On 2 June 2026, PAP/RAC and the Coastal Protection and Planning Agency (APAL) organized a workshop in Gammarth on Integrated Coastal Zone Management (ICZM) and climate change for Tunisian urban planners, spatial planners, and coastal management professionals.
The event brought together representatives of public administrations, governorates, local authorities, universities, and planning professionals to strengthen the capacities of stakeholders involved in coastal planning and management, and a brochure was also developed for this occasion. Particular attention was given to the regional level, as governorates play a key role in implementing public policies and translating national strategies into action at the local level.
The workshop highlighted the importance of Integrated Coastal Zone Management as a key framework for incorporating climate-related challenges into spatial planning policies and promoting the sustainable and resilient management of coastal areas.
A significant part of the programme was dedicated to the exchange of Mediterranean experiences. Participants were introduced to practical examples of ICZM implementation in Algeria and Morocco, illustrating how coastal strategies can be translated into regional and local actions and integrated into territorial planning processes. These experiences generated fruitful discussions on the common challenges faced by Mediterranean coastal territories and on the solutions developed in different national contexts.
Discussions continued through two panels focusing on integrated coastal planning in the context of climate risks. The first panel addressed coastal governance, adaptation to extreme events, and the integration of climate risks into territorial development strategies. The second panel focused on planning tools, legal frameworks, and sustainable coastal development approaches aimed at strengthening the resilience of coastal territories to the impacts of climate change.
The use of Geographic Information Systems (GIS) as decision-support tools was also presented, highlighting their importance for assessing coastal vulnerabilities and developing planning scenarios tailored to local realities.
The exchanges emphasized the strategic role of governorates in promoting and implementing ICZM approaches. As a link between national policies and local action, they represent an essential mechanism for ensuring that climate risks are effectively considered in planning decisions and for supporting local authorities in building more resilient coastal territories.
Through this initiative, APAL and PAP/RAC reaffirmed the importance of regional cooperation, Mediterranean knowledge-sharing, and capacity building for territorial stakeholders in order to support climate change adaptation and promote a more integrated and sustainable management of the Mediterranean coastline.
