Tunisia joins the Mediterranean Model Forest Network with new initiative

A new step forward in the Sustainable Management of the Mediterranean forests and landscapes has been taken with the official signing of the protocol for the Model Forest Initiative in Tunisia. The agreement, signed in Florence, marks Tunisia’s commitment to joining the Mediterranean Model Forest Network (MMFN), reinforcing regional cooperation in environmental conservation and sustainable development.

This initiative will focus on the Kroumirie-Mogods region, a vital forested area in northwestern Tunisia known for its rich biodiversity and ecological importance. The Model Forest will serve as a platform for sustainable forest management, local community engagement, and socio-economic development.

The protocol outlines a framework for collaboration between Tunisia and the MMFN within the International Model Forest Network, aiming to promote participatory governance, sustainable land-use practices, and innovative approaches to forest conservation. The agreement foresees joint research projects, capacity-building programs, exchange of best practices, and technical support from the MMFN and its partners. Additionally, it will facilitate policy dialogue and regional cooperation to enhance resilience against climate change and foster economic opportunities linked to forest-based activities.

The initiative is supported by key national and international partners, including the Tunisian Ministry of Agriculture, Water Resources, and Fisheries, the National Research Institute for Rural Engineering, Water, and Forests (INRGREF), the MMFN Secretariat and the International Model Forest Network.

By integrating Tunisia into the MMFN, this agreement strengthens cooperation across the Mediterranean region, ensuring a collective effort towards more sustainable and resilient forest landscapes.