Marine Turtles of Two Species Released in Symbolic Gesture to Protect Endangered Marine Species and Promote Local Marine Biodiversity
On Saturday, May 23, 2026, Tunisian Minister of Environment, Habib Abid, visited the Kuriat Marine Reserve as part of a symbolic gesture to release two marine turtles of different species (the Hawksbill and the Green Turtle). This initiative aims to raise awareness about the importance of preserving endangered marine species and promoting local marine biodiversity.
This action is part of the government's efforts to strengthen participatory management approaches for marine reserves and highlight their role in maintaining ecological balance, coinciding with the celebration of International Biodiversity Day.
The Kuriat Marine Reserve is one of Tunisia's most significant marine reserves, alongside Galite, Zembra, Zembretta, and the Kneiss Islands. It stands out for its rich marine biodiversity and is the only permanent nesting site for marine turtles. The reserve also shelters approximately 110 species of marine birds and protects natural Posidonie seagrass beds, essential for protecting the coastline against marine erosion.
Tunisia boasts 44 national parks and nature reserves, 41 internationally important wetlands (Ramsar sites), and 46 Important Bird and Biodiversity Areas. The Ministry of Environment is working to strengthen this heritage by incorporating new areas and developing laws to protect natural resources.
This awareness campaign also provided an opportunity to engage different age groups through the launch of the "Louay-Leo" character, named the Environment Ambassador. This character embodies the role of a hero who accompanies children on an educational journey to adopt positive behaviors for protecting the Mediterranean Sea from plastic pollution. This initiative is a collaboration between the Ministry of Environment and the "Notre Grand Bleu" association, as part of the BeMed+ project, executed in partnership with the International Union for Conservation of Nature (IUCN) and the association, with the goal of reducing plastic pollution.
