The Tunisian government has taken a significant step towards protecting its forests from fires with the inauguration of a new alert and surveillance center in Ghardimaou. The center, which was launched on October 13-14, 2026, is equipped with the FOCUS application, a technological solution designed to enhance surveillance and optimize communication between field agents and command centers. The initiative is a collaboration between the General Directorate of Forests (DGF) and the World Wildlife Fund (WWF) for North Africa.
Tunisia's Mediterranean forest ecosystems are among the most fragile and are facing increasing pressure due to climate change, prolonged droughts, and heatwaves. These conditions have led to an accumulation of flammable biomass, making forest fires more frequent and difficult to control. The new center and FOCUS application aim to address these challenges by providing early warning systems and rapid intervention capabilities to protect populations and biodiversity.
The FOCUS application is the result of a synergy between two complementary environmental projects: Pre4MedFor (Enhancing Wildfire Prevention capacity in Mediterranean Forests) and People Powering Biodiversity (PPB). The application is designed to optimize intervention time and improve communication between field agents and command centers. The launch event brought together key stakeholders, including the DGF, the Regional Commissariat for Agricultural Development (CRDA) of Jendouba, local authorities, civil protection agencies, and Prodexo, the company responsible for developing and training users.
The launch event included a two-day training session, which combined theoretical and practical exercises. On October 13, 2026, participants familiarized themselves with the interface and dashboards at the new command center in Ghardimaou. The following day, a simulation exercise was conducted in real conditions at El Feija and Fejj Hcine National Park. This exercise tested the flow of information between field agents and the command center, ensuring that data could be transmitted efficiently in both directions.
The training session aimed to equip users with the skills needed to operate the FOCUS application autonomously. By the end of the two days, users were expected to be trained and validated on essential communication scenarios. The initiative also resulted in a clear roadmap for the operational deployment of the application, marking a significant advancement in protecting Tunisia's natural heritage.
The new center and FOCUS application are critical components of Tunisia's strategy to enhance forest fire prevention and response. The country's forests play a vital role in regulating the climate, protecting water resources, and supporting local communities. By leveraging technology and collaboration, Tunisia aims to mitigate the impact of forest fires and protect its natural resources for future generations.
The launch of the center and FOCUS application demonstrates Tunisia's commitment to addressing the challenges posed by climate change. The initiative has brought together various stakeholders, including government agencies, international organizations, and local communities, to work towards a common goal of protecting the country's natural resources. The success of this initiative will depend on effective implementation and continued collaboration among stakeholders.
Key points
- The FOCUS application is a technological solution designed to enhance surveillance and optimize communication between field agents and command centers.
- The launch event included a two-day training session, which combined theoretical and practical exercises.
- The initiative aims to mitigate the impact of forest fires and protect Tunisia's natural resources for future generations.
