Algeria - Improved Desert Ecosystems and Climate Resilient Oases Project : Project Information Document (Appraisal Stage) - Improved Desert Ecosystems and Climate Resilient Oases Project - P128082

 PROJECT INFORMATION DOCUMENT (PID) APPRAISAL STAGE Report No.: PIDA939 Public Disclosure Copy Project Name Improved Desert Ecosystems and Climate Resilient Oases Project (P128082) Region MIDDLE EAST AND NORTH AFRICA Country Algeria Sector(s) Irrigation and drainage (70%), General water, sanitation and flood protection sector (30%) Theme(s) Land administration and management (60%), Environmental policies and institutions (20%), Water resource management (20%) Lending Instrument Specific Investment Loan Project ID P128082 GEF Focal Area Land degradation Borrower(s) Ministère de l'Aménagement du Territoire et de l'Environnement (MATE) Implementing Agency Ministere de l’Agriculture et du Developpement Rural (MADR) Environmental Category B-Partial Assessment Date PID Prepared/Updated 11-Jun-2013 Date PID Approved/Disclosed 12-Jun-2013 Estimated Date of Appraisal 00000000 Completion Public Disclosure Copy Estimated Date of Board 20-May-2014 Approval Decision I. Project Context Country Context 1. Algeria is the second largest economy in MENA, with a GDP per capita of US$4,400 and a population of 35 million. Algeria is the largest country in Africa in terms of land area. Its considerable endowment with oil and gas and the size of its gross domestic product (GDP) (US $161 billion in 2010) place it as a middle-income economy, second after Egypt. Its GDP per capita is one of the highest among non-GCC countries. The hydrocarbon sector is the main driver of economic development, accounting for 32 percent of GDP in 2009. The country is home to a large population, which is growing at 1.5 percent per year. Algeria is on its way to meet the Millennium Development Goals (MDG) targets and already made good progress in terms of poverty reduction, universal education, and gender equality. In this context, Algeria faces challenges of generating employment and income, and diversifying its economy through non-hydrocarbon exports. 2. Sahara desert covers most of the country’s land and includes unique and diverse Page 1 of 6  ecosystems. Sahara desert covers 87 percent of the country’s land and sustains 9 percent of its population. The areas of Sahara – known collectively as “the South