Tunisia's Dahar Region Designated UNESCO Global Geopark

Tunisia's southeastern region, known as the Dahar, has officially been inscribed as a UNESCO Global Geopark, marking a significant achievement for the North African nation. This designation covers an expansive 6,375 km² area across the governorates of Gabès, Tataouine, and Médenine, establishing it as a unique global destination for exploring exceptional geological, paleontological, cultural, and tourist resources.

A key highlight of the Dahar Geopark is Jebel Tebaga in Médenine, which hosts the sole Permian marine outcrop on the African continent. Formed over 250 million years ago, this site underscores the region's ancient geological history. The official inscription occurred on April 15, 2026, in Paris during the 224th session of the UNESCO Executive Board, validating its global significance.

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the strategic importance of the inscription of the Géoparc Dahar

This recognition makes Dahar the first Geopark in Tunisia and the third in Africa, following sites in Morocco and Tanzania. It also positions Tunisia alongside Saudi Arabia in the Arab world for this distinction. Globally, the Dahar Geopark joins a network of 241 sites in 51 countries. The inscription was a collaborative effort involving various ministries, public bodies, local authorities, the private sector, and civil society.

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reflects the firm commitment of our country to preserve and enhance its geo-cultural heritage, both nationally and regionally

Dhia Khaled, Tunisia's Ambassador Delegate to UNESCO, emphasized the strategic importance of the Dahar Geopark's inclusion, stating it reflects Tunisia's firm commitment to preserving and valuing its geo-cultural heritage. He added that the designation is expected to invigorate regional and local development, enhancing Tunisia's standing as a prime destination for cultural, alternative, and eco-responsible tourism.

The region's architectural ingenuity is evident in its troglodyte dwellings, fortified collective granaries known as Ksour, and caves with isothermal properties. These structures, along with Jessour irrigation systems, showcase millennia of adaptation to the arid geology and the deep connection between earth science and cultural heritage. The Dahar Geopark is thus poised to become a powerful development tool, promoting economic resilience, ecotourism, and responsible geotourism for local communities.

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is likely to inject new dynamism into regional and local development, while strengthening Tunisia's position among the main destinations for cultural, alternative and eco-responsible tourism