RESCOM Project: Towards sustainable management of Oued Ezzen National Park (Tunisia)

The RESCOM project, supported by the International Association for Mediterranean Forests (AIFM) and its partners in the Mediterranean Biodiversity Consortium, continues its commitment to preserving Mediterranean ecosystems in Tunisia. Recently, two landmark initiatives took place as part of the sustainable management of the Oued Ezzen National Park.

Oued Ezzen National Park in Tunisia. Joëlle Salameh / IAMF

An inspiring field trip

At the beginning of 2025, a field visit was organized to Oued Ezzen National Park with the participation of an ecotourism expert and the Forest District Authority. The aim of this meeting with local communities was to better understand their needs and identify opportunities for ecotourism development.

Alain Chaudron

The aim is to build sustainable and inclusive initiatives, integrating local populations at the heart of the decision-making process. Discussions on site have enabled us to envisage concrete actions to enhance the value of this unique territory, while guaranteeing the preservation of its exceptional ecosystem.

A validation workshop to shape the future

At the same time, the AIFM organized a workshop on 21-23 January, 2025 to validate the Oued Ezzen ecosystem unit’s Development and Management Plan (DMP). This meeting was an opportunity to validate the DMP, the fruit of collaborative work between Tunisia’s General Directorate of Forests, local stakeholders and the experts mobilized by the project.

©Joëlle Salameh

The agenda for the day included:

  • Welcome by the General Directorate of Forests of Tunisia.
  • Presentation of the activities planned in the DMP, covering the Oued Ezzen National Park, the Dar Fatma Peatland Nature Reserve, and the Ain Zena Nature Reserve.
  • Discussions on governance models.
  • Approval of the DMP and definition of next steps.

These fruitful discussions reflect the commitment of all stakeholders to preserving biodiversity and promoting the sustainable management of Oued Ezzen National Park. The contributions of experts, local authorities, and communities ensure shared governance and actions tailored to local realities.

Keep up to date on the Mediterranean Biodiversity Consortium and AIFM websites and social media to follow the progress of the RESCOM project in Tunisia and discover the next steps, as well as the progress made towards sustainable management of Mediterranean ecosystems!