The Tunisian government has launched a project to valorize the cultural heritage of Djerba Island, a UNESCO World Heritage Site. The project, called "SUPER" (Sites UNESCO plus durables et participatifs), is a cooperation between Tunisia and Italy, aiming to promote sustainable tourism and preserve the island's cultural heritage. The project was launched in the presence of local partners and an Italian delegation led by the mayors of the Sicilian cities of Noto and Caltagirone.
The project is funded by the Interreg NEXT Italy-Tunisia transborder program and connects three UNESCO-listed sites: Djerba Island and the municipalities of Noto and Caltagirone. The objective is to make cultural heritage a lever for sustainable tourism development, involving local communities and generating economic benefits. According to Farhat Ben Tanfous, representative of Djerba Management Organisation (DMO), the project aims to diversify tourism offerings throughout the year, creating new opportunities for local artisans, guides, and restaurateurs.
The project includes the creation of two augmented reality tourist circuits with multilingual content, an eco-museum, and two integrated tourist offers. It also involves the development of accessible paths for people with disabilities. The project was officially launched in June 2023 in Caltagirone and will run until summer 2027. Additional funding is being sought to complete all project components.
Djerba Island was inscribed as a UNESCO World Heritage Site in September 2023 for its model of territory occupation, illustrating a millenary adaptation to a semi-arid and water-poor environment. The site, titled "Djerba: cultural landscape, testimony of an island territory occupation model," was validated during the 45th extended session of the World Heritage Committee in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia.
The island occupies a strategic position in the Mediterranean and has a rich cultural and religious diversity, with 31 sites and monuments, including 24 buildings, mainly along its fertile crescent. The selection includes several historic mosques, a synagogue, and a church, testifying to the island's diverse cultural and religious heritage.
The project partners emphasize the importance of bilateral cooperation to share expertise in managing classified sites, promote cultural tourism, and strengthen citizen participation and local governance. For Khaoula El Kadhi, president of the Association for the Preservation of Djerba Island (ASSIDJE), the partnership allows for the valorization of the UNESCO-listed site and its rapprochement with citizens, considered essential for preserving the heritage.
The Tunisian and Italian partners have highlighted the importance of this cooperation, which will contribute to the preservation of Djerba Island's cultural heritage and promote sustainable tourism practices. The project's outcomes are expected to have a positive impact on the local economy and community, while preserving the island's unique cultural and environmental characteristics.
Key points
- The project aims to diversify tourism offerings and create new opportunities for local artisans, guides, and restaurateurs.
