A workshop on the Ecosystem Natural Capital Accounting (ENCA) integration into sustainable tourism planning policies in Tunisia was held on May 27, 2025, in Tozeur. Organized by the Ministry of the Environment and the Ministry of Tourism and Handicrafts, with the World Bank support and in partnership with the Sahara and Sahel Observatory (OSS), this event falls within the national strategy for the development of sustainable tourism by 2035, as well as the blue economy.
The official opening was given by H.E. Mr. Habib Abid, Minister of the Environment, accompanied by Mr. Ashraf Chahine Zribi, Governor of Tozeur. The Minister reminded the importance of integrating natural capital into public policies to ensure sustainable development that observes the country's natural resources.
During the ceremony, Mr. Nabil Ben Khatra, OSS Executive Secretary, highlighted the OSS role in promoting innovative tools such as ENCA for better natural resources management in Africa. Mrs. Sandrine Jauffret, Senior Specialist in Natural Resources Management at the World Bank, emphasized the need for greater commitment from public and private stakeholders to support the transition to more sustainable tourism, combining economic growth and ecosystem protection. Mr. Ashraf Chahine Zribi, Governor of Tozeur, emphasized the importance of preserving the region's natural and cultural resources to ensure sustainable local development, emphasizing the key role of responsible tourism in boosting the economy of oasis communities. Mr. Abdelaati Bey, Mayor of Tozeur, emphasized the need for collective commitment from local stakeholders to enhance natural heritage while ensuring the quality of life for the residents and the governorate's tourist appeal.
More than fifty participants from ministries, national institutions, the private sector, experts, and civil society organizations took part in this workshop. Discussions highlighted the strategic importance of ENCA in diversifying tourism products and supporting the transition to a more resilient tourism model, particularly in the oasis areas of southern Tunisia. A multi-stakeholder roundtable discussion identified concrete avenues for better matching economic development and ecosystem preservation, and considering the replication of this approach in other regions.
A field visit, due on May 27 and 28 to a pilot site, will illustrate the oasis ecosystem of Tozeur. This immersive experience will allow participants to discuss best practices for the sustainable development of local natural and cultural heritage and explore the potential of ecotourism as a lever for inclusive development serving communities. Through this event, Tunisia reaffirms its commitment to sustainable, nature-based tourism, aligned with its climate and environmental objectives. This workshop represents an important step for a more institutionalized integration of ecosystem accounting into public policies, in synergy with regional and international efforts to preserve biodiversity and sustainably manage natural resources.