In brief
In a move to counter extensive forest loss, Tunisia has launched a 2026‑2035 action plan to reforest 30,000 hectares of land. The strategy focuses on native species, modern monitoring, and collaborations with the private sector and civil‑society groups, while highlighting the economic impact of past fires. Implementation is set to begin with 24,000 hectares of restoration work in the 2026‑2027 season.
On November 3, 2026, Tunis Afrique Presse (TAP) reported that the Tunisian government had adopted a strategic plan for 2026‑2035 aimed at restoring 30,000 hectares of forested land across the country. The initiative follows the loss of 74,602 hectares of forest to wildfires between 2011 and 2025, which caused estimated financial damages of about 241.16 million Tunisian dinars (roughly 80 million U.S. dollars).
At the heart of the plan is the reforestation of 30,000 hectares, with emphasis on cork oak (Quercus suber) and Aleppo pine (Pinus halepensis) species. These native trees are seen as suited to the local climatic conditions and integral to biodiversity and soil conservation. According to the report, the program will also modernise forest infrastructure and introduce plant species that can thrive in the region’s evolving climate.
The authorities intend to deploy digital monitoring tools to enhance early fire detection and rapid response. As part of this, automated watchtowers will be installed and water reservoirs constructed in elevated areas, providing additional means to manage fire risks and support the new trees during dry periods.
Reforestation activities are structured into a phased approach. For the 2026‑2027 growing season, the plan details restoration work covering 24,000 hectares, which includes 15,260 hectares of natural regeneration and 8,716 hectares allocated to forest and pastoral plantations. In addition, the Ministry of Agriculture has announced the production and planting of 10 million seedlings, and the rehabilitation of infrastructure at 10 forest nurseries.
Participation of non‑governmental actors is a cornerstone of the strategy. The plan stresses participatory forest management and calls for stronger partnerships with private companies and civil‑society organisations. In collaboration with associations and businesses, 1.8 million seedlings will be planted under the umbrella of the United Nations Decade on Ecosystem Restoration (2021‑2030). These partnerships aim to ensure the sustainability of interventions and broaden community engagement in forest stewardship.
National Tree Day, scheduled for November 8, will be marked with the slogan “A Tree Today, a Forest Tomorrow,” underscoring the symbolic significance of the program. It also underlines the expectation that new trees planted today will contribute to a more resilient forest ecosystem in the future, benefiting local livelihoods, tourism, and carbon sequestration.
Stakeholders highlighted the plan’s potential to safeguard livelihoods and reinforce Tunisia’s economic resilience. The heavy losses recorded from the fires are remembered as a painful reminder of the cost of neglecting forest protection. By restoring 30,000 hectares, officials expect long‑term savings in fire‑fight expenditures, better water regulation, and increased biodiversity, thereby supporting both rural and urban communities across the nation.
While the plan presents an ambitious timeline and collaborative framework, legal and institutional frameworks will determine how effectively its provisions are implemented. The government’s commitment to open, digital monitoring platforms suggests a move toward greater public accountability, although the exact mechanisms for community oversight and reporting remain to be detailed in forthcoming policy documents.
In sum, the 2026‑2035 reforestation plan encapsulates Tunisia’s recognition of forest ecosystems as vital for climate resilience, economic stability, and social well‑being. Its success will hinge on sustained investment, robust monitoring, and inclusive partnerships that bring together public officials, private investors, and civil‑society groups to transform a decimated landscape into a revived, thriving forest network.
