British Embassy in Tunisia and WWF Launch Innovative Project to Decarbonize Artisanal Fishing
The British Embassy in Tunisia, in partnership with WWF UK and WWF North Africa, has launched a pioneering 12-month project titled: Decarbonizing Artisanal Fishing in Tunisia: Promoting Clean Energy for Sustainable Coastal Communities.
Funded by the UK Government through the Foreign, Commonwealth & Development Office (FCDO) with £254,950 (approximately 1 million Tunisian dinars), the project is being implemented in close collaboration with the Tunisian Ministry of Agriculture, Water Resources and Fisheries, the National Agency for Energy Conservation (ANME), the Agricultural Investment Promotion Agency (APIA), local fishing organizations and cooperatives, solar equipment suppliers, and financial institutions.
The project aims to introduce solar-electric motors on artisanal fishing boats in the Gulf of Gabès to reduce fuel consumption, carbon emissions, and noise pollution — while lowering operating costs for fishers and protecting marine biodiversity.
The initiative enjoys strong strategic support from national authorities, ensuring alignment with Tunisia’s priorities on energy transition and fisheries management. WWF North Africa and its implementation partners will closely monitor progress and share lessons learned to support potential scale-up at national and regional levels.
This project advances clean energy transition, marine conservation, gender equality, and global innovation — building sustainable and inclusive coastal communities through international cooperation. It also aligns with the UK’s global priorities on climate action and renewable energy, while supporting Tunisia’s national strategy to protect marine ecosystems and enhance coastal resilience.
The launch event brought together partners and stakeholders to discuss the project’s vision. Discussions highlighted Tunisia’s energy transition strategy and the socio-economic challenges facing artisanal fisheries. Representatives from the British Embassy in Tunisia reaffirmed the UK’s commitment to supporting innovative climate solutions and commended Tunisia’s efforts to combine environmental protection with sustainable development.
Elizabeth Green, Deputy Head of Mission at the British Embassy, stated:
“This initiative marks a significant step forward in our shared commitment to climate action, sustainable development, and inclusive economic growth. Together, we are not just decarbonizing fishing — we are empowering people, protecting nature, and building a more resilient future.”
Source: La presse
