Environmental Protection in Algeria between the Constitution and Legal Texts

Abstract

Algeria has sought to protect the environment through both constitutional and legal provisions, which led to the constitutional recognition of the right to a healthy environment for the first time in the 2016 constitutional amendment. This was followed by the 2020 constitutional amendment, which further reinforced environmental protection in both its preamble and substantive provisions. Algeria also possesses a body of legal texts and executive decrees that pursue the same objective. To ensure the effective implementation of this protection, the State established institutions and bodies responsible for safeguarding the environment. In addition to providing constitutional and legal guarantees, issuing executive decrees, and establishing institutional mechanisms to support environmental protection, Algeria has imposed sanctions on those who violate environmental protection measures, with the aim of creating a comprehensive and integrated system for environmental protection.