Environmental Governance: Contributions to Achieving Sustainable Development in Algeria

DOI:https://doi-0004.org/6812/17907966345421

Environmental Governance: Contributions to Achieving Sustainable Development in Algeria

ARROUS AICHA¹

¹Abbas Laghrour University of Khenchela, Algeria. Email: arrous.aicha@univ-khenchela.dz

Submission: 11.03.2026. Acceptance: 12.07.2026. Publication: 30.09.2026

Abstract:

This study, entitled Environmental Governance Contributions to Achieving Sustainable Development in Algeria, aims to shed light on environmental governance, an issue of major concern for countries worldwide, particularly Algeria, which has devoted significant attention to it. This is achieved by rationalising environmental policies, leading to the optimal use of natural resources and environmental protection.

The study addresses environmental governance and sustainable development, clarifying the relationship between them and examining the role of international, national, official and non-official actors in environmental governance. It also outlines the environmental governance mechanisms in Algeria, which are represented by legal, administrative and economic measures adopted to achieve sustainable development.

Keywords: environmental governance, sustainable development, mechanisms, environmental protection, policy rationalisation.

Introduction

Sustainable development is one of the most important topics to have attracted the attention of researchers in political, economic and social fields. It concerns the relationship between economic activity, natural resource use in the production process, and the resulting impact on the community’s standard of living. The aim is to achieve positive outcomes from economic activity while ensuring the sustainable use of natural resources without negatively affecting consumption or living standards.

The term ‘sustainable development’ was first used in the 1980 World Conservation Strategy, published by the International Union for the Conservation of Nature. It was later developed by the United Nations Environment Programme in 1991. In 1992, the importance of countries adopting national sustainable development strategies was emphasised. The priorities for sustainable development were specified further in 2002 at the World Summit on Sustainable Development in Johannesburg. Among the countries seeking to implement this is Algeria, which is moving towards completing its development projects in all political, economic and social areas by adopting the necessary policies and measures.

The legislator has not limited itself to incorporating sustainable development into the provisions of the Environment Law and enshrining the fundamental principles on which it is based. Instead, they have attempted to create coherence between these provisions to ensure they do not contradict or overlap. This was achieved by establishing general provisions for the protection of environmental elements in an integrated manner within Law 03/10, while retaining the provisions contained in sectoral legislation.

Since the new environmental-protection approach adopted by the legislator requires resorting to participatory mechanisms in the management and protection of the environment in accordance with the requirements of good governance, the legislator has recognized the involvement of individuals in decision-making matters concerning the environment, alongside administrative bodies, which have undergone a transformation consistent with the objectives of the new environmental protection law.

Environmental governance plays a central role in realizing the principles of sustainable development. Environmental governance refers to both formal and informal arrangements that determine how resources and the environment are used. It also points to the decision-making process linked to monitoring the management of the environment and natural resources. It is effective only when it is led rationally and supported by the sustainable management of the ecosystem.

Based on the above, the following problem is raised:

To what extent can environmental governance contribute to achieving an effective and national sustainable development in Algeria?

Importance of the study

This study is significant due to its originality and modernity, particularly with regard to the concept of environmental governance, which has been examined from economic and legal standpoints. The study aims to emphasise the importance of environmental governance in achieving sustainable development.

Methodology of the Study

The study employs a descriptive analytical approach. It analyses the legal and economic environment and assesses its suitability for the Algerian context, with the aim of enhancing the role of environmental governance in achieving sustainable development.

To address the aforementioned research problem, the study adopts the following plan:

Chapter One: The Conceptual Framework of Environmental Governance and Sustainable Development

Section One: Defining governance and the environment

– Section Two: Defining sustainable development

– Section Three: The relationship between environmental governance and sustainable development

Chapter Two: The Role of National and International Actors in Environmental Governance

Section One: The role of national actors in environmental governance in Algeria

– Section Two: The role of international actors in environmental governance

Chapter One, Section One: Defining Governance and the Environment

Before defining environmental governance, this study will first address governance in Section One and then the environment in Section Two.

First section: Defining governance

The term ‘governance’ first emerged in 1937 in a research paper titled The Nature of the Firm, carried out by Ronald Coase. Today, however, ‘good governance’ is associated with many terms and concepts.

During the 1970s, some economists defined governance as the various procedures implemented by an organisation to establish internal arrangements that reduce the costs and burdens of transactions encountered in the market. Accordingly, governance’s purpose is to establish the new rules of engagement between managers and shareholders[1].

The concept of ‘good governance’ reappeared in 1989, particularly in the World Bank’s publications on achieving economic development and combatting corruption in African countries. In these publications, a link was established between government administrative efficiency and economic growth.

At the beginning of the 1990s, the focus shifted towards the democratic dimensions of the concept, such as enhancing participation and activating the role of civil society, including political parties, associations, unions and anything else that enables the state to legitimately represent its citizens. The term ‘governance’ then developed further into an indicator of participation, accountability, transparency, human development, sustainable development and broad involvement across all sectors.

Accordingly, governance refers to a set of concepts that gradually developed until they were adopted as standards by the political leadership and committed cadres dedicated to developing community resources and improving citizens’ quality of life. Many international institutions use governance as a means to measure performance and assess how political power is exercised in managing the community’s affairs in a developmental direction[2].

Thus, towards the end of the 1980s and the beginning of the 1990s, World Bank experts attempted to define good governance. This definition emphasised the manner and method through which power is exercised in managing economic and social resources. In contrast, the United Nations Development Programme adopted a broader approach, combining the following three pillars:

– the political pillar, which includes decision-making;

– the economic pillar, which concerns the state’s economic activities and their interrelationship with other economies;

– the administrative pillar, which encompasses the system for implementing policies.

From this perspective, the present study highlights the need for a detailed analysis of good governance and identification of its key stakeholders[3].

First: UNDP definition of good governance

Good governance is defined as:

‘the exercise of economic, political and administrative authority to manage a country’s affairs at all levels’. This includes the mechanisms, processes and institutions through which citizens and groups can express their interests, exercise their legal rights, fulfil their obligations and resolve their differences[4].

Based on the foregoing, good governance can be defined as follows:

‘The application of good administrative systems to improve the efficiency of institutional performance in public institutions, thereby raising quality standards and awareness of reform among government department workers. This, in turn, reflects in increased efficiency and productivity[5].

Secondly, the World Bank defines good governance as:

‘a set of rules through which power is exercised in the interests of a particular group’. Consequently, the government acts on behalf of individuals and must provide them with equal opportunities to participate in decision-making within a framework of transparency and credibility. It must also be accountable to them so that any governance is considered ‘good governance’.[6]”

Conclusion: Three main pillars of governance

From these definitions, it can be concluded that governance rests on three main pillars:

The political pillar includes the processes of decision-making related to the formulation and development of public policies.
The economic pillar includes processes of decision-making that affect the state’s economic activities and their relationship with other economies.
The administrative pillar includes the system for implementing policies, focusing on good governance and effective management of activities and work[7].

Second section: Defining the Environment

First: Linguistic definition

In Arabic, the word ‘environment’ derives from the verb tabawwa, meaning ‘to occupy’ or ‘to settle’, and tabawwa-hu means ‘to set it in place, prepare it, and make it suitable’[8].

Second: Technical/Conceptual Definition

In the conceptual sense, the environment refers to the physical surroundings in which human beings live. This includes water, air, space, soil, living organisms and the structures built by humans to satisfy their needs.

The environment is also defined as the spatial medium or area in which human beings live, and which affects and is affected by them. This includes all elements and inputs within that space, such as:

Natural elements, such as rocks and their contents (minerals and energy sources), soil, water resources and climatic components (temperature, pressure, winds and rainfall), as well as natural flora and fauna (marine and terrestrial); or

– human elements, which result from human activity, such as urban development, transport networks, power facilities, farms, factories and dams[9].

Thirdly, the International Conference on the Environment held in Stockholm in 1972 defined the environment as ‘a set of natural, social and cultural systems in which human beings and other living organisms live, from which they draw sustenance, and in which they carry out activities’.

French legislation, in Article One of the law issued on 10 July 1979 concerning nature protection, defined it as: ‘a set of elements represented by nature, animal and plant species, air, land, mineral resources and various natural features’[10].

Third: Legal Definitions

The Egyptian legislator defined the environment as ‘the biological milieu that includes living organisms, the materials they contain, and the surrounding air, water and soil, as well as the facilities established by human beings’ in Article One of the Egyptian Environmental Law[11].

The Algerian legislator, in Article Four of Law 03/10, states that the environment consists of natural and vital, as well as non-living, resources, such as air, water and land, the subsoil, plants and animals, including genetic heritage, and the forms of interaction among these resources. It also includes places, landscapes, and natural landmarks[12].

Fourth: Defining Environmental Governance

Environmental governance refers to interventions aimed at achieving environmental change and providing incentives related to environmental knowledge, decision-making institutions and behaviours. More precisely, it denotes a set of regulatory mechanisms, organisational processes, and institutions that influence the behaviours, capacities, or outputs/results of political actors regarding environmental activities — results that become visible through the outputs and outcomes of environmental policies[13].

Environmental governance can also be defined as a set of organisations, political mechanisms, financing mechanisms, rules, procedures and standards that govern efforts to protect the environment.

Alternatively, it is a comprehensive principle that organises public and private behaviour towards greater accountability and responsibility for the environment. It operates at all levels, from the individual to the scientific. Participatory leadership and shared responsibility are also required to preserve environmental sustainability[14].

Therefore, environmental governance is the most effective way of understanding environmental conflicts, by creating, reinforcing or modifying environmental governance institutions. This refers to environmental conflicts arising from incompatible interests among parties involved in the use of natural resources due to their interdependence. This applies to all natural resources, including both renewable and non-renewable resources such as groundwater, forests and minerals. More recently, areas such as biodiversity, the ozone layer, environmental health and environmental media quality, such as air and water quality, have also been included.

However, this definition focuses mainly on the institutional dimension of environmental governance. It gives a central role to achieving social justice and procedural justice issues, such as recognition, legitimacy and the distribution of power, through the solutions offered by environmental governance[15].

Through the Previous Definitions: Key Elements of Environmental Governance

The previous definitions show that environmental governance is determined by three core elements:

Integrating all environmental issues into decision-making processes and procedures.
Adopting the premise that all sectors, whether political or economic, exert direct or indirect impacts on the environment.
Recognising the existence of strong interconnections, even if they differ in level, between the practices of individuals, states and multinational corporations, and the levels of degradation of the global environmental system[16].

Second requirement: Defining sustainable development

Sustainable development is more of an ideological concept than a strictly scientific one. The modern concept of sustainable development includes three elements: environment, society and economy. Based on these elements, sustainable development can be defined as follows:

Social sustainable development aims to influence the development of individuals and societies in a way that ensures justice and improves living and health conditions[17].

Environmental sustainable development aims to protect the integrity of the natural world and preserve natural resources.

– Economic sustainable development aims to develop economic structures and ensure the efficient management of natural and social resources.

It can also be defined as a set of long-term objectives that focus on future generations and the whole Earth, while meeting the basic needs of those in rural areas and communities who suffer from marginalisation, including those who are resource-poor[18].

Finally, sustainable development can be defined as the process of meeting the needs of the present generation without compromising the ability of future generations to meet their own needs[19].

First: Sustainable Development Goals

Through its mechanisms and content, sustainable development seeks to achieve a set of goals that can be summarised as follows: [20]

– Improving quality of life while preserving the environment, by emphasising coherence and integration between individuals’ activities and the environment — consistent with the principle of ‘no harm and no wrongdoing’.

– Enhancing awareness of existing environmental problems by developing a sense of responsibility towards them and encouraging active participation in finding appropriate solutions through involvement in the preparation, implementation, follow-up and provision of sustainable development programmes and projects.

– Achieving the rational use and exploitation of resources, since sustainable development treats resources as limited, thereby preventing their depletion or destruction and promoting their rational use.

– Linking modern technology to societal goals by applying technology in ways that serve societal objectives and needs, including raising public awareness of the importance of technology in development.

– Bringing about continuous change in the needs and priorities of society, by adopting an approach suited to society’s capacities that allows for achieving a balance through which economic development can be realised effectively.

Second: environmental governance and sustainable development

Environmental governance addresses problems resulting from economic governance from an environmental perspective, such as increasing economic transformation, profit orientation and inequity in access to power. In view of the need for communities to achieve environmental sustainability, environmental governance is considered either a social goal or a fundamental feature of the human and natural system. It can also be viewed as a core principle for guiding human behaviour in relation to the natural world.

Environmental sustainability encompasses preserving the physical and ecological environment and providing better services to society, including addressing poverty and deprivation. It also involves providing opportunities and enabling participation in decision-making processes. The Fourth Principle, adopted at the 1992 Rio de Janeiro Conference, states that environmental protection must be an integral part of the development process for sustainable development to be achieved. In other words, development cannot be conceived of as separate from the environment[21].

Third requirement: The relationship between environmental governance and achieving sustainable development

The concept of sustainable development is a relatively recent addition to the environmental framework of many countries. This is largely because initial environmental efforts focused primarily on curbing different types of pollution. However, population growth is considered the main cause of many environmental degradation problems. As the population grows, pressure is placed on environmental resources, accelerating their depletion through practices such as encroaching on forests and agricultural lands, intensive grazing, and other environmentally threatening activities.

An increase in population results in further pressure on environmental resources. Many of these resources are non-renewable and negatively affect the environment through various forms of pollution and harm. Nevertheless, these impacts can contribute positively to development and economic growth by focusing on developing human capital. This is the role expected of governance in general and environmental governance in particular[22].

To achieve sustainable development, a shared, integrated strategy must be established to improve citizens’ economic, social and health living conditions while protecting the environment. This strategy must consider the region’s historical and current circumstances, as well as anticipating future changes, in order to achieve the following objectives:

Establishing peace and security on fair foundations and eliminating the sources of tension and weapons of mass destruction.
Reducing poverty and unemployment.
Achieving alignment between population growth rates and available natural resources.
Eradicating illiteracy and developing curricula, educational methods and scientific and technical research consistent with the needs of sustainable development.
Developing productive sectors, integrating them and adopting comprehensive, integrated environmental management systems[23].

The environmental dimension is a core pillar for achieving sustainable development since the environment is the source of various natural resources. Therefore, activating environmental governance is an essential requirement for sustainable development. This approach highlights the role played by environmental governance in achieving sustainable development. Furthermore, the implementation of environmental governance for sustainable development must be part of a shared, integrated strategy, meaning all national, regional and international actors must participate in formulating an environmental governance strategy[24].

Chapter Two: The Role of National and International Actors in Environmental Governance

Both national—official and non-official—and international actors play an essential, interconnected role within environmental governance, as will be explained below.

First requirement: The Role of National Actors in Achieving Environmental Governance

In Algeria, these national actors include official and non-official actors operating within the framework of environmental governance.

First: The Role of Official Actors in Environmental Governance in Algeria

‘Official actors’ refer to the body or team responsible for making environmental decisions within the scope of environmental policy, without needing to be delegated by another formal authority. These actors are constitutionally empowered and include local authorities and the Ministry of Environment[25].

1. The Role of the Ministry of Environment and Renewable Energies

The Minister of Environment and Renewable Energies is responsible for preparing the ministry’s programme in line with the state’s general policy. The minister is also responsible for implementing, following up on and monitoring the programme. Additionally, the minister initiates proposals for projects and measures within the ministry’s areas of competence, in accordance with the specific regulations governing that competence.

The ministry also develops international action, ensures the application of joint agreements and participates in organising sector-relevant events, seminars and initiatives.

The Ministry of Environment and Renewable Energies comprises a number of directorates, which in turn comprise sub-directorates. The most important of these are:

The Directorate-General for Environment and Sustainable Development
The Directorate for the Development of Renewable Energies
The Directorate for Organising Legal Affairs and Disputes
The Directorate for Cooperation
The Directorate for Human Resources, Training and Documentation
The Directorate for Planning, Budget and Resources[26]

Second: the General Inspectorate of the Ministry of Environment and Renewable Energies

The General Inspectorate is headed by a General Inspector, who is assisted by two inspectors who carry out its duties. The General Inspectorate undertakes a range of tasks related to monitoring and rationalising the use of resources and means in the Environment and Renewable Energies sector, as well as assessing compliance with the regulations in force by the various bodies under the ministry. The General Inspectorate submits an annual report to the Minister responsible for the sector. The General Inspectorate may also perform temporary or ad hoc missions to address specific issues, providing reports to the Minister of Environment and Renewable Energies as necessary.

Additionally, the General Inspectorate may propose measures to improve and support the performance of bodies subject to inspection[27].

Third: the role of local administration

Local administration can be defined as follows: The distribution of administrative functions between the central government and locally elected or departmental bodies, which exercise competencies under the supervision and oversight of the government.

1. The Algerian legislator’s definition of good governance (rāshid)

The term ‘rāshid’ (meaning ‘good’) appeared in Algerian law, specifically Law No. 06/17, which contains the Guidance Law for the City. Article 2 of this law defines governance as follows: ‘Governance whereby the administration takes an interest in citizens’ concerns and works for the public interest within the framework of transparency’.

Article 11 also addresses the promotion of good governance in city management, stating that this can be achieved through:

– developing rational management patterns through the use of modern tools and methods;

– providing and strengthening public services through the use of modern tools and methods;

– providing and strengthening public services and improving their quality[28].

2. Good Local Governance

Good local governance refers to the use of political authority and the exercise of oversight over the local community, with the aim of achieving economic and social development.

The statement issued by the International Conference on Urban Management, held in Sofia in December 1996, outlined the elements of good local governance as follows:

a. Transfer the responsibility for relevant public activities to the various local levels in accordance with the law.

b. Financial decentralisation and providing sufficient resources to carry out those activities at the local level.

c. Real participation of citizens in local decision-making.

d. Creating conditions that would contribute to privatising the local economy[29].

3. Characteristics of good local governance

Participation: This involves creating appropriate channels and mechanisms through which local citizens can contribute to decision-making processes, either directly or via elected local councils that represent their interests. It also involves facilitating the local identification of issues and problems. In the context of competition for public office, citizens can participate in elections and elect representatives at various levels of government. Participation may also imply greater trust in and acceptance of political decisions by citizens, which in turn increases local experience and expertise.

– Accountability: Decision-makers within local authorities are accountable to citizens, as well as to other relevant parties, within the framework of this process at the local level.

– Legitimacy: The local citizenry must accept and be satisfied with the authority held by those in power in society, who must exercise it in accordance with accepted rules, procedures and practices. Legitimacy should be grounded in the rule of law and justice, including providing equal opportunities for all.

Efficiency and effectiveness

This reflects the technical dimension of the local governance system. It refers to the ability of local bodies to convert resources into programmes, plans and projects that meet the needs and reflect the priorities of local citizens, achieving better results and ensuring the proper organisation of available resources.

Transparency

Transparency involves enabling the flow of information and ensuring it is easily accessible to all within the local community. This allows citizens to assess the effectiveness of local bodies. It also strengthens the capacity of local citizens to participate. Furthermore, holding local bodies accountable depends on the availability of information regarding laws, procedures and the outcomes of their work.

Responsiveness means that local bodies strive to serve all relevant parties and respond to their demands, particularly those of the poor and marginalised. Responsiveness is linked to the degree of accountability, which in turn depends on the level of transparency and the presence of trust between local bodies and local citizens[30].

Rule of law refers to legal texts and their supremacy over everyone, without exception, within the concept of legitimacy (i.e. the principle that all individuals and actions are subject to the law)[31].

Equality as a governance indicator means that citizens are subject to the same duties and granted the same rights in all matters relating to public facilities, such as equality in recruitment, compliance with taxes, various burdens, eligibility to run for office and exercising constitutional public rights[32].

This is achieved by institutionalizing sound ethical conduct, avoiding manifestations of corruption, and relying on legal, administrative, and judicial mechanisms to prevent and combat corruption and corrupt actors. In this way, good governance is achieved. This indicator falls within the set of measures linked to a culture of behavior, and is reflected in honoring deadlines, administrative discipline, the quality of dealings with citizens, and a spirit of perseverance and professional ethical commitment.

Equity and justice are achieved by realising social justice and extending it to all social groups, ensuring security and safety, and providing a dignified life. It also fosters trust among citizens and enables them to live in a country where justice and fairness prevail, and oppression and arbitrariness are absent[33].

– Decentralisation: Decentralisation, i.e. the distribution of functions between the central authority and regional/local authorities, is an indicator of good governance. This is because citizens’ demands cannot be met nor their concerns properly addressed except by bringing the administration closer to citizens. A decentralised system also ensures citizens’ participation in local decision-making and the process of making local choices. The City Guidance Law considered this indicator to be one of the general foundations for city management. Furthermore, the first report on the implementation of the national work programme in the field of governance, submitted under the African Peer Review Mechanism, stated that the municipal and wilaya (province) laws would be reviewed within a more decentralised approach. This occurred in 2011 and 2012[34].

– Protection of human rights: there is no doubt that protecting human rights in all their broad sense is one of the most important indicators of good governance. Human rights protection is no longer merely an internal matter, as it used to be in older states, but has become an international concern. Evidence of this can be seen in the existence of the Universal Declaration of Human Rights, the principles of which have been adopted by the majority of constitutional and legal systems.

Simplifying Procedures

Responding to citizens’ general requests and needs may require following certain procedures—such as issuing administrative decisions and permits. For good governance, efforts should be made, as much as possible, to simplify procedures and reduce their complexity, with the aim of easing the burden on citizens. This also extends to shortening timeframes, whether in judicial or administrative work[35].

Second: the role of non-official actors in environmental governance in Algeria

Non-official actors are the various bodies that contribute to environmental decision-making. Despite the important role they play in different circumstances, their participation remains informal due to their lack of legal authority to make various decisions[36].

The Role of Environmental Media

Law 03/10 referred to the establishment of a comprehensive environmental information system, including:

– Information-collection networks belonging to bodies or persons subject to public or private law.

– The organisation of these networks, as well as the conditions for collecting environmental information.

– Data rules concerning public environmental information, including scientific, technical, statistical, financial and economic data containing accurate environmental information.

All information elements related to various environmental aspects at both the national and international levels.

– Procedures for handling requests to obtain information.

According to Article Seven of the same law, any natural or legal person may request information related to environmental protection from the competent authorities. This may include all available data on any individual involved in an environmental situation, as well as the relevant regulations, measures and procedures for ensuring environmental protection[37].

Environmental media plays an important role in environmental communication, i.e. the transfer of environmental information from relevant agencies and non-governmental organisations to the general public. The aim is to expand knowledge and influence opinions about the environment. Environmental communication is also understood as the strategic use of media technologies to support, strengthen and promote environmental policies and projects. It is also a participatory, interactive activity designed to engage all stakeholders with the targeted groups in a precise and meaningful way, encouraging and modifying behaviours. This is achieved by supporting these policies and projects and encouraging participation in them[38].

Thirdly, the role of civil society in environmental governance in Algeria is examined.

Civil society is defined as a social actor that is not derived from society; it is shaped by historical, cultural, psychological and spiritual factors. It constitutes an invisible sphere of life that unites people around shared experiences, forming essential content through their own agency and pursuit of common goals.

Alternatively, civil society can be understood as a group of individuals and unofficial bodies that act as active participants in many areas, including education, the economy, family life, health, culture, charity, and more[39].

The field of environmental protection is one of the areas that has attracted significant attention and care from contemporary human societies, particularly given the strong role that civil society has played in policies and measures related to the common good. Indeed, most academics and researchers concerned with the environment emphasise the pioneering role of civil organisations in raising environmental issues, bringing them into the arena of multifaceted human dialogue and helping to draw the attention of all active parties in society, both official and public, to the severity of contemporary environmental conditions. They also raise awareness of the importance and vital significance of natural systems and components[40]. Amidst all the changes affecting the principles and rules governing human interaction with the environment, and the dire consequences for the safety and sustainability of environmental systems, civil society has distinguished itself by anticipating the implications of the current situation and initiating debates about its causes, motivations and humankind’s responsibility today.

Civil society organisations can play a part in environmental protection in various ways, including:

1. Advisory role

Article 35 of Law No. 03-10 on environmental protection within the framework of sustainable development allows associations whose activities or concerns relate to the environment or improving living conditions to participate. It also enables these associations to support public bodies in forming opinions on matters under consideration[41]. Similarly, the law recognises the role of industrial and commercial institutions (Decree No. 61-101 on the establishment of the Algerian Water entity), which requires a representative from an association with at least three years’ experience in the water sector. Participation in the National Office for Sanitation is also required, as stipulated in Article 14 of Executive Decree No. 01-12 on the establishment of the Office. This also requires a representative from an association that has worked in water protection for at least three years.

Article 8 of Law No. 03-10 establishes the right of every natural or legal person to obtain environmental information, particularly where it may directly affect public health. These individuals may contact local authorities and relevant environmental bodies. Furthermore, according to Article 7 of the aforementioned law, any natural or legal person is entitled to access environmental information. Public authorities consult associations when preparing comprehensive economic and social plans, as well as documents related to urban development. In this context, officials may consult associations when preparing strategic planning documents, land-use plans and plans for the conservation of protected areas/sectors[42].

2. Defensive role

Pursuant to Article 35 of Law No. 03-10 on environmental protection within the framework of sustainable development, associations may initiate legal proceedings before the relevant judicial authorities in cases of environmental damage or injury. Such cases may be filed against public bodies or private institutions.

Accordingly, any institution must conduct an ‘environmental impact assessment’, as provided for in Article 15 of Law No. 03-10, before carrying out any project. Depending on the case, this assessment together with a summary of the environmental impact — is required for development projects, structures, fixed facilities, factories, other works and technical works, as well as for all construction and development/landscaping programmes that directly or indirectly affect the environment, either immediately or at a later stage. This is particularly true with regard to species, resources, natural environments and spaces, and ecological balances, as well as the context and quality of life[43].

The second requirement: The Role of International Actors in Achieving Environmental Governance

First Branch: The United Nations

The United Nations’ institutional framework active in environmental matters is considered one of the most important and powerful bodies within the global environmental governance system. Through its most influential body in this area, the United Nations Environment Programme (UNEP), the UN has sponsored a number of global environmental initiatives dealing with environmental protection, as well as the Commission on Sustainable Development.

Second Branch: The International Union for the Conservation of Nature and Natural Resources

The International Union for the Conservation of Nature and Natural Resources (IUCN) is headquartered in Switzerland and was established in 1948. It is linked with governments, non-governmental organisations, scientists, and experts in environmental protection with the aim of developing living natural resources and promoting their sustainable use.

The Union’s key tasks are as follows:

Monitoring the state of environmental systems in different regions of the world.
Planning conservation activities through the Global Conservation Strategy and the Land Care Strategy.
Encouraging governments and governmental and non-governmental organisations to carry out these activities.
Providing the necessary expertise and assistance to implement these activities[44].

Conclusion:

Based on the foregoing study, we can draw several conclusions, including the following:

– Good governance is the core foundation for achieving sustainable development; establishing the principles and mechanisms of good governance is therefore essential for realising development.

There are essential mechanisms and principles that govern good governance, including transparency, the rule of law, integrity, and sound/efficient management.

The success of environmental governance depends on strengthening transparency in global environmental policies, adopting reconciliatory/coordination-based approaches, and reinforcing participatory initiatives.

Good environmental governance provides opportunities and capacities for the rational use of natural resources to achieve the greatest possible benefits for all stakeholders and beneficiaries of environmental protection. It also involves addressing the interests of both current and future generations as new challenges for environmental governance. In this sense, strengthening the work of environmental organisations and developing political mechanisms is key to achieving environmental governance.

First: UNDP definition of good governance

Good governance is defined as:

Based on the foregoing, good governance can be defined as follows:

Secondly, the World Bank defines good governance as:

Conclusion: Three main pillars of governance

From these definitions, it can be concluded that governance rests on three main pillars:

The political pillar includes the processes of decision-making related to the formulation and development of public policies.
The economic pillar includes processes of decision-making that affect the state’s economic activities and their relationship with other economies.
The administrative pillar includes the system for implementing policies, focusing on good governance and effective management of activities and work.

List of Sources and References:

Laws

1. Law No. 3/10 of July 19, 2003, concerning environmental protection within the framework of sustainable development, Official Gazette, No. 43, July 2003.

2. Executive Decree No. 17/364 of December 25, 2017, concerning the powers of the Minister of Environment and Renewable Energies, Official Gazette, No. 74.

3. Executive Decree No. 17/366 of December 25, 2017, concerning the organization of the General Inspectorate of the Ministry of Environment and Renewable Energies, Official Gazette, No. 74.

4. Law No. 06/17 of March 12, 2006, concerning the Urban Planning Law, Official Gazette, No. 1. 5. Law No. 03/10 of July 19, 2003, concerning environmental protection within the framework of sustainable development: Official Gazette, No. 20, 2003.

6. Executive Decree No. 16/259 of October 10, 2016, concerning the composition of the National Committee and the Provincial Committees for Protected Areas and their organization and operation: Official Gazette, No. 13.

7. Law No. 04/03 of June 27, 2004, concerning the protection of mountainous areas within the framework of sustainable development: No. 41, 2004.

Books

8. Ibn Manzur, Lisan al-‘Arab (dictionary), Dar al-Maarif, Cairo.

9. Ahmad Fathi Abu Karim, Transparency and Leadership in Administration, 1st edition, Dar Hamid, Jordan, 2009.

10. Ammar Boudiaf, Explanation of the Law on the Wilaya, Jusour for Publishing and Distribution, Algeria, 2012.

Theses and dissertations

11. Hasouna Abd El-Ghani, ‘Legal Protection of the Environment within the Framework of Sustainable Development’, PhD thesis submitted for the degree of Doctorate in Business Law, Mohammed Khider University, Biskra, 2012/13 academic year.

12. Manaa, Sabrina, Environmental Governance in Algeria: A Case Study on the Management of Medical Waste*, PhD thesis submitted for the degree of Doctorate in Political and Administrative Organisations, Batna 1 University, Faculty of Law and Political Science, Academic Year 2019–2020.

13. Ghanem Djelti, ‘Good Governance and the Problem of Development’, PhD thesis, specialty: Management, Abi Bakr Belkaid University, Faculty of Economic Sciences and Management, Tlemcen, academic year 2014–15.

14. Bakchich Ali, ‘The Issue of the Impact of Administrative Corruption on the Development Programme and the Implementation of Good Governance Mechanisms’, PhD thesis, speciality: administrative and political organisation, Algiers 3 University, Faculty of Political Science and Media/Communication, 2012.

Articles

15. Zoubida Mohcen, ‘Water governance as an approach to integrated water resource management in Algeria’, Journal of Performance of Algerian Institutions, Issue 05, 2014.

16. Jalal Kassar al-Layl and Najy Abdelnor, ‘Towards the embodiment of participatory local governance to achieve local development in Algeria’, Research Journal, Issue 05, Algeria, 2018.

17. Abdallah Al-Bassam Bessam, ‘Good Governance: A Case Study of the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia’, Arab Economic Research Journal, Issues 67–68, 2014.

18. Sara Ajeroud, ‘Environmental Governance: A Conceptual Approach’, Algerian Journal of Security and Development, Issue 13, 2018.

19. Manaa, Sabrina, ‘Environmental Governance as a Framework for Promoting Sustainable Development’, Fifth International Conference on Environmental Protection/Expenditure: Between the Needs and Requirements of Sustainable Development’, Studies in Economics and Business Administration Journal, Issue 2, 2018.

20. Rawia Lemmouchi, ‘Environmental governance as a means to achieve sustainable development in Algeria’, Volume 6, Issue 2, 2019.

21. Hadjira Belyour, Abou Bakr Bousalem, Zahra Balyoura, ‘Contributions of Environmental Governance to Achieving Sustainable Development: The Algerian Model’, Business Economics and Trade, Issue 2, April 2017.

22. Tashma Boumediene, ‘Good Governance and the Problem of Building Capacity in Local Administration in Algeria’, Journal of Communication, Issue 26, University of Annaba, 2010.

23. Abdelaziz Bazie Al-Yassin, ‘Government Governance and the Impacts Resulting from Its Implementation in Government Agencies’, Kuwait, 1st ed., 2013.

[1]– Zoubida Mohcen (2014), ‘Water Governance as an Approach to Integrated Water Management in Algeria’, Journal of Performance of Algerian Institutions, Issue 5 (2014), p. 106.

[2]– Qassar al-Layl, J. and Abd al-Nour, N. (2018), ‘Towards Enacting Participatory Local Governance to Achieve Local Development in Algeria’, Journal of Research, Issue 5, Ziane Achour University (Djelfa), Algeria, p. 103.

[3]– Ghanem Djelti, ‘Good Governance and the Problem of Development’, PhD thesis, specialisation: Management, supervision: Habib Abd al-Razzak, Faculty of Economic Sciences and Management, Abu Bakr Belkaid University, Tlemcen, 2014–15, p. 101.

[4]– Ali Bakchiche, ‘The Problem of the Impact of Administrative Corruption on the Development Programme and the Implementation of Good Governance Mechanisms’, PhD thesis, specialisation: Administrative and Political Organisation, supervision: Aqila Dayf Allah, Faculty of Political Science and Information, University of Algiers 3, 2012, p. 155.

[5]– Abd al-Aziz Bazi‘ Yacine, ‘Governmental Governance and the Effects Resulting from Its Implementation in Government Agencies’, Kuwait, 1st ed., 2013, p. 15.

[6]– Abdullah al-Basam Basam, ‘Sound (Right) Governance: A Case Study of Saudi Arabia’, Arab Economic Research Journal, Issues 67–68 (2014), p. 178.

[7]– Sara Ajroud, ‘Environmental Governance: A Conceptual Approach’, Algerian Journal of Security and Development, Issue 13 (2018), p. 309.

[8]– Ibn Manzur, ‘Lisan al-‘Arab’, Dar al-Maarif, Cairo, p. 382.

[9]– Hasouna Abd al-Ghani, ‘Legal Protection of the Environment within the Framework of Sustainable Development’, supervision: Miftâh ‘Abd al-Jalîl, PhD thesis submitted for the degree of doctorate, specialisation: Business Law, Mohammed Khider University, 2012/13, p. 13.

[10]– Sabrina Manaa, ‘Environmental Governance: A Framework for Promoting Sustainable Development’, Fifth International Conference on: Environmental Spending: Between the Needs and Requirements of Sustainable Development’, Studies in Economics and Business Management Journal, Issue 2 (2018), p. 5.

[11]– Hasouna Abd al-Ghani, previous reference, p. 14.

[12]– Law No. 3/10 of 19 July 2003 concerning the Protection of the Environment within the Framework of Sustainable Development, Official Gazette, Issue 43, July 2003, p. 10.

[13]– ‘Environmental Governance in Algeria: A Case Study of Medical Waste Management’, supervised by: Dalal Bahri, PhD thesis submitted for the degree of Doctorate in Political and Administrative Organisations, 2019–2020, p. 10. Political and Administrative Organisations, 2019–2020, p. 10.

[14]– Mani Sabrina, previous reference, p. 8.

[15]– Manal Sakhri, previous reference, p. 10.

[16]– Sara Ajroud, pp. 310–311.

[17]– Lemmouchi, Rawiya. ‘Environmental Governance as a Means to Achieve Sustainable Development in Algeria’, Volume 06, Issue 02 (2019), p. 106.

[18]– Manaa, Sabrina, previous reference, p. 11.

[19]– Manaa, Sabrina, previous reference, p. 11.

[20]– Sabrina Manaa, previous reference, pp. 13–14.

[21]– Manal Sakhri, previous reference, pp. 10–11.

[22]– Lemmouchi, Rawiya, ‘Environmental Governance as a Means to Achieve Sustainable Development in Algeria’, Volume 06, Issue 02 (2019), p. 109.

[23]– Lemmouchi, Rawiya, previous reference, p. 110.

[24]– Belayour, H., Bousalim, A. B., & Beloura, Z. (2017). ‘Contributions of Environmental Governance to Achieving Sustainable Development: Algeria as a Model’, Economics of Business and Trade. Issue Two, April 2017, p. 122.

[25]– Manal Sakhri, previous reference, p. 73.

[26]– Executive Decree No. 17/364 of 25 December 2017 containing the powers of the Minister of the Environment and Renewable Energies, Official Gazette, Issue 74.

[27]– Executive Decree No. 17/366 of 25 December 2017 containing the organisation of the General Inspectorate of the Ministry of the Environment and Renewable Energies, Official Gazette, Issue 74.

[28]– Article 2 of Law No. 06/17 of 12 March 2006 (the Framework Law for the City), Official Gazette, Issue 1.

[29]– Boumediene Tashma, ‘Good Governance and the Problem of Building the Capacity of the Local Administration in Algeria’, Al-Tawaṣul Journal, Issue 26, University of Annaba, 2010, pp. 4–5.

[30]– Ahmad Fathi Abu Karim, Transparency and Leadership in Administration, 1st ed., Dar Hamid, Jordan, 2009, p. 65.

[31]– Ammar Boudiaf, Explanation of the Law on the Wilaya (Governorate/Province), Jisûr for Publishing and Distribution, Algeria, 2012, p. 143.

[32]– Same reference, p. 144.

[33]– Same reference, p. 144.

[34]– Ammar Boudiaf: Previous reference, p. 170.

[35]– Same reference, p. 171.

[36]– Manal Sakhri, p. 80.

[37]– Manal Sakhri, ‘Environmental Governance in Algeria’, Algerian Journal of Public Policies, Issue 12 (2017), pp. 51–52.

[38]– Belayour Hedijira: previous reference, p. 125.

[39]– Manal Sakhri, Thesis, Previous Reference, p. 88.

[40]– Belayour Hedjira: Previous reference, pp. 124–125.

[41]– Article 35 of Law 03/10 of 19 July 2003 concerning the protection of the environment within the framework of sustainable development. Official Gazette, Issue 20 (2003).

[42]– Manal Sakhri, ‘Previous reference’, p. 53.

[43]– Articles 25 and 15 of Law 03/10 of 19 July 2003 concerning the protection of the environment within the framework of sustainable development: Official Gazette, Issue 20 (2003).

[44]– Belayour, H., Abu Bakr, B., & Belaoura, Z. (2003). Previous reference, p. 125.

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