Today, the coastal wetland of Ghar El Melh is one of the pilot sites for conserving and protecting coastal wetlands in the Mediterranean region. A comprehensive, accurate and updated characterization of the terrestrial biodiversity was developed by IUCN-Med last year within the project GEMWET- Conservation and sustainable development of coastal wetlands with high ecological value: the Ghar El Melh case, Tunisia, coordinated by WWF Tunisia and funded by the MAVA Foundation for Nature.

The study also emphasized three paths of action to better protect the highly degraded habitats of this coastal wetland:

(1) Developing a proper conservation management plan including a hydrological assessment, as the most effective method to achieve most actions needed in the area;

(2) Restoring flowing water courses to reduce pollution;

(3) Reviewing wastewater processes to inform upgrades and better facilities to reduce pollution in the lagoons and coastal waters.

IUCN-Med also collaborates in the GEMWET project through its Species programme, but also via the MEET Network. As such, it will support the GEMWET project through the establishment of best practices for tourism, developing an ecotourism package in Ghar El Melh wetland which will adhere to the MEET Network methodology and principles. 

To raise awareness on the current situation of this unique coastal wetland, IUCN-Med has recently published a map story allowing sharing GIS and relevant data on the status of the its terrestrial habitat compiled on the last biodiversity assessment.

This web story has been edited by IUCN-Med and its partners as part of the GEMWET Project «Conservation et développement durable des zones côtières humides à haute valeur écologique ». The GEMWET project is the product of a partnership between WWF, BirdLife Europe, Tour du Valat, IUCN-Med, CAR-PAP, Global Water partnership Mediterranean (GWP-Med), AAO/BirdLife en Tunisie et INAT, with financial support from the MAVA Foundation.

https://digital.iucn.org/water/ghar-el-melh-lagoon   

Photo: © Citizen59