In the framework of the GEMWET project, PAP/RAC representatives met with the project partners in Tunisia from 11 to 15 March 2019. Two days of the meeting were dedicated to the “governance needs” - a transversal component of the MAVA Foundation programme for the Mediterranean coastal wetlands. The first meeting was held with national stakeholders and project partners in Tunis. A field trip was organised to Ghar El Melh on 13 March to meet local stakeholders in order to discuss in more detail both the project and the governance process at stake. PAP/RAC and WWF North Africa representatives articulated the exchanges with the aim of providing valuable inputs for both the GEMWET project and the transversal component on “governance needs”, namely, the drafting of a Handbook on governance in the Mediterranean coastal wetlands. The Handbook is prepared in cooperation with MedPan, IUCN Med, and GWP Med.
In addition to the above meetings, PAP/RAC met the Dean and professors of the Faculty of Science in Bizerte. This was an excellent opportunity to discuss possible integration of the MedOpen online training course in the Masters of Environmental science during the 2019-2020 university year. This MedOpen training would be organized for Master 2 students of both professional and research studies. In the framework of the GEMWET project, the practical component of the course would be focused on Ghar El Melh pilot area, and the activities being implemented on the ground, but would also contribute to the ongoing definition of a National ICZM Strategy led by APAL.
