UN-Habitat Tunisia, the Tunisian Federation for the Environment and Development (FTED), and the Bank of Tunisia and the Emirates (BTE) Sign Partnership Agreement
On Monday, October 13, 2025, UN-Habitat Tunisia, the Tunisian Federation for the Environment and Development (FTED), and the Bank of Tunisia and the Emirates (BTE) signed a partnership agreement to unite their efforts around a common ambition: promoting sustainable, resilient, and inclusive local urban development through social innovation and the enhancement of the natural, cultural, and human capital of the Kerkennah archipelago.
Background
This partnership is the result of a collaboration initiated under the Climate Resilience and Inclusion in Kerkennah project, known as SOUMOUD, implemented by UN-Habitat Tunisia with the support of the Spanish Agency for International Development Cooperation (AECID). The initiative aims to strengthen community resilience to the effects of climate change through concrete, nature-based actions co-constructed with local inhabitants. The signing of the partnership agreement marks a significant milestone, bringing together public, private, and associative partners committed to sustainable urban development in the territory, as part of the implementation of Sustainable Development Goal (SDG) 11 in Tunisia.
The Kerkennah Archipelago: A Sensitive Zone
The Kerkennah archipelago is a sensitive area, a "hotspot" not only in Tunisia but also in the entire Mediterranean region. It is one of the areas most affected by the impacts of climate change. The archipelago, rich in its varied natural characteristics and terrestrial and marine biodiversity, is currently experiencing significant and severe climate disturbances that threaten these precious assets. This situation has a negative impact on the lives of local inhabitants, both economically and socially.
The Need for Collective Action
It has become essential for all local actors, particularly island residents, to adopt new behaviors that take into account these emerging risks, in order to strengthen adaptation and resilience to climate change. The support and assistance of UN-Habitat Tunisia and BTE to support FTED's initiative fall within this framework.
UN-Habitat's Mission
The United Nations Human Settlements Programme (UN-Habitat) works to promote sustainable, inclusive, and resilient cities and communities. In Tunisia, UN-Habitat supports national and local actors in urban planning, climate risk management, and social inclusion promotion. Through the SOUMOUD project, the organization supports the Kerkennah municipality in implementing sustainable solutions adapted to local specificities, while ensuring that no community is left behind.
BTE's Commitment
The Bank of Tunisia and the Emirates (BTE), a key player in the Tunisian banking sector, is committed to supporting territorial development through strategic partnerships aligned with national sustainability priorities. By participating in this agreement, BTE affirms its willingness to integrate responsible and green finance into its economic model, supporting local initiatives that generate positive social, economic, and environmental impacts. Its involvement illustrates the essential role of the private sector in ecological transition and territorial dynamization.
FTED's Role
The Tunisian Federation for the Environment and Development (FTED) is a national associative network working for the preservation of the environment and the promotion of sustainable development in harmony with human rights and international conventions. FTED promotes cooperation between environmental associations, strengthens their capacities through a participatory approach, and encourages better integration of environmental issues into public policies. It actively contributes to awareness, participatory governance, and the strengthening of the role of associations in sustainable development projects at the local, regional, and national levels.
A Synergistic Approach
The approach adopted is based on creating synergies between local actors, public institutions, civil society, and the private sector, with particular attention paid to the inclusion of vulnerable groups, including women, youth, migrants, and traditional fishermen. Together, the partners aim to make Kerkennah a laboratory for territorial innovation, capable of inspiring other cities and islands in the Mediterranean.
Conclusion
According to the press release, this partnership agreement marks a significant step towards promoting sustainable and inclusive development in the Kerkennah archipelago, and serves as a model for other regions in the Mediterranean.
