Tunisia has launched a strategic plan for 2026-2035 to restore its forest ecosystems and enhance their resilience to climate change. The plan involves reforesting 30,000 hectares and modernizing fire prevention and monitoring systems. This initiative aims to address the losses incurred by the country's forest wealth between 2011 and 2025, which saw 74,602 hectares burned, resulting in an estimated financial and economic cost of 241.16 million dinars.
The strategy focuses on renewing the forest cover by prioritizing the reforestation of cork oak and Aleppo pine forests, as well as modernizing infrastructure. Additionally, the plan involves integrating local plant species adapted to climate conditions. The reforestation program will give priority to areas with the greatest potential for ecological restoration.
A critical component of the plan is the modernization of the fire prevention and monitoring system. This includes the adoption of digital platforms, the establishment of automated monitoring towers, and the creation of water reservoirs in high-risk areas. These measures aim to enhance early detection and rapid intervention capabilities.
The strategy emphasizes the importance of participatory management of forest resources. This involves mobilizing water resources and climate finance, as well as strengthening partnerships with the private sector and civil society. Such collaboration is seen as crucial for ensuring the sustainability of the planned interventions.
For the 2026-2027 season, the plan includes interventions on 24,000 hectares, comprising 15,260 hectares for natural regeneration and 8,716 hectares for afforestation and rangeland development. The program also involves the production and planting of 10 million seedlings and the rehabilitation of infrastructure in ten forest nurseries.
The initiative is part of the United Nations' Decade on Ecosystem Restoration (2021-2030). As part of this effort, 1.8 million seedlings will be planted in partnership with associations, civil society, and economic institutions. This collaborative approach aims to maximize the impact of reforestation and ecosystem restoration efforts.
The successful implementation of this strategy will depend on effective coordination among various stakeholders, including government agencies, local communities, and international partners. The plan's progress will be closely monitored, and its outcomes are expected to contribute significantly to Tunisia's environmental sustainability and climate resilience.
Key points
- Tunisia aims to reforest 30,000 hectares and modernize its fire prevention systems to combat climate change and restore forest ecosystems.
- The strategy involves a participatory approach, engaging the private sector, civil society, and local communities in forest resource management.
- The initiative is aligned with the United Nations' Decade on Ecosystem Restoration, aiming to enhance ecological sustainability and climate resilience in Tunisia.
