Photo: GEMWET initiative
Background
The city of Ghar el Melh in north of Tunisia has rich natural and cultural heritage. It hosts Ghar el Mehl lagoon, a wetland of international importance, providing precious services to the local community. Due to human activity within the lagoon, urgent actions are needed to save the lagoon ecosystem that is facing progressive pressures. The wetland is one of four coastal wetlands chosen by the MAVA foundation for Nature to participate in the GEMWet project.
GEMWET, coordinated by WWF North Africa and is primarily focused on conservation and sustainable development of wetlands with high ecological value. It´s central objective is to contribute to the economic, socio cultural and ecological development of the Ghar El Melh area through the establishment of available resources and good management practices. The hope is that this will lead to the establishment of a participatory and integrated local governance system which preserves theGhar el Mehl lagoon.
Role of MEET Network
The MEET Network will support GEMWET project through the establishment of best practices for tourism. This will be achieved by developing an ecotourism package in Ghar El Mehl Wetland which adheres to the MEET Network methodology and principles.
Partnership
The GEMWET project is led by WWF North Africa in partnership with international (i.e. MEET Network) and local organizations joining forces to conserve the Ramsar Site of Ghar el Melh. The project is funded by the MAVA Foundation for Nature.
