The Inclusion of the Environmental Dimension of Sustainability in Studying Informal Settlements Using the INDI System

Abstract

The phenomenon of informal settlements is considered one of the most common global issues that have negative effects on several life aspects. All Algerian cities face this problem, including the city of Bousaada and the neighborhood of Sidi Slimane, which is considered one of the largest informal settlements in the city. Although the neighborhood has benefited from the Vulnerable Housing Absorption Program funded by the International Bank for Reconstruction and Development, the latter did not achieve the set goals. Therefore, it has become necessary to think about the use of modern and effective criteria for assessing the environmental dimension of sustainability, such as the INDI system of impact indicators built into EcoQuartierGrid2011 in order to contribute to the development of these neighborhoods, to ensure a better quality of life for the residents, and achieve sustainable development in light of the environmental dimension. On this basis, the present study aims to use the INDI system to integrate the environmental dimension of sustainability in informal settlements and to investigate the environmental shortcomings that the neighborhood Sidi Slimane suffers from in order to suggest possible solutions to develop it and improve the quality of life for the residents. In pursuance of this aim, the approach of the current research is descriptive-analytical in order to design an approach that deals with the criteria of the INDI System in environmental studies. The research concludes that both INDI and EcoquatierGrid 2011 will help improve the quality of life of the population for millions of individuals and residents in Algeria and in developing countries that suffer from the problem of informal housing. A guideline based on INDI and EcoquatierGrid 2011 indicators is recommended and incorporated into environmental studies as a reference. The novelty of the current research lies in finding practical and technical solutions to the problem of squatter housing through the use of the INDI indicator system and its integration with EcoQuartierGrid2011 based on 40 topics and 318 indicators covering the economic, social, and environmental dimensions.