An Ingenious Heritage System for Collecting and Distributing Flood Water in the M’zab Valley of Algeria

Abstract

Foggaras are traditional Algerian water systems, which historically have made it possible to collect and redistribute water in the Sahara Desert. Although threatened by climate change and unsustainable urbanization, foggaras are still in use today and for hundreds of years have been managed by the same customary laws and groups. They are an example of tangible water heritage and ingenious water works, adapted to the needs of an arduous environment along with local society and culture. Such structures can inspire future ways of engaging with nature.