Land use and land cover (LULC) changes driven by urbanization and agricultural expansion pose significant challenges to biodiversity, water resources, and sustainable development, particularly in arid and semi-arid regions. This study examines LULC changes in the Tolga region, Algeria, over a 30-year period (1994-2024) using remote sensing and GIS to assess the impacts on this fragile ecosystem. The analysis revealed a substantial transformation, with open land decreasing from 95.35% of the total area in 1994 to 82.70% in 2024, highlighting intensified land use and potential habitat fragmentation. Dense Vegetation, including date palm groves, increased from 0.94% to 4.32%, while Built-up areas expanded from 0.23% to 0.95%, reflecting concurrent agricultural and urban growth that can strain natural resources. Correlation analysis showed strong positive relationships between Built-up areas and Dense Vegetation in districts like Lichana and Tolga (r = 0.99, r = 0.85, respectively), suggesting that urbanization often coexists with agricultural activities. Conversely, negative correlations between Built-up Areas and Land in districts such as Mlili and Mekhadma (r = -0.98) indicate significant land conversion for urban use. Hotspot analysis identified areas of concentrated growth in both vegetation and urban centers, highlighting the spatial dynamics of land use transformation and resource pressure. These findings underscore the complex interplay between urban and agricultural expansion and highlight the need for sustainable practices to mitigate environmental impacts, preserve biodiversity, and support long-term ecosystem health.