The Changing Ecological Footprint In Algeria

Abstract

This study aims to assess the evolution of Algeria's ecological footprint from 2000 to 2024 by examining its key components—carbon, agriculture, grazing land, fishing grounds, and forest—and comparing them with the current biocapacity. The research utilizes a descriptive-analytical methodology, drawing on data from the Global Footprint Network, the National Office of Statistics, the Food and Agriculture Organization (FAO), and the World Bank. The results show that Algeria's ecological deficit is getting worse, which means that the country's consumption is higher than what its ecosystems can naturally replace. The carbon and agricultural footprints are the most harmful to the ecosystem. Algeria's biocapacity has also dropped, especially in forests, grazing lands, and fisheries. At the same time, the country needs more food and natural resources, and some of this need is met by imports. The study says that the government needs to improve how it manages the environment and make policies for sustainable management in order to find a balance between economic growth and protecting natural resources.