News
Sustainable Blue Tourism in Tunisia: Djerba Island
May 2025
The Blue Tourism Initiative, in collaboration with its partner IUCN Centre for Mediterranean Cooperation (IUCN-Med), is proud to announce the launch of the pilot project in Djerba Island, Tunisia.
Djerba Island, a jewel of the Mediterranean off Tunisia’s southern coast, is renowned for its sandy beaches, cultural diversity, and rich biodiversity. Yet, like many popular destinations, it faces growing challenges from seasonal tourism pressure, climate change impacts, and the need to balance economic growth with environmental protection.
Through the Blue Tourism Initiative, the IUCN Med, with the support of local experts and organisations, is piloting an integrated approach to tourism that safeguards nature, supports local communities, and strengthens climate resilience. The initiative focuses on two complementary workstreams: protecting the Ras Raml Ramsar Site and improving environmental practices in the hospitality sector.
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Protecting the Ras Raml Ramsar Site
The Ras Raml coastal wetland is an internationally recognised Ramsar site and a sanctuary for migratory birds and unique coastal habitats. With the support of the local association AJEM, the pilot aims to conserve this delicate ecosystem while creating meaningful, low-impact visitor experiences. Plans include installing light infrastructure such as signposted nature trails, interpretive panels, and a visitor information cabin, as well as developing awareness-raising tools and guided activities to help visitors understand and respect the site’s ecological importance.
Training programmes for excursion guides and boat operators are planned to improve service quality and ensure responsible practices, particularly in managing visitor flows during the high season. These measures are designed to protect biodiversity, reduce human impact, and keep the Ras Raml area a thriving natural asset for both residents and visitors.
Embedding Sustainability in Hospitality
Tourism on Djerba Island is anchored by its hotels and resorts, which play a major role in shaping the destination’s environmental footprint. With the support of the organisation ASSIDJE and a local expert consultant, the pilot is working with hotels on the island to improve biodiversity performance and adopt climate-friendly practices. This includes enhancing water efficiency, reducing waste, promoting the use of native plants in gardens, and building capacity among staff and guests.
Guidelines are being developed, and training sessions for hotel staff and beach managers will build the skills needed to turn these standards into everyday practice. By collaborating with hospitality leaders such as Iberostar, the project aims to set a benchmark for responsible tourism, demonstrating that economic vitality and environmental stewardship can go hand in hand.
