Tunisia: new EU project backs stronger environmental governance

The European Union has approved a €5 million project to support the efforts of the Tunisian authorities in the field of environmental governance in the region of Gabès. The project aims to increase public awareness regarding pollution in the region and contribute to better management of industrial waste, while improving the participation of local stakeholders in the decision-making process.

This project complements other European initiatives in the same domain, and falls within the scope of the Horizon 2020 initiative, which aims to reduce pollution sources affecting the Mediterranean sea.The political transition in Tunisia has shown how important it is to involve civil society in public action. Through this project, the proposed activities aim at promoting the participation of local actors, and at improving the consultation and dialogue process. The project revolves around three main areas: 

1.      Research activities on industrial pollution in Gabès
2.      Bringing industrial facilities up to standard in the areas of environmental management and governance.
3.      Support to environmental actions and local development. 

The project covers the whole Gabès governorate impacting a population of around 350,000 people.