El Habib Ben Amara

El Habib Ben Amara is an architect and urban designer from a tribal ksar (fortified oasis) in Algeria. He’s an activist against desertification and one of the foremost authorities on sustainable water management in the Sahara, and has written for major Algerian newspapers.

Rainwater harvesting

Despite the precipitation, drought is lurking unless urgent measures are taken

Will we finally pick up a shovel and create conditions on our properties, neighborhoods, towns, and villages so that not a drop of rainwater is lost without use? It is a vibrant and enthusiastic call; we can only seriously consider the question of rainwater retention or recovery.

February 28, 2024

Ancient Ksour in Algeria

Ancient wisdom to face challenging times

Between the rocks and sands of the desert, where water is scarce, the fortified villages, called “ksar,” were more than just villages. They embodied the integration of habitat into its environment, fortresses of resilience, guardians of ancient wisdom.

February 16, 2024