CEO of the 'Agence de Protection et d'Aménagement du Littoral' (APAL), Mehdi Belhaj, has announced the start of implementation of the Protocol on Integrated Coastal Zone Management in the Mediterranean (ICZM Protocol), ratified by Tunisia, at the end of 2022. Speaking at an information day on rationalising the management of Tunisia's coastline through the implementation of the ICZM Protocol, held in Tunis on Monday, Belhaj spoke of the need to make every effort to rationalise coastal management. "Tunisia has 13 coastal governorates and all of the country's coastal areas are at risk from marine erosion," he said. Rising sea levels threaten tourism activities, especially as the promotion strategy of the Tunisian tourism sector is based on highlighting its beaches, he stressed, adding that it is important to preserve them in order to ensure their sustainability. For her part, Minister for the Environment, Leila Chikhaoui, explained that the ICZM Protocol provides for the development of a national coastal protection strategy, and pointed out that Tunisia has already prepared such a strategy for 2020. She emphasised the need for a comprehensive vision and "intelligent management" within an adaptable ecological context in order to make sustainable use of coastal zones for the benefit of present and future generations. Tourism Minister Mohamed Moez spoke of the crucial and strategic role of his department and the parties involved in implementing this protocol, pointing out that 80% of tourist units are located on the coast. Speaking to TAP, Belhassine called for a review of the legal texts governing coastal management and the need to adapt to the effects of climate change and environmental impacts on coastal development. He called for the development of a new vision and the adoption of a new coastal zone management model. Tunisia's coastline is home to a wide range of economic activities, with around two-thirds of the country's population concentrated there, as well as 7 commercial ports, 42 fishing ports and 7 marinas. The coastal areas also boast 3 electricity generating stations, 3 large phosphate refining units (Sfax-Skhira and Gabes) and 4 seawater desalination plants. The Protocol on Integrated Coastal Zone Management (ICZM) for the Mediterranean was signed in Madrid on January 21, 2008 at the Conference of Plenipotentiaries on the ICZM Protocol. Fourteen Contracting Parties to the Barcelona Convention signed the Protocol at the Conference. This Protocol is the only legal instrument for ICZM in the entire international community and could serve as a reference for other regional seas. The Protocol aims to ensure the sustainable development of coastal zones, the sustainable use of natural resources and the preservation of the integrity of coastal ecosystems, geomorphology and landscapes. It will make it possible to protect coastal zones and prevent natural disasters from having major consequences, while ensuring coherence between public and private initiatives.
Source: Agence Tunis Afrique Presse