The University of El Oued: Annual Report for SDG 13 – Climate Action
Introduction
The University of El Oued recognizes that its regional context, characterized by desert ecology and water scarcity, makes it highly vulnerable to the impacts of climate change. Consequently, the University is deeply committed to Sustainable Development Goal 13 (SDG 13)—taking urgent action to combat climate change and its impacts. Our strategy integrates research, institutional practices, and community education to enhance climate resilience, promote mitigation efforts, and build regional adaptive capacity.
1. Climate Adaptation and Co-operative Planning
The University serves as a crucial hub for developing evidence-based strategies for climate adaptation, particularly within the water-intensive agricultural sector.
1.1 International Forum on Desert Agriculture (TIMSA’24)
On November 20, 2024, the University hosted the TIMSA’24 International Forum on Technology and Innovation for Modernizing Desert Agriculture. This event was opened by the Governor of El Oued Province and involved high-level participation from various government officials, researchers, farmers, and economic partners.
Impact and Contribution:
Co-operative Planning: The forum directly addresses climate change adaptation by convening local government and regional stakeholders to co-design resilient agricultural systems capable of withstanding climate-driven risks like drought and heat.
Informing Government: Through dedicated sessions, such as those on Soil and Water Management and Solar-Powered Irrigation, the University informs regional policy with innovative, low-emission technologies and practices essential for sustaining food security under severe climate stress.
Sustainable Solutions: The forum focuses on exploring “sustainable solutions that enhance agricultural development, provide food, and minimize environmental risks,” positioning the University as a leader in climate-resilient economic growth.
2. Mitigation and Carbon Footprint Reduction
The University demonstrates a strong institutional commitment to reducing its carbon footprint through sustainable infrastructure and active mitigation programs.
2.1 National Leadership in Environmental Sustainability (UI GreenMetric)
On August 3, 2025, the University celebrated achieving first place nationally in the 2024 UI GreenMetric World University Ranking, a global assessment of sustainability performance. This achievement reflects the institution’s commitment to continuous environmental improvement.
Evidence of Mitigation and Tracking:
Low-Carbon Energy: The University confirmed its ongoing plan to expand the use of renewable energy sources and develop sustainable transport methods, demonstrating active measures to track and reduce Scope 1 and 2 carbon emissions.
Commitment to Carbon Reduction: Achieving and maintaining the top position in this comprehensive sustainability ranking indicates an institutional commitment to achieving carbon-reduction goals through developing eco-friendly infrastructure and resource management.
2.2 Carbon Sequestration through Afforestation
On November 14, 2024, the University Director, Professor Omar Ferhati, launched a Tree Planting Operation at the Faculty of Arts and Languages, in coordination with the Directorate of Forests.
Impact and Contribution:
Mitigation: This initiative contributes directly to climate change mitigation by enhancing the campus’s green cover and increasing its capacity for CO2 absorption (natural carbon sequestration).
Sustainable Landscaping: The planting includes drought-tolerant species (e.g., Turkish Jasmine, Vinca, Dodonaea), linking mitigation efforts with practical adaptation strategies suitable for the desert climate.
2.3 Advanced Research on Low-Carbon Energy and CO2 Mitigation
The University of El Oued’s academic research is focused on developing and optimizing clean energy technologies and novel carbon capture strategies, providing critical scientific support for national mitigation goals.
Low-Carbon Energy Optimization (Thermal Efficiency and CO2 Reduction): Research staff investigated the thermal and environmental efficiency of solar air collectors by experimenting with corrugated and wavy absorber shapes. The experimental study found that switching from a flat plate to a corrugated absorber resulted in a significant 40.56% improvement in daily thermal efficiency and a 44.83% increase in exergy efficiency. This optimization directly supports the use of low-carbon energy sources by maximizing system performance and leading to quantifiable monthly CO2 reduction and cost savings. (Paper Title: Effect of absorber shape on energy, exergy efficiency and enviro-economic analysis of solar air collector: An experimental study).
Optimizing CO2 Sequestration: In the field of carbon capture and storage (CCS), a meso-scale analysis explored methods for optimizing CO2 sequestration within the Vapor Extraction (VAPEX) process. This study modeled the dissolution of CO2 into crude oil to enhance recovery while simultaneously storing the gas. Findings highlight that reduced oil viscosity, increased permeability, and mobile oil angle accelerate CO2 dissolution and the growth of density fingers, offering novel insights into maximizing the amount of sequestered CO2 during petroleum operations. (Paper Title: Optimizing CO2 sequestration in Vapor Extraction Process: A Meso-Scale analysis of oil Viscosity, Permeability, and mobile oil orientation effects).
3. Climate Education and Capacity Building
The University ensures that climate literacy and sustainability principles are integrated into academic life and shared with the broader community, fulfilling the core need for human and institutional capacity building.
3.1 Integrating Sustainability into Curricula
A core component of the University’s strategy, confirmed during the GreenMetric celebration, is the ongoing integration of sustainability topics into educational curricula. This effort directly contributes to promoting climate change literacy across all academic disciplines.
3.2 Targeted Climate Education for Children
On June 6, 2024, the Ibsar Club for Sustainable Development organized a Scientific Workshop for Children on Sustainable Development.
Local Education Programmes: The workshop used videos and interactive activities to simplify concepts related to climate change mitigation and adaptation, ensuring that the younger generation is aware of their role in achieving the SDGs.
Building Future Capacity: By targeting children, the University is investing in long-term societal resilience and fostering a culture of environmental responsibility from an early age.
Conclusion
The University of El Oued demonstrates a strategic, evidence-based commitment to SDG 13, establishing itself as a national leader in integrated Climate Action. The University successfully links advanced research—as showcased by the TIMSA’24 Forum—to necessary institutional changes, confirmed by its top ranking in UI GreenMetric. These efforts span both core Mitigation activities (expanding renewable energy, afforestation) and crucial Adaptation strategies (developing climate-resilient agriculture). By actively educating future generations and collaborating with government and regional partners, the University is building the human and institutional capacity required to face the unique climate challenges of the region and secure a sustainable future.