Tunisia Unveils National Strategy for Circular Economy and Waste Management 2035-2050
A regional workshop organized by the "Africa 21" network, in partnership with the Ministry of Environment and Sustainable Development, the Tunisian Media Support Program (PAMT2), the European Union, the Swiss Embassy in Tunis, and the GIZ, brought together journalists from Tunisia, Algeria, Morocco, and the Maghreb region to present Tunisia's National Strategy for Circular Economy and Waste Management 2035-2050.
Presentation of the Strategy
The strategy, presented by eco-advisor, lawyer, and member of the National Forum for Climate Change Adaptation in Tunisia (FNACC), Sondes Fnaiech, focuses on the circular economy as a crucial step in addressing climate change. The strategy consists of three sectoral components: plastic waste management, composting of household waste, and recycling of construction waste.
Objectives for Plastic Waste Management
Three main objectives have been defined for plastic waste management:
- Limit the consumption and production of plastic objects.
- Promote a circular economy for plastic production to protect the environment and human health.
- Ensure ecological and rational management and recycling of plastic waste.
Challenges and Opportunities
Non-biodegradable plastics are a significant source of environmental pollution, with long-term impacts on human health, soil, and marine ecosystems. In Tunisia, 4.2 billion plastic bags are used annually, and the country generates 2.8 million tons of household waste per year, with 9.4% being plastic waste.
The plastic industry in Tunisia comprises at least 283 enterprises, with 79 being fully export-oriented. However, the annual amount of mismanaged plastic waste is estimated at 55.5 million tons, according to a World Bank report. The same report highlights that plastic pollution poses a significant threat to Tunisia's blue economy, with estimated annual losses ranging from $170 million to $561 million.
Barriers to Implementation
Despite regulatory initiatives and government projects, such as the Eco-Lef project, the recycling sector in Tunisia still faces challenges, including a lack of organization and clear regulatory frameworks. Many initiatives are hindered by unfair competition from informal sectors and a lack of incentives for companies that respect norms. As a result, most plastic waste ends up in landfills or the natural environment, exacerbating the environmental crisis.
Education and Awareness
According to Sondes Fnaiech, education and awareness are essential for promoting responsible consumption and behavior. However, regulatory barriers and bureaucracy hinder the development of a circular economy in Tunisia.
International Perspective
Chantal Line Carpentier, Head of the Trade, Environment, Climate Change, and Sustainable Development Unit at the United Nations Conference on Trade and Development (UNCTAD), emphasized the importance of achieving sustainable consumption and production patterns, as outlined in the 12th Sustainable Development Goal. She highlighted that if the global population reaches 9.8 billion by 2050, the equivalent of nearly three planets will be required to provide the necessary natural resources to maintain current lifestyles.
Alternatives to Plastic
Carpentier stressed the need to reduce plastic production at the source and identify alternatives or substitutes, such as biodegradable materials based on plants, fibers, cotton, and algae. She also emphasized the importance of circularity and recycling, as plastic waste remains a significant problem due to a lack of recycling capacity.
Global Implications
If current trends in plastic production continue, greenhouse gas emissions from plastic production between 2015 and 2050 are expected to reach over 56 billion tons, equivalent to 10-13% of global emissions. However, transitioning to a circular economy model for plastic, considering approaches such as eco-design, reduction, reuse, and recycling throughout the product life cycle, can significantly contribute to reducing greenhouse gas emissions, improving resource management, and stimulating innovation and job creation.
