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IN SHORT
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The beauty of Tunisian beaches, with their turquoise waters and golden sand, attracts millions of visitors every year. However, this idyllic landscape hides a worrying reality: coastal erosion, a natural phenomenon exacerbated by human activity and climate change, threatens to transform these natural gems into forgotten memories. Every year, fragments of coast disappear, leaving behind traces of ephemeral beauty. It is becoming essential to warn about this degradation, which endangers not only the local ecosystem, but also the cultural and economic identity of a nation. The future of these beaches, which have so many stories to tell, could well be written in letters of despair if action is not taken quickly to preserve this unique heritage.
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The causes of coastal erosion in Tunisia #
L’coastal erosion in Tunisia is a complex phenomenon, largely accelerated by a combination of anthropogenic and natural factors. L’disorderly urbanization along the Tunisian coast has led to the disappearance of border dunes, essential for natural sand replenishment. Poorly designed constructions have also covered the beds of the wadis, these rivers vital cells which transport sediments towards the sea, thus reducing their contribution to the fight against erosion.
At the same time, the climate change plays a significant role. Rising temperatures are leading to more violent storms and a rapid rise in sea levels, particularly seen in the Mediterranean. These combined phenomena increase the erosion of beaches, directly threatening tourism projections for years to come.
A devastating impact on the Tunisian coast #
Tunisia, with its 570 km of sandy coastline, suffers from a loss average of 1.5 meters of coastline per year, which has already swallowed up 90 km of beaches to date. Iconic beaches like those of Hammamet, Monastir And Sousse suffer the most dramatic impacts. According to a report, in Hammamet, theerosion contributed to the loss of 24,000 m² of beach between 2006 and 2019.
This rapid erosion is turning key tourist attractions into disappearing memories, affecting not only the tourism economy but also the local environment and the communities that depend on it.
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Temporary solutions and future challenges #
Faced with this persistent threat, initiatives such as the resilting of beaches have been put in place. For example, in Hammamet, 15,000 m³ of sand were dumped to restore the beaches before the summer season. However, although crucial from an aesthetic and economic point of view, these actions are not sustainable solutions.
Structures like dikes and palisades to secure the sand show promise. The installation of several kilometers of fences has, for example, helped to stabilize the dunes on other Tunisian beaches. However, more integrated actions respectful of coastal dynamics and ecosystems premises are necessary.
Costs and economic consequences #
The high cost of interventions is a major obstacle. In 2024, re-sanding actions in Hammamet, Monastir and Sfax will cost around one million euros. However, the tourism remains vital for the Tunisian economy, representing up to 14% of GDP and generating thousands of jobs.
To preserve tourist appeal while protecting the environment, a balance must be found. As Narjess Bouasker, director of the Menara hotel, points out, “The priority is to recover the beach without compromising the beauty of the city.”
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Towards a sustainable approach #
Effectively responding to coastal erosion requires a multifaceted approach. In addition to resilting actions, it is crucial to rethink coastal development to respect natural dynamics. This includes the preservation of border dunes and wadis, as well as the implementation of durable structures to fix the sand.
Authorities and environmental organizations must collaborate to develop long-term strategies, reconciling landscape preservation and protection against erosion. This collective effort is essential to prevent Tunisian beaches from becoming nothing more than forgotten memories.
