The green economy represents a transformative approach to development, aiming to enhance human well-being and social equity while minimizing environmental risks and resource scarcity.
Recognizing the strategic importance of transitioning to a green economy, Tunisia’s government has introduced a comprehensive monitoring framework to assess progress in this burgeoning sector. This initiative reflects a broader vision to address the pressing environmental and economic challenges confronting the nation.
Tunisia’s green economy is more than just a response to crises—it is an opportunity to align sustainable development with economic growth. By integrating environmentally friendly practices across various sectors, this model seeks to balance ecological sustainability with social and economic priorities.
As a country rich in natural resources, Tunisia stands at a pivotal moment. Embracing a green economy could transform its challenges into opportunities, positioning the nation as a leader in sustainable development in the region.
A Solution to Irregular Migration
The green economy also offers solutions to pressing social issues, such as irregular migration and the effects of climate change. Social Affairs Minister Issam Lahmar underscored this point during the 6th Annual Migration Forum on “Migration and Human Mobility in the Context of Climate Change” held Thursday.
“To reduce irregular migration and address climate-induced mobility, we must focus on developing the green economy to create sustainable projects in inland regions and provide opportunities for young people to thrive locally,” said Minister Lahmar.
He emphasized the need for coherence across public policies on climate change, migration, employment, and health, framing them as integral to Tunisia’s economic and social development plans, according to a statement from the Ministry of Social Affairs.
In his opening remarks, Habib Abid, Minister of the Environment, outlined the development of Tunisia’s environmental system and its contribution to international efforts to mitigate or limit the effects of climate change, particularly in the areas of migration and human mobility.
For his part, the head of mission of the International Organization for Migration (IOM) expressed the organization’s willingness to continue working with all parties in accordance with international conventions on climate and migration.
He praised Tunisia’s commitment to tackling climate change in order to limit its negative impact on population movements in general.
Organized on the initiative of the National Migration Observatory in partnership with the Ministry of the Environment, the Forum was attended by representatives of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of the Kingdom of Denmark, the IOM Head of Mission in Tunisia, the Director General of the National Migration Observatory, as well as representatives of several ministries, public institutions, national and international organizations, experts and academics.
Strategic sectors
The national green economy strategy focuses on a number of promising sectors, such as organic farming, ecotourism and renewable energy. In organic farming, for example, Tunisia is a leader in Africa, with significant production of organic olive oil.
Similarly, the development of renewable energy is crucial to reducing dependence on fossil fuels and limiting greenhouse gas emissions.
The Tunisian Solar Plan, which envisages massive investment in renewable energy, could create thousands of jobs while contributing to an economy that is more resilient to climate change (…).
The transition to a green economy represents a unique opportunity for Tunisia to reinvent itself in the face of the current crises.
By adopting a sustainable economic model, the country can not only improve its international competitiveness, but also guarantee a better future for future generations.
