The Tunisian Ministry of Foreign Affairs, Migration, and Tunisians Abroad hosted a ceremony on November 10, 2026, to sign a donation agreement with the Government of the Kingdom of the Netherlands. The Netherlands has donated €60.92 million to support the protection of Tunisia's coastline. The agreement was signed by Minister Mohamed Ali Nafti and Melanie Maas Geesteranus, Director General of Invest International B.V.
The donated funds will be used to implement the fourth and fifth phases, as well as an additional tranche, of the coastal protection program initiated in 2013. This program is a collaborative effort between Tunisia and Germany, with the support of the KfW. The direct interventions will focus on three key areas: Bizerte, the coastal strip from Sousse-Sud to the Qaraiya beach in Monastir, including Skanès, and the northeast coast of Djerba Island.
In addition to these direct interventions, a technical study will be conducted to assess the protection needs of the sector connecting Beni Khiar to Yasmine Hammamet. This study aims to identify the specific requirements for protecting this area and to develop effective measures to mitigate potential risks. The Netherlands' donation will contribute significantly to the preservation of Tunisia's coastline.
The Tunisian government has been working to protect its coastline from erosion and other environmental threats. The country's coastline is an essential part of its economy, with many tourist resorts and industrial sites located along the coast. The Netherlands' donation will help Tunisia to address these challenges and ensure the long-term sustainability of its coastal ecosystems.
Minister Mohamed Ali Nafti expressed his appreciation for the Netherlands' support, highlighting the importance of international cooperation in addressing environmental challenges. He emphasized that the donation will have a positive impact on the country's environmental and economic development. The Netherlands has a long history of supporting environmental projects in Tunisia.
Melanie Maas Geesteranus, Director General of Invest International B.V., also welcomed the agreement, stating that it reflects the strong partnership between the Netherlands and Tunisia. She emphasized that the donation is part of the Netherlands' efforts to support sustainable development and environmental protection in Tunisia and other countries.
The Netherlands' donation of €60.9 million is a significant contribution to Tunisia's efforts to protect its coastline. The implementation of the coastal protection program will not only help to preserve the country's natural resources but also support its economic development. The agreement is a testament to the strong bilateral relations between Tunisia and the Netherlands.
Key points
- The Netherlands donates €60.9 million to support the protection of Tunisia's coastline.
- The donation will be used to implement the fourth and fifth phases of the coastal protection program initiated in 2013.
- The program aims to protect three key areas: Bizerte, the coastal strip from Sousse-Sud to the Qaraiya beach in Monastir, and the northeast coast of Djerba Island.
