Tebboune-Instructed Law Targets Forest Development Safety

The Algerian Ministry of Habitat, Urbanism, City, and Spatial Planning is preparing a new law to regulate construction and development in forest areas. Minister Mohamed Tarek Belaribi recently chaired a coordination meeting of the intersectoral commission tasked with drafting this significant legislation.

The primary objective of the draft law is to define rules for planning and construction within forest environments, thereby preventing wildfire risks and safeguarding both individuals and property. This legislative initiative directly implements instructions issued by President Abdelmadjid Tebboune during a working meeting on August 30, 2026.

These presidential instructions followed significant fires that affected several wilayas in the East and Center of the country during the preceding month of August. The proposed law aims to establish specific technical rules and standards applicable to constructions, alongside planning regulations pertinent to zones where habitat interfaces with forest areas.

During the recent meeting, an overview of the key measures and proposed axes within the preliminary draft was presented. The Minister acknowledged the commission members' effective and enriching contributions to the timely development of this law, which is designed to enhance the existing framework for fire prevention and achieve its intended protective goals.