20
Nations Conference on Housing and Sustainable Urban Development, 2014). Indeed, Algeria's
northern area has been suffering from the increasing infrastructure development in Algeria,
raising the urban population to 70.7% of the total population in 2015 (Achour-Tani, 2013;
Tsaki, 2018).
On the other hand, the population's exodus has been encouraged by the diversification of
socioeconomic activities and improved living conditions, especially in the country's major
urban centers in the West and East, resulting in litoralization (Khaoua et al., 2014; Ghodbani
& Boughrira, 2019). Indeed, coastal settlement is associated with the continuous natural
habitat loss and drain on natural resources (Khaoua et al., 2014), including water, which is the
basis of human activities such as agriculture, which accounts for 65% of all water use
(Chabane, 2012). This resource has experienced a significant scarcity, intensified by the
climate change effect (prolonged periods of drought) (GCF/Algeria, 2017). Eventually, similar
to Mediterranean countries, Algeria could pay dire consequences for climate change,
including coastline erosion, agricultural land, and tourism facilities loss, compromising the
country's economy and food security (Petruzella & Sancassani, 2017). Thus, awareness and
assessment of potential risks of degradation of natural capital could provide relevant
assistance to Algerian decision-makers in developing and implementing appropriate
management plans. Hence, shifting the country's development process must be supported by
tools to measure all the country's assets to guide production, management, consumption, and
conservation policies.
1.2. Concept, tool, Indicator, measure, analysis,
In this thesis document we will refer to the EF under several terms according to its description
usages or position in the thesis document. For instance, we would refer to the EF as a
“concept” when introducing the EF, describing its history and foundation and to conclude on
its application in the study context. The term “tool” is also used to introduce, describe and
provide opinion on the EF. For example, some authors would describe the EF as an effective
urban planning tool. In this context the EF is viewed as an instrument to build planning policies.
The use of the term “indicator” is more delicate especially at the beginning of the document
as in the first section we have yet to assess the EF accuracy. However, we use the term
“indicator” when citing literature work, describing the attribute given to the EF. For instance,
some non-governmental organizations consider the EF as a sustainable development
indicator. While other experts, see it as a resources state indicators. The EF is also described
a “metric” or a “measure” as it provides by the mean of mathematical calculation a result of
human demand on resources. Finally, when describing the methodological approach, we use
the term model or analysis. These terms as also used when applying the EF to our case study.
Nations Conference on Housing and Sustainable Urban Development, 2014). Indeed, Algeria's
northern area has been suffering from the increasing infrastructure development in Algeria,
raising the urban population to 70.7% of the total population in 2015 (Achour-Tani, 2013;
Tsaki, 2018).
On the other hand, the population's exodus has been encouraged by the diversification of
socioeconomic activities and improved living conditions, especially in the country's major
urban centers in the West and East, resulting in litoralization (Khaoua et al., 2014; Ghodbani
& Boughrira, 2019). Indeed, coastal settlement is associated with the continuous natural
habitat loss and drain on natural resources (Khaoua et al., 2014), including water, which is the
basis of human activities such as agriculture, which accounts for 65% of all water use
(Chabane, 2012). This resource has experienced a significant scarcity, intensified by the
climate change effect (prolonged periods of drought) (GCF/Algeria, 2017). Eventually, similar
to Mediterranean countries, Algeria could pay dire consequences for climate change,
including coastline erosion, agricultural land, and tourism facilities loss, compromising the
country's economy and food security (Petruzella & Sancassani, 2017). Thus, awareness and
assessment of potential risks of degradation of natural capital could provide relevant
assistance to Algerian decision-makers in developing and implementing appropriate
management plans. Hence, shifting the country's development process must be supported by
tools to measure all the country's assets to guide production, management, consumption, and
conservation policies.
1.2. Concept, tool, Indicator, measure, analysis,
In this thesis document we will refer to the EF under several terms according to its description
usages or position in the thesis document. For instance, we would refer to the EF as a
“concept” when introducing the EF, describing its history and foundation and to conclude on
its application in the study context. The term “tool” is also used to introduce, describe and
provide opinion on the EF. For example, some authors would describe the EF as an effective
urban planning tool. In this context the EF is viewed as an instrument to build planning policies.
The use of the term “indicator” is more delicate especially at the beginning of the document
as in the first section we have yet to assess the EF accuracy. However, we use the term
“indicator” when citing literature work, describing the attribute given to the EF. For instance,
some non-governmental organizations consider the EF as a sustainable development
indicator. While other experts, see it as a resources state indicators. The EF is also described
a “metric” or a “measure” as it provides by the mean of mathematical calculation a result of
human demand on resources. Finally, when describing the methodological approach, we use
the term model or analysis. These terms as also used when applying the EF to our case study.