of marine science specialists across various disciplines. Over the years, PROBIOM’s role has become increasingly prominent, focusing on safeguarding marine ecosystems and raising awareness about the dangers of pollution and other threats to marine life.
Amir Berkan, an international diver and President of the PROBIOM Foundation for Marine Biodiversity Protection, told Green in Arabic:
“Since its inception, the foundation has concentrated on organizing scientific expeditions and awareness campaigns to shed light on the threats facing marine environments.”
What Does PROBIOM Do?
الأكثر قراءة
Amir Berkan outlined the key areas of focus for the PROBIOM Foundation, which include: combating plastic pollution in the sea, protecting shark species in the Mediterranean—particularly along Algeria’s coastline—and launching projects to install artificial reefs, which are man-made underwater structures designed to enhance marine biodiversity. The foundation has already achieved notable success in this field.
He also highlighted PROBIOM’s ongoing efforts to raise awareness about threats to marine biodiversity and its commitment to fostering environmental consciousness among the public.
A Traveling Environmental Festival
As part of its initiatives, the foundation launched a campaign called “The Sailing Ship,” which involved analyzing seawater and studying plastic pollution levels in the Mediterranean. In addition, PROBIOM organized a traveling environmental festival that has toured several Algerian cities over the past three years, aiming to educate communities about marine conservation.
The organization has also produced two documentary films: Diaries of the Sea 1 and Diaries of the Sea 2—the latter being Algeria’s first marine documentary, which earned the Bronze Award at the Marseille International Marine Image Festival.
Berkan added that PROBIOM made a significant contribution by participating in the drafting of a regulatory legal text to support the development of artificial reefs. This proposal was presented to the Algerian Council of Ministers to establish a clear legal framework for such efforts.
The foundation includes a large team of specialized experts and is currently focusing on raising awareness about the importance of sustainable blue fishing practices that preserve marine biodiversity. PROBIOM also plans to produce educational videos highlighting the importance of shark conservation, their vital role in maintaining ecological balance, and the potential consequences of their disappearance.
Posidonia: The Lungs of the Sea
The foundation’s president emphasized that one of their top priorities is the protection of Posidonia oceanica, a species of seagrass considered one of the most vital plants in the Mediterranean Sea. Often referred to as “the lungs of the sea,” Posidonia plays a crucial role in oxygen production and water purification.
He noted that this plant is increasingly under threat along Mediterranean coastlines due to factors such as maritime traffic, diving activities, human pressure, unregulated construction, illegal ports, and overfishing. These threats make it essential to protect Posidonia’s natural habitats and to propose alternative fishing zones.
He also reaffirmed the foundation’s commitment to continuing its work on developing artificial reefs as part of a broader strategy to enhance marine biodiversity.
