TunSea Restore: restoration, education and heritage on the shores of Ghar el Melh, Tunisia

The TunSea Restore project is one of six small projects selected under the RESCOM initiative of the Mediterranean Biodiversity Consortium (MBC). Implemented by the TunSea Association, it focuses on contributing to the restoration of the coastal area of Ghar el Melh beach through Nature-based Solutions, in close collaboration with local communities.

While the project is still ongoing, a number of activities have already taken place on the ground.

Restoring sand dunes

One of the core activities of the project is the restoration of the sand dunes. These dunes play a crucial role in protecting the coastline and the lands behind it. Restoring them helps stabilize the sand, rebuild natural barriers, support livelihoods, and secure both the land and people’s future.

Coastal dunes and Biodiversity awareness day in Ghar el Melh

As part of the project, a Coastal Dunes and Biodiversity Awareness Day was organised in Ghar El Melh. Students from the local middle school took part in an educational session about coastal dunes — what they are, the biodiversity they shelter, and the threats they face. The day also included a field visit to the Gataaya agricultural lands — traditional Ramli farming plots created on the sebkha of Sidi Ali El Mekki. This ancestral system, unique in the world, was recognised by the FAO as a Globally Important Agricultural Heritage System in 2020. The visit aimed to better understand the ecological and human dimensions of this area, as well as the role Nature-based Solutions can play in protecting such ecosystems.

Participants also visited the project site itself, where they discovered TunSea Restore’s objectives and the concrete actions being carried out on the ground.

Dune-stabilising vegetation was also planted on site to help fix the dunes, reduce erosion, and strengthen the resilience of the coastline. An information plaque was installed to make the restoration actions more visible to visitors and the local community.

35th edition of Heritage Month

Beyond fieldwork, TunSea also participated in the 35th edition of Heritage Month, under the theme “Heritage and the art of architecture“, through the event “Ghar el Melh… an Andalusian destination” held at the Ghar el Melh Cultural Centre. This participation underscores the importance of linking maritime, cultural and environmental heritage, and highlights the role of local community engagement in protecting coastal ecosystems and preserving local maritime memory.

More activities are planned in the coming months. To follow TunSea Restore’s progress, visit the project’s dedicated page: TunSea Restore – MBC