6,000 Tons of Italian Waste Illegally Shipped to Tunisia Returned to Country of Origin Thanks to Tunisian Scientist Semia Gharbi
Tunisian scientist Semia Gharbi has been awarded the 2024 Goldman Environmental Prize, the highest global distinction for environmental defenders, for her instrumental role in exposing the illegal shipment of 6,000 tons of Italian waste to Tunisia. The waste has since been returned to its country of origin.
In 2022, Gharbi's investigation revealed a network involving over 40 corrupt officials between Italy and Tunisia, leading to a wave of shock and outrage. The scandal resulted in the return of the waste, as well as judicial proceedings and a review of European policies on waste transfers.
For over two decades, Semia Gharbi has been fighting for environmental justice. In 2011, she founded an educational NGO to raise awareness among young people about the risks of chemical pollutants. She also serves as the MENA coordinator for the IPEN network and co-founded the Tunisia Green Network, which brings together over 100 NGOs.
The Goldman Prize, often referred to as the "Green Nobel," has been awarded since 1989 to grassroots activists from six regions around the world. By joining this exclusive circle, Semia Gharbi embodies citizen resistance against global environmental injustice.
