Coastal Erosion in Tunisia: A Growing Concern
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The percentage of sandy beaches in Tunisia affected by marine erosion has reached 43%, out of a total of 670 km of sandy coastline. This was announced on Wednesday, December 3, 2025, by Mouna Ktata, head of the Department of Coastal Protection Projects against Marine Erosion at the Agency for the Protection and Development of the Coastline (APAL).
During her intervention on National Radio, Mouna Ktata stated that Tunisia is considered the country most threatened by marine erosion, warning of the gravity of this phenomenon and its repercussions. She specified that the risks associated with marine erosion are mainly translated into the loss of beaches, impacts on the economic and tourist aspects of Tunisia, as well as on the country's aesthetic appeal, particularly known for its coastline and beaches.
She added that marine erosion also causes damage to ecosystems and biodiversity.
In this context, she mentioned the National Coastal Protection Program, established in 2013 as part of a Tunisian-German cooperation. This program consists of five phases. She explained that, until 2024, 30 km of coastline had been protected under the first three phases, notably in Kerkennah, Rafraf, Sousse, and Kantaoui, with the restoration of sand dunes.
She further added that the implementation of the fourth and fifth phases has begun with the launch of coastal protection works in Bizerte, at a cost of 60 million dinars, with works planned over 28 months.