Rethinking Territorial Governance in Mountain Areas: the case Study of the Bibans Massif (Algeria)

This article analyzes the complexity of territorial governance in Algerian mountain areas through a case study of the Bibans massif. It reveals a dynamic of territorial devitalization despite a rich potential, primarily due to a sectoral and centralized management often disconnected from local realities. By mobilizing a combined approach based on the MED/SLA model (Mountain Ecosystem Development/Sustainable Livelihoods Approach) and a multi-level participatory method, this study highlights the persistence of hybrid forms of governance, combining resilient traditional community institutions and local self-organization initiatives. It assesses community resilience dynamics in the face of structural challenges, emphasizing the importance of social capital and vernacular knowledge. The findings advocate for a rethinking of territorial governance, grounded in the recognition and valorization of local capacities for sustainable and inclusive development.