In the vast Algerian Sahara, we have plenty of land, sunlight, and wisdom from our ancestors. What we miss is a strong vision—one that connects people to their environment, climate, and future.
This manifesto suggests we change how we view the desert. Instead of seeing rural housing as a burden, let’s view it as an opportunity for food, water, and ecological rights in Algeria.
- A New Way of Living
Much of the current urban planning in the Sahara relies on external models: concrete blocks, artificial cooling, and disconnected infrastructure. These methods overlook our local climate and lifestyle.
In the desert, a home is more than just shelter. It should be an ecosystem—featuring gardens, small animals, fruit trees, and workshops. Homes should be productive, resilient, and self-sufficient.
We need to rethink how we connect to infrastructure. A well-designed home can collect rainwater, treat wastewater, produce renewable energy, and grow food. This isn’t about nostalgia; it’s a leap towards resilience.
Key Proposal: Create a Saharan Habitat Code that defines homes as self-sustaining units that adapt to climate and produce food and water.
- Transform Homes into Micro-Oases
Each rural home can serve as a regenerative micro-oasis. The technology exists:
- Water: rainwater harvesting and greywater treatment.
- Energy: harnessing solar and wind power.
- Waste: composting and recycling.
- Food: gardens and small livestock.
- Architecture: using local materials and passive cooling.
This approach makes ecological and economic sense. It lowers costs, boosts local food security, and increases resilience to climate change. In fact, a recent survey showed that 72% of Algerians favor sustainable housing practices.
Key Proposal: Develop a national ecosystem for sustainable Saharan housing, gathering architects, builders, ecologists, and rural youth.
- Water: The Seed of Regeneration
Water isn’t absent in the Sahara; it’s just poorly managed. Much is lost to runoff and evaporation. We must change this narrative: slow it down, spread it out, and let it sink into the ground.
Key Techniques:
- Rehydration: using contour ditches and recharge ponds.
- Ecological sanitation: with reed beds and filtration systems.
- Hydrological planning: designing towns to align with natural water flows.
These straightforward methods are effective. They are rooted in traditional knowledge.
Key Proposal: Incorporate regenerative hydrology into all housing and urban development projects.
- From Bureaucracy to a Fertile State
Innovative ideas exist, but they’re often stifled by outdated policies and rigid regulations. Algeria needs to transition from a State of control to a State of facilitation.
We should embrace innovation, promote ecological construction, and foster collaboration across fields. Documenting and sharing local successes is crucial.
Key Proposal: Update building codes to support sustainable techniques and open public procurement to green innovation.
- The Sahara: A Cradle of Regeneration
The Sahara isn’t a barren land. It has rich traditions in water management and a youth eager to engage. It also has significant solar energy potential, making it a prime location for sustainable development.
Key Proposal: Launch Saharan Regeneration Schools—hands-on community programs where youth learn to regenerate their land and shape their future.
- A National Strategy for Regenerative Development
To achieve meaningful change, Algeria needs a national strategy focused on regenerating Saharan territories. This plan should include:
- A supportive legal framework.
- Training for local community members.
- Collaboration across various ministries.
- Combining scientific and indigenous knowledge.
- Long-term investment in scalable projects.
Key Proposal: Establish a National Strategy for the Regeneration of Saharan Territories, designed with community input at its core.
Conclusion: The Time to Shift Is Now
This manifesto calls for constructive defiance. We must proactively cultivate water, restore land, train youth, and build homes that regenerate. The Algerian Sahara can become a symbol of renewal. It just requires a fresh vision—one that values sovereignty and resilience.
To truly inhabit this land is to commit to regeneration.
For more on Algeria’s potential for sustainable development, check out reports from the World Bank.
