Strengthening environmental collaboration with Tunisia
The long-standing cooperation between IUCN and Tunisia’s government took another step forward on 19 December 2024, as Mr. Habib Abid, Tunisia’s Minister of Environment, met with Maher Mahjoub, the director of the IUCN Centre for Mediterranean Cooperation (IUCN MED), to reinforce the partnership and set the stage for future initiatives targeting critical environmental priorities.
Since joining IUCN as a government member in 1996, the ministry has actively contributed to the implementation of IUCN programmes. Several ongoing and upcoming projects were central to the discussions, among them, Mr. Mahjoub underscored the significance of future joint proposals under the Global Environment Facility (GEF) and Green Climate Fund (GCF) frameworks, aiming to restore Tunisia’s forest ecosystems and coastal wetlands. Another key opportunity highlighted was the upcoming call for proposals from the International Climate Initiative (IKI), which would enhance wetlands conservation in Tunisia, with a submission planned to align with national priorities. Additionally, the Mubadarat programme led by IUCN MED supporting Civil Society Organizations (CSOs), was emphasized as a vital mechanism for implementing Tunisia’s newly adopted National Biodiversity Strategy and Action Plan (NBSAP).
"Tunisia’s environmental ambitions align with IUCN’s vision. Together, we can drive transformative projects that not only restore ecosystems but also empower local communities and pave the way for sustainable development", say Maher Mahjoub.
Strengthening global connections
Discussions further included the potential opening of an IUCN project office in Tunisia to facilitate the implementation of various initiatives. Minister Abid expressed enthusiasm for the idea, requesting further details on the level of commitment from the Tunisian government. Minister Abid shared insights from his recent meeting with IUCN Director General Dr. Grethel Aguilar on the sidelines of the UNCCD COP 16 in Riyadh. Dr. Aguilar extended a personal invitation for the minister to attend the upcoming IUCN World Conservation Congress, scheduled to take place in Abu Dhabi from October 9 to 15, 2025.
Mubadarat : capacity building for civil society organisations
In addition to the meeting with the Minister, several back-to-back meetings were held in Tunisia, further enhancing collaboration and capacity-building efforts. From December 19 to 22, IUCN MED organized a gathering in Tunis with Civil Society Organizations (CSOs) from Libya and Tunisia. This event aimed to introduce North African CSOs—including IUCN members, PPI OSCAN 3, and TransCap 3 project beneficiaries—to key concepts and best practices in fundraising.
The objectives of the events included training CSOs to design targeted solicitation plans by identifying relevant donors, supporting associations during the project closure phase with strong proposals to access future funding opportunities, and engaging with CSOs to strengthen collaboration under the Mubadarat strategy.
The organisations were also informed about the launch of the IUCN Academy online course on Efficient Fundraising Strategies for CSOs, offered in both French and Arabic, to further empower these organizations.
Similar gathering took place in Morocco with civil society organizations along with the IUCN Moroccan National Committee in Rabat on 14-15 December 2024.
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