الضبط الاداري البيئي Lectures on Environmental Administrative Police

Abstract

Administrative regulation under environmental law represents one of the most dynamic and evolving dimensions of modern legal systems. Its distinctive nature stems not only from its legal foundations, which are deeply rooted in the principles of environmental legislation, but also from the specific objectives it seeks to fulfill—namely, the preservation of ecological balance, the protection of natural resources, and the safeguarding of public health. In the first part of this study, we examined the legal foundations and distinctive features of administrative regulation in the environmental context. We emphasized its unique preventive and corrective nature, which departs from the traditional notion of public regulation by integrating key environmental principles such as the precautionary principle, the prevention of environmental harm, and sustainable development. These principles serve as the backbone for the administrative authorities’ power to intervene in the private sphere before or after a given activity is undertaken. The second part focused on the institutional framework and legal instruments through which administrative regulation is implemented. We analyzed the roles of various regulatory authorities, particularly environmental departments at the central and regional levels, as well as the cross-sectoral coordination between ministries. This institutional complexity reflects the transversal character of environmental issues. We also explored the core legal tools at the disposal of these authorities, such as prior control mechanisms (including licensing and environmental impact assessments), as well as post-activity control measures such as administrative oversight, mandatory compliance measures, and non-punitive sanctions. Through this analysis, it becomes clear that environmental regulation is not merely a set of technical rules or administrative procedures. Rather, it is a strategic function of public administration that reflects a deeper societal commitment to intergenerational justice and ecological sustainability. The Lectures on Environmental Administrative Police – Master 1 in Environment – Dr. SEIHOUB Salim. 101 integration of environmental values into administrative law signifies a shift toward a more responsible model of governance—one that recognizes the limits of natural ecosystems and the duties owed by both individuals and institutions to protect them. As environmental risks grow in scale and complexity, the role of administrative regulation will only become more central. Strengthening its legal basis, enhancing inter-institutional coordination, and ensuring public participation are key to making environmental governance both effective and legitimate in the years to come