TUNIS, Nov. 3 (Xinhua) -- Tunisia has adopted a strategic action plan for 2026-2035 to restore forest ecosystems and boost their climate resilience by reforesting 30,000 hectares, among other measures, the Tunis Afrique Presse (TAP) reported on Tuesday.
The plan comes in response to heavy losses between 2011 and 2025, when fires destroyed 74,602 hectares of forest, causing overall financial and economic losses of about 241.16 million Tunisian dinars (80 million U.S. dollars), said the report.
Priority in the reforestation program will go to cork oak and Aleppo pine forests, alongside the modernization of forest infrastructure and the introduction of native plant species suited to local climatic conditions.
To enhance early detection and rapid response, the plan will introduce digital platforms, install automated watchtowers and build water reservoirs in elevated areas.
The strategy also stresses participatory management of forest resources, including the mobilization of water resources and climate financing, as well as stronger partnerships with the private sector and civil society organizations to ensure the sustainability of planned interventions.
For the 2026-2027 season, restoration work will cover 24,000 hectares, including 15,260 hectares of natural regeneration and 8,716 hectares of forest and pastoral plantations.
Authorities also plan to produce and plant 10 million seedlings and rehabilitate infrastructure at 10 forest nurseries. In partnership with associations, civil society organizations and businesses, 1.8 million seedlings will be planted as part of the United Nations Decade on Ecosystem Restoration (2021-2030).
Tunisia will mark National Tree Day on Nov. 8 under the slogan "A Tree Today, a Forest Tomorrow." ■
