El Kala National Park is Beautiful and Diverse

It’s quite possible that many of us don’t think about visiting national parks as part of a trip to Algeria. However, this country is home to many national parks. El Kala National Park is perhaps one of the most beautiful and diverse parks in the country. The park itself is in a very precarious and vulnerable position environmentally and there are current efforts underway to ensure that this area is preserved and protected.

In 1990 UNESCO officially recognized the park as a biosphere preserve. This is due, in part, the unique ecosystem found in the park. Conservationists have been working endlessly to guarantee that the unique plants and wildlife within the park are preserved.

The park is well known for its majestic mountains, dense forests and numerous lakes, as well as a marine ecosystem. Because of this large number of differing habitats, there are about 87,00 birds and animals, some of which are on the endangered species list, that make the park their home. Researchers and scientists are studying dragonflies, forests and waterfowl within the park.

Tours of the park are designed to make the public more aware of these ecosystems. Approximately 30,000 visitors visit the park each year. The park features many opportunities for bird watching and there are attractions such as an eco-museum and a mini zoo as well. Through the creation of these attractions, El Kala has experienced an increase in visits by foreign tourist; however, the park wants to increase its tourist visibility.

Currently and certainly unfortunately, there are projects underway that are posing threats to the survival of the park. There are urbanization projects outside the park as well as a proposed highway. There are efforts being made to convince officials to move the highway away from its proximity to the park. Visitors should view El Kala National Park as a natural wonder.