The island of La Galite has just been equipped with a wildfire prevention system against lightning-caused fires, installed by the association Méditerranée Action Nature (MAN) in partnership with the Agency for Coastal Protection and Planning (APAL).
La Galite is one of the islands of the Galite Archipelago, located off the northern coast of Tunisia, 25 nautical miles (46 km) north of Cap Negro, 33 nautical miles (61 km) north–north-east of Tabarka, and 50 nautical miles (92 km) north–north-west of the Bay of Bizerte.
The archipelago is composed of the main island of La Galite, covering an area of 752 hectares, as well as several surrounding islets: Le Galiton (29.9 ha) and La Fauchelle (13.6 ha) to the south-west, and the Chiens islets to the north-east (Gallo (12.5 ha), Gallina and Pollastro).
Although the archipelago is now uninhabited, it was occupied on several occasions during Antiquity and in contemporary times. The protected marine and coastal area of La Galite boasts a rich archaeological heritage and exceptional biological and ecological wealth, both marine and terrestrial, hosting numerous rare and endangered species.
According to MAN, the MAN/APAL co-management team successfully carried out the second phase of installation of this innovative system from 8 to 14 December 2025.
This system, composed of several PDA-type lightning rods (Early Streamer Emission lightning conductors) installed across the island, represents a first in Tunisia in an insular environment, as well as a first within a Marine and Coastal Protected Area (MCPA). Funded by the Prince Albert II of Monaco Foundation, the project is part of broader efforts to protect the island following the wildfire that broke out in October 2021.
The project aims to prevent natural fires caused by lightning. Méditerranée Action Nature is a non-profit organization working to preserve the environment, promote the management of MPAs/MCPAs in Tunisia and the Mediterranean, and conserve coastal and marine biodiversity.
Source: espacemanager
