In the heart of Algeria, a city grapples with a challenge that echoes across the globe: urban sprawl. Batna, a city with a rich history and a growing population, is seeing its natural and agricultural lands consumed at an alarming rate. But a new study published in *Prostor* (which translates to “Space”) offers a promising strategy to combat this issue and its implications for the energy sector.
Urban densification, the practice of increasing residential and commercial density within existing urban areas, is at the center of this research. Led by Aïcha Chetara of the Lacomofa Laboratory at the University Mohamed Khider in Biskra, the study employs remote sensing and GIS technologies to analyze Batna’s urban morphology. The findings suggest that urban densification could significantly reduce the consumption of bare land, a critical issue for sustainable development.
“Urban sprawl is a phenomenon that threatens the territorial balance,” Chetara explains. “It leads to a gradual reduction of natural and agricultural lands, which is why it’s crucial to implement effective strategies to mitigate this issue.”
The research highlights that urban densification optimizes space usage within cities, reducing the need to expand into natural areas. This approach aligns with the principles of sustainable development, ensuring resource conservation for future generations.
For the energy sector, the implications are substantial. Urban sprawl often leads to increased energy consumption due to expanded infrastructure and longer commutes. By promoting densification, cities can reduce energy demand, lower carbon emissions, and foster more sustainable urban environments.
Chetara’s work underscores the need for a comprehensive policy framework that integrates urban densification with other sustainable development mechanisms. “Urban densification alone is not sufficient,” she notes. “It must be part of a broader strategy that includes various action mechanisms.”
This research could shape future urban planning and energy policies, not just in Algeria but globally. As cities continue to grow, the lessons from Batna may provide a blueprint for sustainable urban development, balancing the needs of the present with the preservation of resources for the future. The study, published in *Prostor*, offers a compelling case for urban densification as a key tool in the fight against urban sprawl and its environmental impacts.