From May 7 to 9, 2025, the city of Tozeur hosted the annual meeting of  Sahel & Sahara Interest Group (SSIG), a major conservation event in the Saharan and Sahelian regions. Organized by the Directorate General of Forests (Ministry of Agriculture, Water Resources and Fisheries of Tunisia), in collaboration with Sahara Conservation and with the support of Marwell Wildlife, This edition highlighted the essential role of local initiatives in nature protection and sustainable development.

The conference focused on three main themes:

  • Supporting ecosystems: models for effective management of protected areas and landscapes,
  • Restoring species: biology, management and reintroduction of threatened species,
  • Human/wildlife interactions and ecosystem health: community mobilization and integrated approaches to benefit people, wildlife and the environment.

Among the participants, several Tunisian civil society organizations benefiting from Mubadarat initiatives coordinated by IUCN Med, including grants from PPI OSCAN and TransCap, represented the country brilliantly and showcased their innovative projects : Association Tunisienne des Randonneurs d’Akouda (ATRAKouda), L’Association Tunisienne de la Vie Sauvage (ATVS) , et Association IRADA pour le developpement de Tozeur

ATRAkouda – A showcase of Bouhedma’s living heritage

The ATRAkouda organization marked the event by accompanying three local artisans from Bouhedma, who came to present a rich diversity of local products: hand-woven halpha articles, kilims, traditional pottery, medicinal plants, artisanal jams, etc. In parallel, the NGO presented the progress of its BIOREC Bouhedma project, a community conservation project in Bouhedma National Park, supported by IUCN-Med under PPI OSCAN 3 at a dedicated session.

Their commitment has been rewarded with the prestigious ”Wadis & Dunes ” Award of Excellence, a recognition for their outstanding contribution to the conservation and enhancement of the natural and cultural heritage of the Sahara.

ATVS – Between science, education and Ecosystems management

The Tunisian Wildlife Association (ATVS) is a non-governmental, not-for-profit organization whose vision is to study and promote biodiversity nationally and internationally through an ecosystem approach for conservation and awareness. ATVS contributes to the enhancement and protection of biodiversity in a participatory way.

©Houssem Ben Othmen

The ATVS association played a central role in organizing several activities at the SSIG 2025 meeting, coordinated a craft market showcasing local products from Tozeur and other Tunisian regions, as well as a guided tour of the Dghoumes National Park, led by the CSO’ specialists, allowing participants to discover the park’s unique ecosystem.

© Jamila Bouayed

© Jamila Bouayed

ATVS also presented a scientific poster in collaboration with the ornithologist Hannibal Hamrouni (Tunisian Ornithological Association – TOA) and the ResQ initiative, on the use of locally manufactured radio-telemetry collars for wildlife monitoring.

The ResQ programme, implemented by the CSO, is an initiative dedicated to combating illegal wildlife trafficking in Tunisia. It is based on an integrated approach that combines confiscation, rehabilitation and tracking of signals released in their natural habitat. ResQ is being implemented in collaboration with TOA and the Forest Branch.

In recognition of its commitment and the quality of its actions, the CSO has been honoured with the ”Wadis & Dunes ” Award of Excellence an award that recognizes outstanding conservation efforts in arid zones.

 

 

IRADA – Active participation in thematic exchanges

The IRADA association took part in several exchange and networking sessions, sharing its experiences in community development and sustainable practices adapted to arid contexts, particularly in terms of sustainable management of the oasic systems. IRADA highlighted agricultural methods adapted to arid conditions, based on local knowledge and agro-ecological innovation. These approaches aim to strengthen the resilience of rural communities while preserving Oasians natural resources. Through an integrated agroecological approach, IRADA works to preserve the Oasian biodiversity, enhance natural resources and maintain traditional knowledge. Supported under PPI OSCAN 3,the project “Tozeur Eco Palm” illustrates the key role of Tunisian civil society in the resilience of drylands.

IUCN MED – Continued support for sustainability and networking

The participation of these three organizations reflects the vision of IUCN MED: to support the sustainability of environmental projects and consolidate the collaborative networks built over years across the region. With highlighting exemplary local initiatives, the SSGI 2025 meeting reaffirmed the importance of strengthening the capacities of actors on the ground and encouraging collective dynamics for a more resilient future in the Sahel and the Sahara.