GPS Seminar Series

Unlocking Tunisia’s Sustainable Tourism Potential: How Ecosystem Accounting Can Guide the Way

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Tourism is a cornerstone of Tunisia’s economy—powering over 13% of GDP and supporting 350,000 jobs, mostly along the coast. But Tunisia is more than its beaches. From lush northern forests to southern oases and millennia-old heritage sites, the country offers a rich and varied landscape ripe for sustainable tourism. The 2035 Sustainable Tourism Strategy aims to harness this potential by shifting beyond sun-and-sea tourism to more diverse, nature-based experiences. 

Yet, the ecosystems that underpin this vision are under growing pressure. To strike a balance between growth and preservation, Tunisia is turning to ecosystem accounting to reveal the hidden environmental costs and opportunities in the tourism sector. When combined with tourism accounts, this process provides a powerful evidence base to guide sustainable tourism planning aligned with the 2035 Sustainable Tourism Strategy, the National Strategy for Ecological Transition, and the Sustainable Oasis Development Plan. 

This webinar: 

• Explores how Tunisia is using ecosystems accounting to drive smarter and greener tourism; 
• Dives into key findings; and  
• Discusses how these insights can shape policy for a nature-positive, inclusive, and resilient tourism future. 

It is organized with GPS as part of the Celebration of International Biodiversity Day with guest speakers from OSS and Tunisia’s Ministry of Environment and Ministry of Tourism and Handicraft. 

Please note that simultaneous interpretation will be available in both French and English throughout the seminar.

Speakers

• Moderator: Maria Sarraf, Practice Manager, Environment, Middle East and North Africa, World Bank
• Fatou Mar, Director of Land and Biodiversity Department, Sahara and Sahel Observatory 
• Principal Mohamed Ali Dridi, Deputy Director of Natural Ecosystems at the General Directorate of the Environment and Quality of Life / Tunisia Ministry of Environment 
• Monia Chaouali, Head of Organization Department at the General Directorate of Common Services / Tunisia Ministry of Tourism and Handicraft 
• Sandrine Jauffret, Senior Natural Resources Management Specialist, Middle East and North Africa, World Bank

Register to join online

Thursday, May 22, 2025 | 09:00 - 10:30 EST | 14:00 - 15:30 UTC | 17:00 - 18:30 EAT