Tunisia enjoys undeniable assets with its 1300 km of continental coastline-home to 7.6 million people (more than two-thirds of its population), who depend heavily on the exploitation of coastal and marine resources for their livelihood. The blue economy, which refers to the sustainable use of maritime resources for economic growth, improved livelihoods and jobs, and healthy maritime ecosystems, represents an opportunity for sustainable development and wealth creation for Tunisia.

The objective of the diagnosis was to make an inventory of the existing resources and to lay the foundations of the future national strategy for the blue economy. This has helped define a strategic vision from which a set of key traditional or established activities, developed sustainably, along with emerging activities, will play a significant role in the development of a blue economy in Tunisia. At the same time, well thought-out and sustained activities related to the protection of the marine and coastal ecosystems will be required.

Vision, objectives, and strategic axes of the Blue Economy in Tunisia

The vision will have to respond to three major challenges: (i) the creation of wealth with socio-economic benefits for current and future generations; (ii) the preservation of natural capital through the protection and restoration of biological diversity and marine ecosystems; and (iii) adaptation and resilience to the growing impacts of climate change.

Three strategic objectives will underpin this vision: (i) promotion of the growth of traditional and new maritime economic activities, (ii) social inclusion and gender equality through the creation of sustainable jobs, and the preservation and improvement of livelihoods, and (iii) sustainability of natural resources and ecosystem services. 

Six strategic axes have been identified as follows:

(i) set up institutional governance involving all stakeholders;

(ii) ensure the coordination and coherence of public policies, strategies, and sectoral plans and programs;

(iii) promote resources and appropriate and innovative financing mechanisms for programs and projects of the blue economy;

(iv) promote job creation, poverty alleviation, gender inclusion and involvement of vulnerable groups;

(v) develop knowledge of marine and coastal capital, both natural and cultural; and, (vi) increase resilience to climate change through the strengthening of mitigation and adaptation measures.

(vi) increase resilience to climate change through the strengthening of mitigation and adaptation measures.