Description
The scarcity of freshwater resources in Tunisia poses a significant threat to the environment. Both fossil and renewable water resources are under pressure from a changing climate and increasing human demand. The Cap Bon region, known for intense agricultural, tourist, and industrial activities, experiences heightened water scarcity, influencing economic sectors heavily reliant on water resources.
In this region, agricultural irrigation accounts for 80% of water consumption, mainly due to intensive irrigation practices. Simultaneously, the tourism sector, while contributing significantly to the economy, is a substantial consumer of potable water and generates notable waste discharges, impacting the coastal environment.
The overexploitation of water resources poses a direct threat to the region’s freshwater ecosystems and its rich biodiversity, including numerous wetlands hosting rare and endangered species, especially migratory birds. The project aims to address these challenges by conserving biodiversity, specifically targeting wetlands like Lebna, Mlaâbi Oued El Hajar, and Sidi Abdelmonem dams. It also focuses on promoting sustainable farming practices and ecotourism, with a goal to enhance socio-economic opportunities for local communities. An emphasis on good regional governance is crucial for sustainable development.
