Tunisia offers a diversity of landscapes and geological sites of international scientific interest that summarize the geological history of the country. This natural heritage constitutes a wealth to be preserved and safeguarded for future generations.
This non-renewable heritage currently lacks legislative protection and a specific legal status to ensure its long-term survival, despite the threats observed over many years.
Aware of the importance of this heritage, the National Office of Mines provides local authorities with its expertise to launch the first "Geopark" in Tunisia as part of the Protection of the Country's Geological Heritage.
The South-East Tunisian Geopark project, launched in August 2016 in partnership with regional authorities from two governorates, integrates the natural, archaeological, and geological richness of South-East Tunisia with a dual objective: the protection of this natural and cultural heritage and its promotion as a driver for economic development.
The ultimate goal of the "Geopark" project is to submit an application for the UNESCO Global Geopark label, where members commit to working together to exchange ideas on best practices. Since November 2015, the Geopark label has become an official UNESCO program.