Restoration Project for Dar Fatma Nature Reserve
A restoration project for the "Dar Fatma Peatlands" nature reserve, located in Jendouba (northwest of Tunisia), in the Kroumirie mountain region (cork oak and zeen oak forest), will be implemented by the World Wildlife Fund (WWF) North Africa.
Project Overview
The project will be carried out in collaboration with local stakeholders, with the support of the Mediterranean Wetlands Alliance and financial backing from the Swiss Audemars-Watkins Foundation, estimated at 282,105 Swiss francs (1 CHF = 3.6 TND), according to WWF-Tunisia-North Africa.
Importance of the Dar Fatma Peatlands
The Dar Fatma peatlands are part of a key biodiversity area in the Kroumirie-Mogods region. Classified as a nature reserve in 1993 and a Ramsar site in 2007, they are home to endemic and rare species and boast a unique peatland ecosystem. They provide essential scientific information on the dynamics and functioning of ecosystems that have existed for nearly 33,000 years, making them a valuable climate and paleobotanical archive. However, the degradation of this ecosystem, particularly due to overgrazing, pollution, and poor water management, threatens these vital ecological functions and contributes to biodiversity loss and carbon emissions.
Threats and Consequences
These peatlands are currently disappearing and require immediate action. Globally, their degradation contributes to 5-10% of annual anthropogenic CO2 emissions, making their restoration a priority for climate change mitigation.
Project Objectives
The Dar Fatma peatland restoration project will run from 2023 to 2025 and constitutes a nature-based solution for water and carbon management, climate change mitigation, biodiversity conservation, and protection of local communities. The project aims to:
- Restore 13 hectares of peatlands and their unique biodiversity, contributing to carbon sequestration, water security, and creating sustainable economic opportunities for the local community.
- Develop in-depth studies and data collection methods to improve understanding of the Dar Fatma peatlands and strengthen governance and management of the nature reserve.
- Implement an awareness program to inform the community about the importance of wetlands, biodiversity, water management, and waste valorization, promoting greater environmental responsibility and engagement.
- Improve the livelihoods of local communities by offering sustainable economic opportunities and promoting practices related to peatland restoration and management, while ensuring measurable restoration of the Dar Fatma peatlands' biodiversity through targeted conservation and regeneration activities.
International Significance
The Dar Fatma peatlands are one of 41 Tunisian natural sites of international importance, known as Ramsar sites, referencing the Ramsar Convention on Wetlands, an intergovernmental treaty that provides a framework for national action and international cooperation for the conservation and wise use of wetlands and their resources.
