Zembra Island Closed to Visitors All Summer: A Controversial Decision

In a post published on his official Facebook page, Abdelmajid Dabber, president of the association Tunisie Écologie, announced that Zembra Island will be closed to visitors for the entire 2025 summer season—July, August, and September—following a decision by the Coastal Protection and Planning Agency (APAL).

Dabber described the closure as an “arbitrary decision, without basis or clear objectives,” condemning what he sees as a unilateral move made without consultation or any clear environmental justification.

“Zembra is closed for the three summer months of 2025: July, August, and September. Arbitrary decisions, without foundation or purpose, imposed by APAL,” wrote Abdelmajid Dabber in his post.

Disputed Management of Marine Protected Areas

In the same message, Dabber expressed his deep disappointment with the current management of marine natural areas, accusing APAL of overstepping its authority.

“It is very sad and very disappointing that our marine natural heritage is managed by this agency, which seeks authority over the coastline, beaches, and even the islands and Marine Protected Areas,” he added.

According to him, the management of these areas—particularly that of Zembra Island, which is classified as a biosphere reserve and a Marine Protected Area—should fall under the General Directorate of Forests (DGF), historically responsible for such sensitive zones.

Zembra Island, located northeast of Cape Bon, is designated as a UNESCO biosphere reserve and hosts exceptional biodiversity, including the largest Mediterranean colony of Scopoli’s shearwaters. Its closure without public debate, Dabber argues, undermines the participatory governance necessary for the sustainable protection of these environments.

In response to the situation, Tunisie Écologie is calling for an urgent review of the summer closure decision, clarification of roles and responsibilities between APAL and the DGF, and greater consultation with scientific and civil society stakeholders in the management of Marine Protected Areas.

It should be noted that Zembra Island has been officially classified as a National Park and protected area since 1977, and access is subject to special authorization from the Ministry of Defense and the Forestry Directorate.

Source: La Presse

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