M'Zab Valley

Intense development linked to socio-economic changes threatens the historic ksour of the M'Zab Valley.  Several new houses have been built in areas that are not suitable for construction, such as the palm groves or the bed of the oued.  Rain water has already caused damage. Furthermore, buildings erected on the hills surrounding the town cause a strong visual impact. No appropriate legislation exists for urban control in the non-constructible areas. Moreover, the knowledge of traditional materials for the rehabilitation of the vernacular architecture, as well as for the traditional system for the management and distribution of water, is being lost.

The World Heritage Centre, in close cooperation with the State Party, organised a reactive monitoring mission from 2 to 11 December 2003, coordinated with an expert mission, to the M'Zab Valley under technical assistance approved by the World Heritage Committee on 29 June 2002, regarding the listing of the Valley as a Safeguarded Sector.  The dossier for the listing of the M'Zab Valley as a Safeguarded Sector was prepared by the Office for the Protection and Promotion of the M'Zab Valley (OPVM) in 2003, in accordance with the Law 98-04 concerning heritage protection.

On 5 April 2004, the OPVM obtained the final agreement of the concerned National Commission, for the creation of a safeguarded sector for the M'Zab Valley.  The Ministry of Housing envisages the safeguarded sector as a cultural park covering also towns outside the Valley, more than 70 kms distant.  The next step for the creation of the safeguarded sector requires the four ministries concerned (Environment, Interior, Finance, Housing) to reach a consensus.

The listing would permit the Algerian authorities to preserve the landscape value of the property and the contrast between the built and non-built areas.  The restoration of the management of the hydraulic network, at present badly maintained, is also one of the priorities to ensure the preservation of the outstanding universal value of the World Heritage property.

The organization of an inter-ministerial meeting on the theme of safeguarded sectors is envisaged to promote collaboration between the national and local authorities in order to coordinate all the activities for the safeguarding and development of the future safeguarded section of the M'Zab Valley.  Separate and apart from this step, the Algerian Government has carried out a very dynamic restoration policy of the principal monuments and the rehabilitation of vernacular architecture of the ksour. This action is directed by the Office for the Protection and Promotion of the M'Zab Valley in cooperation with the population and the different State services.  With regard to new operations, the creation of new areas inspired by the ancient ksour should be noted.  These projects constitute an appreciable alternative to the lack of urban planning.

On the other hand, the OPVM constitutes and disposes of very extensive documentation which allows it to carry out ongoing awareness-raising and training activities. The OPVM is responsible for:

a)  the execution of legislation in force concerning listed heritage;

b)  the wide use of local architectural design as a source of inspiration and reference in the creation of new buildings and urban development;

c)  the exploitation of research carried out in the field of urban fabric and local building materials;

d)  the creation of a data bank for historic and natural sites, the promotion of research and exploitation of archaeological sites;

e)  the support and promotion of local artisan activities;

f)  providing technical advice concerning all new construction or development operations.