Integrating Indigenous Normative Systems into Environmental Health Governance in Western Sahara: A Public Law Perspective

Abstract

Effective enforcement of environmental health regulations is a fundamental aspect of public law, ensuring both community welfare and environmental protection. In Western Sahara, traditional knowledge has historically guided the stewardship of natural resources, promoting coexistence between humans and their surroundings. This study explores how the integration of customary practices into legal frameworks affects compliance with environmental health norms. Employing a normative legal approach, the research examined local initiatives for managing water sources, drainage systems, and communal sanitation. Findings reveal that law enforcement relies not only on formal regulatory mechanisms but also on education and guidance provided by community leaders, which strengthens awareness of legal obligations and environmental responsibility. Traditional sanctions further function as social deterrents, reinforcing compliance through collective values and moral accountability. The study concludes that local wisdom significantly facilitates voluntary adherence to environmental laws. Communities actively participate in maintaining environmental infrastructure and engage in collective initiatives without formal compulsion. Embedding indigenous practices into public law frameworks enhances legal effectiveness, strengthens participatory governance, and supports sustainable environmental management. The findings underscore that incorporating indigenous practices within public law frameworks not only enhances compliance but also operationalizes constitutional principles of environmental protection and community-based governance.