Tunisia's Environment Minister Habib Obaid has announced that the country's waste-to-electricity program is ongoing, with three model projects currently producing electricity from waste. These projects have been operational for two years, and the minister aims to expand the program to other areas. The initiative is part of the government's efforts to manage the country's waste and produce clean energy. According to the minister, Tunisia produces 3.2 million tons of waste annually.
The minister made the announcement during the opening of a national workshop on Tunisia's access to external financing, held at the Diplomatic Academy. He emphasized that the Ministry of Environment is working to expand the waste-to-electricity program to larger areas in Tunis and Sfax. This expansion is expected to increase the country's electricity production from waste and reduce the environmental impact of waste disposal. The minister also highlighted the importance of finding innovative solutions to manage the country's waste.
In addition to the waste-to-electricity program, Minister Obaid discussed the government's efforts to protect the country's coastline. He stated that 340 kilometers of the coastline are considered threatened and that the ministry has started implementing a program to protect the coastal areas. The program has already been launched in Sousse, and work is expected to begin soon in Qamar and northern Tunis. The minister emphasized the importance of protecting the coastline from erosion and preserving the country's natural resources.
As part of the coastline protection program, a large vessel will be adopted in 2027 to remove sand from the sea and deposit it onto the coastline. This initiative aims to prevent coastal erosion and protect the country's beaches. The minister highlighted the importance of taking proactive measures to protect the coastline and prevent damage from natural disasters. The government's efforts to protect the coastline are expected to have a positive impact on the environment and the local economy.
The Ministry of Environment is also working on other initiatives to promote environmental protection and sustainable development. One of these initiatives is the "Million Trees" project, which aims to plant one million trees across the country. The Tunisian-French Chamber of Commerce and Industry has pledged to plant 5,000 trees as part of this project. This initiative is expected to have a positive impact on the environment and help to reduce carbon emissions.
The government is also taking steps to promote public awareness and education on environmental issues. A national campaign, "Hour of Protection," will be launched on October 8, 2026, to raise awareness about the importance of protecting the environment and promoting healthy behaviors. The campaign is organized by the Ministry of Family and aims to encourage public participation in environmental protection efforts.
The government's efforts to promote environmental protection and sustainable development are ongoing, with a focus on finding innovative solutions to manage the country's waste and protect its natural resources. The expansion of the waste-to-electricity program and the coastline protection initiative are just two examples of the government's commitment to environmental protection. The minister emphasized the importance of continued efforts to protect the environment and promote sustainable development.
Key points
- The Tunisian government aims to expand its waste-to-electricity program to larger areas in Tunis and Sfax.
- The government has started implementing a program to protect the country's coastline, with 340 kilometers considered threatened.
- A large vessel will be adopted in 2027 to remove sand from the sea and deposit it onto the coastline as part of the coastline protection program.
