In brief
Announced on Nov. 3 by Tunisian authorities, the new reforestation strategy will restore 30,000 hectares over 2026‑2035, prioritising cork oak and Aleppo pine species and integrating digital monitoring, water reservoirs, and private‑sector partnerships. The plan responds to the 74,602 hectares of forest lost to fires between 2011 and 2025 and aims to produce 10 million seedlings, with 1.8 million already earmarked for the United Nations Decade on Ecosystem Restoration.
On Nov. 3, the Tunisian government announced a 10‑year reforestation program to restore 30,000 hectares of forest, prioritising Cork Oak and Aleppo Pine, after losses to fires between 2011 and 2025. The plan, reported by the Tunis Afrique Presse (TAP), aims to boost climate resilience and restore ecosystems across the country.
TAP noted that fires between 2011 and 2025 destroyed 74,602 hectares of forest and caused roughly 241.16 million Tunisian dinars – about 80 million U.S. dollars – in financial and economic loss. The new strategy is designed to reverse that trend by restoring damaged landscapes and strengthening forest infrastructure.
Implementation and Partnerships
The plan will cover a total of 30,000 hectares by 2035. For the 2026‑2027 planting season, authorities will restore 24,000 hectares, including 15,260 hectares of natural regeneration and 8,716 hectares of forest and pastoral plantations. In partnership with associations, civil‑society organisations and businesses, 1.8 million seedlings will be planted as part of the United Nations Decade on Ecosystem Restoration (2021‑2030).
To meet the goal of covering 30,000 hectares, government officials will invest in the production and planting of 10 million seedlings and rehabilitate infrastructure at 10 forest nurseries. The strategy also calls for extensive collaboration with the private sector and civil‑society actors, promoting participatory forest management and climate‑financing initiatives.
In addition to seed planting, the strategy insists on modernising forest infrastructure: automated watchtowers will be installed, digital platforms will be introduced for early fire detection, and water reservoirs will be built in elevated areas to support reforested zones. These measures are intended to create a resilient forest network capable of withstanding future fire events.
Administrators also plan to revitalise existing forest nurseries that produce native plant species specifically suited to local climatic conditions, ensuring that planted trees can thrive in their new environments. Forest managers will receive training on monitoring protocols to use the digital tools effectively.
Community outreach is a key element of the plan. Authorities announced that they will mobilise local communities through participatory programmes that involve water resource management, fire‑break maintenance, and community‑led monitoring teams. The partnerships with private parties are designed to secure financial backing, technical expertise and long‑term stewardship of the reforested land.
In line with the national commitment to environmental stewardship, Tunisia will mark National Tree Day on Nov. 8, under the slogan A Tree Today, a Forest Tomorrow. The celebration aims to raise public awareness and promote citizen involvement in tree planting and forest preservation activities across the country.
While the plan focuses mainly on Cork Oak and Aleppo Pine, it also encourages diversification with native species compatible with each region’s specific climatic context. This approach reflects a broader understanding that a resilient forest ecosystem requires a mix of species adapted to local conditions.
By 2035, the programme aims not only to restore lost forest cover but also to produce measurable gains in climate resilience, biodiversity, and socio‑economic benefits through job creation in seed production and forest maintenance, fostering a sustainable partnership between the state, private sector, and civil society organisations.
