M’Hamed Bougara University of Boumerdes is a major public higher education and research institution in Algeria, recognized for its strong focus on science, technology, and applied research. The university offers multidisciplinary education and research programs covering fields such as natural sciences, engineering, economics, and environmental studies.
The university is structured into several faculties and institutes, including the Faculty of Sciences, which hosts key departments such as Biology and Agronomy. These departments provide strong academic and research capacities relevant to agriculture, biodiversity, and environmental sustainability.
Academic and research capacities
The Faculty of Sciences includes specialized departments in:
• Biology
• Agronomy
• Chemistry, Physics, and related disciplines
These departments are supported by several research laboratories working on biodiversity, biotechnology, environmental sciences, and sustainable development. For example, the Biodiversity, Biotechnology, Environment and Sustainable Development Laboratory conducts interdisciplinary research involving ecology, microbiology, and natural resource management.
In addition, the university hosts multiple research laboratories dedicated to biological resources, bioinformatics, and environmental systems, contributing to innovation in agriculture and life sciences.
Experience in project management and research
The university has solid experience in managing academic and research projects at national and international levels. It operates through structured research units, doctoral training programs, and institutional support services for project coordination, monitoring, and evaluation.
It has also established partnerships and cooperation agreements with research institutions and stakeholders, demonstrating its capacity to participate in collaborative and multidisciplinary projects.
Relevance to the proposed collaboration
With its strong expertise in biology, agronomy, and environmental sciences, the university is well-positioned to contribute to projects related to:
• Sustainable agriculture and agroecology
• Pollination and ecosystem services
• Biodiversity conservation
• Valorization of natural and agricultural resources
Its research infrastructure, qualified academic staff, and experience in project implementation make it a reliable partner for international collaboration, particularly within Mediterranean research and innovation frameworks such as PRIMA.
The proposed collaboration aims to establish a scientific, technical, and socio-economic partnership focused on the development of sustainable and innovative apiculture, integrated into Mediterranean agricultural systems. It follows a systemic approach combining bee health, pollination services, food security, and the valorization of hive products.
1. Bee health and colony resilience
Study of stress factors affecting bees (climate change, pesticides, diseases, habitat loss)
Development of sustainable management strategies to improve colony resilience
Monitoring and diagnosis of bee diseases (e.g., varroa mite, viral diseases)
Selection and conservation of local bee strains adapted to Mediterranean conditions
2. Pollination and agricultural productivity
Assessment of the role of bees in improving crop yields
Development of integrated pollination models for various crops (fruit trees, vegetables, oilseeds, etc.)
Establishment of ecological corridors and pollinator-friendly practices
Awareness-raising among farmers on the importance of ecosystem services
3. Valorization of hive products
Improvement of the quality and traceability of honey and other hive products (propolis, pollen, beeswax, royal jelly)
Development of quality labels and geographical indications
Innovation in processing and marketing of bee products
Studies on nutritional, medicinal, and functional properties
4. Apiculture and environmental sustainability
Promotion of pollinator-friendly agricultural practices
Integration of apiculture into agroecological systems
Contribution to biodiversity conservation
Monitoring the environmental impact of agricultural practices on bees
5. Technological innovation and digitalization
Use of sensors and connected tools for hive monitoring (temperature, humidity, activity)
Development of intelligent decision-support systems for beekeepers
Use of data analytics to improve beekeeping management
Mobile applications for traceability and production management
6. Socio-economic dimension and knowledge transfer
Capacity building for beekeepers and farmers
Development of sustainable business models for the apiculture sector
Promotion of rural entrepreneurship and inclusion of youth and women
Networking among researchers, institutions, cooperatives, and private stakeholders
7. Mediterranean cooperation and regional impact
Exchange of knowledge and best practices among partner countries
Adaptation of solutions to different climatic and socio-economic contexts
Contribution to public policies on sustainable agriculture and biodiversity
Strengthening food security in the region
The applicant has extensive experience in managing international research projects. Notably, they have served as National Coordinator in two PRIMA-related projects: MEDIBEES and SafeAgroBee e, which focused on bee health, pollination, and sustainable apiculture practices in the Mediterranean region.
This experience has provided strong expertise in project coordination, consortium management, reporting, and stakeholder engagement, ensuring the successful implementation of complex, multidisciplinary initiatives.
The applicant is fully prepared to contribute to the proposed project with effective project management, knowledge of PRIMA procedures, and a strong network of regional partners in apiculture, agriculture, and environmental sustainability.
