International Project to Restore Ichkeul Lake Ecosystem Receives $8.8 Million Funding

Tunisia is set to benefit from a $2 million direct funding allocation as part of a broader international initiative to restore the ecosystems of Ichkeul Lake and its surrounding wetlands. The project, with a total budget of $8.8 million, is financed by the Global Environment Facility (GEF) and will be executed by the International Union for Conservation of Nature (IUCN) between 2026 and 2028.

The Ichkeul National Park, a UNESCO World Heritage site, is a critical wetland in North Africa and a vital stopover for migratory birds. However, the ecosystem faces significant pressure from climate change and human activities, leading to reduced freshwater inflows, increased salinity, and wetland degradation. These imbalances are exacerbated by successive droughts and increasing demands on natural resources within the watershed.

The project's four priority intervention areas include restoring aquatic ecosystems and wetlands, optimizing water resource management to balance freshwater and saltwater levels, and strengthening environmental monitoring using modern technologies. It also focuses on enhancing participatory governance of natural resources and supporting the park's management committee with technical capacity building.

Special attention will be given to the communities living near the park. The initiative aims to foster economic alternatives, such as ecotourism and the promotion of local products, to reduce pressure on the fragile ecosystems. The IUCN will coordinate the project's implementation with Tunisia's Ministry of Agriculture, Water Resources, and Fisheries.