A partnership agreement was signed on Monday, February 21, 2022, between the General Secretariat for Maritime Affairs and the World Wide Fund for Nature (WWF), with a view to strengthening Tunisia’s cooperation with this NGO, particularly in the development of the legislative framework. to preserve the marine environment and protect marine resources from uncontrolled exploitation.
The agreement was signed by the Secretary-General for Maritime Affairs of the Prime Ministry, Asma Shiri, and the director of the WWF North Africa office in Tunisia, Jamel Jrijer.
The partnership will focus on the sharing of experiences in the preservation of biodiversity, the publication of the results of joint studies and research, and the awareness of professionals in the maritime sector in the fight against maritime pollution and the promotion of culture. maritime.
Promote the preservation of maritime resources
The agreement will allow the development of new activities promoting the preservation of maritime resources, such as tourist fishing and the transport of people between maritime areas, Ms. Shiri added.
As part of this agreement, the department and WWF will work to raise public awareness of the importance of marine space and maritime wealth.
For his part, Mr. Jrijer said that this partnership will prove beneficial for the Tunisian administration since one of the objectives of WWF is to help government actors achieve national strategies in this area.
He stressed the importance of ensuring good environmental management in Tunisia, whose coastline stretches over 2,000 km, 75% of which is occupied by inhabitants.
Support for artisanal fishermen
The partnership with the General Secretariat for Maritime Affairs aims, in particular, to provide support to artisanal fishermen within the framework of a blue economy, based on the identification of solutions to local problems, and through national coordination.
Mr. Jrijer drew attention to plastic pollution (7kg for every km3) and the depletion of 70% of marine resources, while the fishing sector requires sustainable work opportunities and a blue circular economy. According to him, a clear strategy must be adopted in this sector, in coordination with the various actors, the municipalities, and the private sector.
The General Secretariat for Maritime Affairs was created at the Prime Ministry by Order No. 144 of February 18, 2019. It is responsible for coordination between the various actors in the maritime domain, in particular the protection of maritime resources and the protection of the marine environment.
