Urban Green Spaces: 3 m² Per Inhabitant and Insufficient Citizen Mobilization

Tunisia faces a critical shortage of urban green spaces, with less than 3 square meters available per inhabitant, half the international standard of 5 to 7 square meters. Alyssa Amara, president of the association Zone Verte et Développement Durable, analyzed the structural reasons for this deficit and urged for greater public involvement.

Amara emphasized that Tunisia is highly vulnerable to climate challenges, a reality frequently highlighted at global climate conferences. She pointed out that climate change, marked by heatwaves and extreme weather events, affects all segments of society. Furthermore, she stressed that environmental quality is a fundamental public health issue, impacting both physical and mental well-being. Scientific studies confirm the benefits of nature exposure in reducing stress, depression, and burnout, a fact underscored during the COVID-19 lockdowns when urban green spaces served as vital refuges.

Existing regulations aim to protect green spaces, with urban planning documents designating areas for vegetation. However, Amara noted that these regulations are often circumvented. Real estate developers sometimes fail to adhere to requirements for incorporating green areas, contributing to the erosion of urban greenery. Municipalities, officially responsible for maintaining and securing these spaces, frequently lack the necessary resources. Amara described green spaces as living entities requiring continuous management, unlike static infrastructure. She believes citizen participation is essential to support municipal efforts, as neither the state nor local authorities can guarantee the long-term survival of these areas alone. The association is organizing "Green Drums Day" on June 13 in Manzah 9 to foster collective action.

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