Context
The effects of climate change are already being felt in Tunisia. On the one hand, very high temperatures with long periods of drought are becoming increasingly common, while on the other hand annual precipitation levels are decreasing. When there is rain, it often pours down in torrents. Direct effects of climate change, such as soil erosion, scarce water resources and reduced agricultural production, affect the poorer population in particular and endanger habitats and natural areas.
Adaptation to climate change in the areas of water, coastal protection, agriculture, ecosystems, health and tourism is a priority of the 2015 nationally determined contribution (NDC) to the Paris Agreement.
However, the lack of financial resources and institutional capacity hinders the systematic implementation of adaptation policy. Tunisia’s commitment to the 2030 Agenda, however, provides a good base of reference for the project. In December 2016, the Tunisian Government adopted a decree that serves to integrate key agenda items into the country's political and economic development.
Objective
The Tunisian Government’s implementation of its national climate adaptation policy is improved.
Approach
The project focuses on developing and expanding steering capabilities. The project supports (1) the central steering unit for climate policy in the Ministry of Environment, (2) cross-sectoral cooperation between the ministries and (3) an operational forum representing all interest groups.
Coordination between the ministries and the nationwide exchange of information between interest groups will be intensified through innovative event and learning formats. The project supports the further development of the adaptation component on reducing emissions. This will help the Tunisian Government meet its international commitments on climate protection.
Local stakeholders are trained to integrate climate change measures into the planning of local development projects.
By coordinating at government level and supporting regional and local authorities in the stakeholder forum and local project executing agencies, the project ensures a multi-level approach.
Potential for conflict is reduced both by ensuring that training courses take a conflict sensitive approach and through the selection of the partner project: The project involves civil society organisations, makes communication and events transparent and participatory, and takes gender and human rights issues into account.