Tunisia to Receive $2 Million in Funding to Restore Ichkeul Lake Ecosystems
Tunisia will benefit from direct funding of $2 million, approximately 5.8 million dinars, to restore the ecosystems of Lake Ichkeul and surrounding wetlands. This funding is part of an international project with a global budget of $8.8 million.
Project Overview
The project is funded by the Global Environment Facility (GEF) and implemented by the International Union for Conservation of Nature (IUCN). It was approved during the GEF Council meetings in Samarkand, Uzbekistan, and will be deployed between 2026 and 2028 in the Bizerte governorate.
Importance of the Ichkeul National Park
Classified as a UNESCO World Heritage Site, the Ichkeul National Park is one of the most important wetlands in North Africa. In recent years, the site has suffered from progressive degradation due to decreased freshwater input, increased salinity, and drought episodes.
Project Objectives
The program aims to:
- Restore aquatic ecosystems
- Improve water resource management
- Strengthen environmental monitoring
- Support local governance It also includes actions to support local populations, particularly through the development of ecotourism and the promotion of local products, in order to reduce pressure on natural resources.
