The Importance of Social Sustainability for Conserving Cultural Heritage in Southern Algeria: A Case Study of the M'zab Valley

The M'Zab Valley, located in Ghardaïa in southern Algeria, was classified by UNESCO as a world heritage site in 1982. The M'Zab valley has benefited from numerous restoration, rehabilitation, and consolidation projects to ensure the preservation of its monuments and historical sites. This article focuses on social sustainability, a key element of sustainable development and a crucial component of cultural heritage protection. The study aims to identify and assess social sustainability in two fortified villages (Ksour) in the M'Zab Valley. The research uses the case study method in the M'Zab valley's unique social context, taking into account several indicators: social networking, safety, and security, sense of attachment, quality of the home, and quality of life, measured through a survey of 200 households. Results show that the indicator that locals value most is “quality of housing”, whereas “participation” is less significant. Only 5.0% of residents of Al-Atteuf and 7.0% of those in Beni-Isguen express a need to leave or change residences. This article also contributes to highlighting the Mozabite community's advantages and challenges, especially after the social and cultural changes that society has undergone.