4 Options To Control Pigeons in A Large Area

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Getting rid of pigeons from roofs, balconies, and industrial areas is one of the most frequently asked questions by people who have pigeon problems. Pigeons are frequently fed through leftovers and trash, but some pigeon lovers nourish the pigeons with good daily feed.

It causes more damage than good for the birds because the pigeons start to congregate in huge figures, which leads to different difficulties for residents of the area. As a result, some people use fatal and non-humane methods for getting rid of pigeons.

pigeon-problem

Pigeons cause annoyance and health hazards. In large cities, easily accessible food and water, plenty of free housing, rare predators are the factors that support pigeons’ growth. When pigeons’ population becomes too large, causing a disturbance, then the pigeons’ carnage is often the primary step. However, the killing of pigeons is ineffective, and there are improved, non-fatal solutions to pigeon problems.

Different Problems Caused by Pigeons

The most common type of pest bird, e.g. pigeon, is causing a wide range of problems in a wide range of structures, from manufacturing plants to airports, offices, the rooftops of stores and homes. Pigeons excrete extremely acidic droppings; therefore, they can do much damage in a small phase. Every year, pigeons cause huge damage in city areas.

The major problems caused by pigeons includes

  • They can harm a company’s or commercial enterprise’s image by creating a negative impression.
  • The debris from roosting pigeon flocks can clog gutters and drains.
  • Air conditioning and rooftop machinery are frequently damaged.
  • The droppings of pigeons create hazardous surfaces, putting people at risk of slipping and falling.
  • Pigeon droppings can cause several diseases.
  • They carry fleas and other parasites that are harmful to human health.

But as we know that it is illegal to kill pigeons or any other wild bird species, we need to follow some humane methods for getting rid of them. Read on to know more about the humane ways to control pigeons in a large area:

Ways to Control Pigeons in Large Areas

1. Pigeon Birth Control Program

One of the most effective and humane methods to solve the pigeon problem in large areas is the birth control program for pigeons. Ovocontrol is a globally used birth control program for pigeons. It is a controlled baiting system that works like a contraceptive. It is carefully administered and strictly observed to avoid any impact on non-target birds. Scientific research has proved it to be both environmentally friendly and safe for the hatchability of eggs of most other birds.

2. Anti-Bird Spikes

Anti-bird spikes, also known as spike strips, are a set of attachable spikes that can be fastened to a surface to prevent pigeons from nesting in areas where you don’t want birds. The spikes will not necessarily harm the birds, which is a good thing if you want to stay on the right side of the law. However, the spikes will deter birds from nesting wherever the spikes are laid.

Bird spikes, when properly installed, will prevent larger birds from landing anywhere on or around your business. It is important to note that some smaller bird species, such as starlings and sparrows, will not be permanently deterred if only bird spikes are used. Bird and pigeon spikes are not harmful to birds; instead, they serve as a visual and physical barrier. Because the birds do not directly contact the bird spikes, it is a humane bird deterrent.

3. Bird Repelling Gels

If you’re wondering how to get rid of pigeons on your roof, keep in mind that you need to make it less appealing to them. You can do this by using pigeon repellent gel to make their roosting areas uninhabitable. A sticky trap, also known as sticky gel, is a bird repellent that uses a chemical to create a translucent barrier across structures, causing a bird’s feet to become stuck to the surface, causing the bird to struggle to get free.

A pigeon will avoid landing on structures that contain the gel because it does not want to go through the experience of breaking free from the sticky chemical a second time.

4. Ultrasound repeller for pigeons

Birds have a keen sense of hearing, allowing them to pick up on sounds that human ears cannot. They must have an acute hearing to hear the calls of other birds.

It helps them detect food, a potential mate, and danger. Use this to your advantage and use sound to get rid of pigeons. The Ultrasonic Bird Repellers can help remove pigeons from your property by emitting bird distress calls and predator sounds.

It has several settings that allow you to blend several pre-recorded sounds to make it sound more natural. Other types of pigeon control devices that use sound to get rid of pigeons use frequencies that only these birds can hear. It has a lower frequency than human ears can detect, but it is irritating to pigeon ears. Hence, using ultrasonic repellents are safe for both humans and pigeons.

Hazardous Wastes in UAE

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Hazardous_Waste_UAEThe United Arab Emirates signed the Basel Convention* in November 1992 and established a legislation called ‘Regulation for Handling Hazardous Materials, Hazardous Wastes and Medical Waste (Law 24 of 1999)’. Article 12 of the law states ‘Transportation and disposal of locally produced hazardous waste through land borders, marine environment limit and air space shall be controlled in accordance with the rules, procedure and controls mentioned and specified in Basel Agreement and in coordination with Federal Environmental Agency’.

UAE is not yet a signatory to Basel BAN amendments of Sep 1995 thus there is no mention of the Basel BAN amendments in the current federal legislation. At emirates level, various legislation were passed to organise the waste management sector in each emirates. Abu Dhabi passed the Law 21 of 2005 concerning Waste Management in emirate of Abu Dhabi. Centre of Waste Management is the Competent Authority to monitor and manage the transportation of hazardous waste in the Emirates.

Major hazardous waste streams in UAE are Petrochemical waste, Medical Waste, and e-Waste. To avoid hazardous waste export the cash-rich government-owned petrochemical companies have established centralised treatment facility. Centre for Waste Management (CWM) has established treatment facilities for Medical Waste Incineration, Engine Oil treatment, Tyre Shredding through PPP business model.

The UAE Government is encouraging private companies for e-waste recycling. Major electronic distributors have established e-waste collection centres and subsequent transfer to established facilities. However, good fraction of e-waste is still collected in an unorganised manner and exported to South and Southeast Asian countries.

Shipment of hazardous waste coming into UAE is being well-monitored and well-controlled. In recent past only a single incident of mixed plastic waste was reported. The waste was imported through Dubai ports to be treated at a facility in Ajman. The Dubai government objected to import and the issue was raised at Environment Agency (UK). As a result, the transporting company was fined about GBP 75,000.

UAE has efficient law enforcement machinery. Thus after the establishment of CWM in 2008, there has been significant improvement in waste management in general and hazardous waste transportation in particular. Further impetus is required by the government to invest into the better treatment/storage facilities for e-waste, nuclear waste and other such waste. The legislation shall also be made more illustrative to check the aberrations regarding trans-boundary movement of hazardous waste.

الفكر البيئي

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قبل ان يعي الإنسان ضرورة حماية الموارد الطبيعية، ويدرك أهمية صونها للحفاظ على بقائه، تركت الظروف الطبيعية أثرها على الإنسان، وحفزته في التفكر والتأمل في واقع الظروف البيئية، وبدأ الانسان في مرحلة ما عرف بالعصر البدائي، يمعن التفكير في توفير متطلبات البقاء، وأدرك في سياق ذلك أهمية الموارد في تأمين إستمراية بقائه، ما يتحتم عليه ضرورة العمل على صون الموارد الطبيعية، وإعتبارها ثروة معيشية وحياتية، وإبتكار الوسائل التي تحكم علاقة الجماعات البشرية التي كانت تعيش ضمن محيط بيئي واحد، ومنطقة جغرافية محددة التي تقطنها تلك الجماعات، في تنظيم عملية إستغلال الموارد لضمان بقائها، هنا بدأت البوادر الأولية في تكون مرتكزات ومعالم الفكر الانساني في العلاقة مع معالم النظام البيئي.

environmental-psychology

الفكر البيئي بالارتكاز على معطيات مسيرة الحياة البشرية تكونت مؤشرات مرتكزاته، ومفاهيم البعد الإنساني لمعانيه وعناصره المكونة، وصار يشمل في منظومة عناصره الإنسان كهدف وإداة للحماية، والموارد الطبيعية والبيئات الرئيسية المكونة للنظام البيئي كمحور لأهداف الجهد البشري، ودخلت في معادلة مفاهيم الفكر البيئي مؤشرات العلاقة الانسانية، في الإستغلال والحماية والرقابة والإدارة في تنظيم إستغلال الموارد لصون ديمومة بقائها كثروة معيشية وحياتية.

المجتمعات البشرية في مسيرة تطورها التاريخي والحضاري، إنتقلت من مرحلة الى أخرى في مفاهيم العلاقة مع البيئات الطبيعية، وارتبط ذلك بظروف تغير الحياة المعيشية للمجتماعات، وتغير طبيعة العلاقة الإنسانية مع معالم النظام البيئي، وفرض ذلك حتمية تبني منهج تنظيم مفاهيم إستغلال الموار البيئة، ذلك ما تشير اليه حقائق الإجراءات التي تبنتها الأقوام قبل الميلاد، وجرى بموجبها تحديد أسس العلاقة مع الموارد، وتشريع نظام للرقابة والعقاب على مخالفة إجراءات الحماية ونظام إستغلال الموارد البيئية.

يبقى الإنسان محور أهداف الفكر البيئي، وتتمثل أولويات مفاهيهمة في صون الامن البيئي للإنسان

إنتقال المجتمعات البشرية من مرحلة الإعتماد على الصيد والزراعة، الى مرحلة ما عرف بالثورة الصناعية، وما رافق ذلك من تعقد في طبيعة العلاقة الإنسانية مع النظام البيئي، وبروز المخاطر العميقة الأبعاد على الأمن البيئي للإنسانية، بدأ التفكير يتخذ بعداً آخر وأكثر عمقاً في إبتكار وسائل أكثر جدوى وفاعلية في الحد من تلك المخاطر، ودفع ذلك الواقع المجتمع البشري، ولاحقاً المجتمع الدولي في إعتماد المعايير القانونية والإدارية والتنظيمية والرقابية التي تستجيب لظروف وطبيعة المرحلة، وذلك ساهم في بروز النظام القانوني الدولي والإقليم والوطني، وتمحورت أولويات قواعده القانونية في تنظيم العلاقة الإنسانية مع النظام البيئي.

وبرغم تبدل ظروف وطبيعة الحياة الإنسانية، يبقى الإنسان محور أهداف الفكر البيئي، وتتمثل أولويات مفاهيهمة في صون الامن البيئي للإنسان، وترشيد إستغلال الموارد البيئية وحمايتها، كحق طبيعي للأجيال الحالية والمقبلة، والحد من مصادر التلوث البيئي، وتبني المعايير البيئية الحديثة التي يمكن أن تساهم في منع الأنشطة التي يمكن أن تتسبب في التدهور البيئي، والإخلال بالنظام البيئي، وذلك بما يساهم في صون الموارد الطبيعية، وإستبعاد المخاطر البيئية التي تهدد ديمومة بقاء الانسان، وتعزيز وجوده على البسيطة وتطوره الحضاري.

Water Scarcity in MENA

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The MENA region is the most water scarce region of the world. The region is home to 6.3 percent of world’s population but has access to measly 1.4 percent of the world’s renewable fresh water. The average water availability per person in other geographical regions is about 7,000 m3/year, whereas water availability is merely 1,200 m3/person/year in the MENA region.

The region has the highest per capita rates of freshwater extraction in the world (804 m3/year) and currently exploits over 75 percent of its renewable water resources. Due to burgeoning population and rapid economic growth, the per capita water availability is expected to reduce to alarming proportions in the coming decades. By the year 2050, two-thirds of MENA countries could have less than 200 m3 of renewable water resources per capita per year.

Water_Middle_East

Around 85 percent of the water in the MENA region is used for irrigation. This level of irrigation is not inherently sustainable and leads to overuse of scarce renewable water resources, which in turn results in increased salinisation.

MENA’s average water use efficiency in irrigation is only 50 to 60 percent, compared to best-practice examples of above 80 percent efficiency under similar climate conditions in Australia and southwest US. Similarly, physical water losses in municipal and industrial supplies in the region are way above world averages. Nonrevenue water is 30 to 50 percent in some cities, compared to global best practice of approximately 10 percent.

Many countries in the MENA region are dependent on water resources that lie beyond their borders. For example, Syria, Jordan and Palestine rely on trans-boundary water resources. Palestine is almost entirely dependent on water essentially controlled by Israel. The trans-boundary nature of the water resources in the Middle East makes cooperative management of these resources critical as they have the potential to induce economic and social development and reduce the risks of conflict.

Water_Scarcity

Despite significant investment in the water sector, management of water still remains a serious economic and environmental problem in MENA countries, as shown by frequent droughts and floods. Public health, agricultural productivity and environment is suffering due to overpumping of aquifers and deterioration of water quality as well as water quality. Improved irrigation efficiency in agricultural water use would significantly increase water availability for other sectors.

Managing demand, particularly of agricultural water use, will be the key to reduce the high costs of filling the water gap. Similarly, managing water-energy nexus and improvements in water management in domestic and industrial sectors could reduce system losses to globally acceptable levels. Failure to save water and to reduce uneconomic use will have severe socioeconomic repercussions because the only alternative will be desalination.

The administrative structures of both drinking water and irrigation systems are characterized by weak governance and incoherent water laws. Some countries including Egypt, Jordan and Palestine have approved national water resources plans. Other countries have developed frameworks which contain elements of policy, in the form of strategy or master plans.

In general, MENA countries are beginning to recognize the importance of an integrated approach to water management. The demand for water will continue to rise across the region, due to population increase and economic growth.

الاستدامة البيئية في الإسلام

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إن المعتقدات، التقاليد والقيم الإسلامية وفرت حلول فعالة وشاملة لمواجهة العديد من التحديات البيئية الحالية التي تواجه الجنس البشري. لقد أكد الإسلام على أهمية المحافظة على البيئة وحماية الموارد الطبيعية. ووفقا لتعاليم الشريعة الإسلامية, فإن العناصر الأساسية للطبيعة – الأرض، الماء، النار، الغابات والضوء- تعود ملكيتها إلى جميع الكائنات الحية وليس فقط للجنس البشري.

إن القرآن الكريم والسنة النبوية الشريفة يعتبران نبراسا في تعزيز مفهوم التنمية المستدامة في الدول الإسلامية، وكذلك في جميع أنحاء العالم. أمر الله سبحانه وتعالى البشر بتجنب إلحاق الأذى وهدر الموارد الطبيعية والذي من شأنه تدمير وتدهور البيئة. إن الله سبحانه وتعالى ميز الجنس البشري باستغلال الموارد الطبيعية وجعله كوصي عليها، وهذا يندرج تحته ضمان الحق في استخدام كافة الموارد على أن لا يلحق بها الضرر  والتدمير.

القرآن الكريم والبيئة

أشار القرآن الكريم في العديد من السور والآيات الكريمة إلى مفهم البيئة والى بعض المبادئ الهامة للحفاظ عليها, حيث وضع قواعد عامة تحدد مدى استفادة الإنسان من الموارد الطبيعية المختلفة. المبدأ الأول الذي يوجه التعاليم الإسلامية نحو الاستدامة البيئية وهو ما يرف بمفهوم “الوصاية”. كون الإنسان يعتبر الخليفة أو “الوصي” حيث يمكنه الانتفاع بما خلق الله من خيرات دون إسراف أو تبذير لانها ليست خاصة به وحده بل للمجتمع وللأجيال القادمة.فيجب عليه اتخاذ جميع الخطوات والتدابير اللازمة لضمان حفظ وصيانة تلك الممتلكات والتأكد من تمريرها إلى الأجيال اللاحقة بأفضل شكل ممكن. لذا اعتبر الإسلام أن الإنسان هو خادم للطبيعة ويجب أن يتعايش بانسجام مع كافة المخلوقات الأخرى. لذا فمن واجب المسلمين جميعا احترام ورعاية والحفاظ على البيئة.

إن الفساد بجميع أنواعه، بما فيه الفساد البيئي والذي يشمل التلوث الصناعي، الإضرار بالبيئة، والتهور وسوء إدارة الموارد الطبيعية مكروه من الله سبحانه وتعالى.

قال الله تعالى في القرآن الكريم:

“ويسعون في الأرض فساداً والله لا يحب المفسدين” – سورة المائدة، آية – 64

“ولا تفسدوا في الأرض بعد إصلحها ذلكم خير لكم إن كنتم مؤمنين” – سورة الأعراف، آية  – 85

“يبني آدم خذوا زينتكم عند كل مسجد وكلوا واشربوا ولا تسرفوا إنه لا يحب المسرفين” – سورة الأعراف، آية – 31

“ولا تبغ الفساد في الأرض إن الله لا يحب المفسدين” – سورة القصص، آية –  77

وفقا للقرآن الكريم، فإن الحفاظ على البيئة يعتبر واجب ديني وكذلك التزام اجتماعي، ولا يعتبر مسألة اختيارية. إن استغلال أي من الموارد الطبيعية يدرج تحت بند المسآلة والحفاظ على تلك الموارد.

الحديث النبوي الشريف والبيئة

إن الأحاديث النبوية الشريفة وتعاليم وتقاليد سيدنا محمد (صلى الله عليه وسلم) تناولت بشكل واسع العديد من الجوانب البيئية كالحفاظ على المصادر الطبيعية، واستصلاح الأراضي، والحفاظ على نظافة البيئة، حيث نهى سيدنا محمد (صلى الله عليه وسلم)  عن الإسراف في الاستهلاك والبذخ والترف وحث على الاعتدال في جميع مناحي الحياة, وهذا ما أكد عليه القرآن الكريم.

sustainability-islam

كما نهى سيدنا محمد(صلى الله عليه وسلم)  عن قطع الأشجار وتدمير المحاصيل حتى في أوقات الحرب وإن كان وجودها ذا فائدة للعدو. وأولى سيدنا محمد أهميه كبيرة للزراعة المستدامة للأراضي وكيفية تعامل الإنسان مع الحيوانات والحفاظ على المصادر الطبيعية وحماية البيئة البرية.  إن من أقوال الرسول محمد (صلى الله عليه وسلم) بشأن الاستدامة البيئية:

 قال انس رضي الله عنه عن النبي صلى الله عليه وسلم: ( ما من مسلم يغرس غرسا او يزرع زرعا فيأكل منه إنسان أو بهيمة إلا كان له به صدقه)

قال أبي أيوب الأنصاري رضي الله عنه عن النبي صلى الله عليه وسلم: ( ما من رجل يغرس غرسا إلا كتب الله له من الأجر قدر ما يخرج من ثمر ذلك الغرس)

قال رسول الله صلى الله عليه وسلم: ( من نصب شجرة فصبر على حفظها والقيام عليها حتى تثمر كان له في كل شيء يصاب من ثمرها صدقة عند الله عز وجل)  .

أكد سيدنا محمد (صلى الله عليه وسلم) على ضرورة الاقتصاد والاعتدال  وعدم الإسراف والإفراط  في التعامل مع الموارد الطبيعية. ومن اجل حماية الأراضي والغابات والحياة البرية، أنشأ سيدنا محمد (صلى الله عليه وسلم)   مناطق محمية عرفت بـ “الحرم” و ” الحمى” والتي ضمن حدودها لا يتم المساس بالموارد الطبيعية خلال فترات زمنية محددة. إن ما يعرف بـ “الحرم” هي المناطق المحيطة بمصادر المياه أنشئت بهدف حماية المياه الجوفية من الاستنزاف والاستخدام الجائر، أما بالنسبة للـ “الحمى” يطلق على البيئة البرية والغابات وهي مناطق يمنع فيها الرعي وقطع الأخشاب وفيها يتم حماية أنواع معين من الحيوانات مثل الإبل.

انشأ سيدنا محمد(صلى الله عليه وسلم)  ما يسمى بـ “الحمى” إلى الجنوب من المدينة المنورة ومنع خلال أوقات معينة في تلك المناطق الصيد داخل دائرة نصف قطرها أربعة أميال، ومنع فيها قع الأشجار والنباتات داخل دائرة نصف قطرها اثني عشر ميلاً. إن إنشاء تلك المناطق المحرمة يدل على الأهمية التي أولاها الرسول للإدارة والاستخدام المستدام  للموارد الطبيعية وحماية البيئة البرية والأراضي الزراعية.

ترجمة: مها الزعبي, طالبة دكتوراه( كلية التصميم البيئي –  جامعة كالجري, كندا)

Water-Energy Nexus in the United Arab Emirates

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The United Arab Emirates has been witnessing fast-paced economic growth as well as rapid increase in population during the last couple of decades. As a result, the need for water and energy has increased significantly and this trend is expected to continue into the future. Water in the UAE comes from four different sources – groundwater (44%), desalinated seawater (42%), treated wastewater (14%), and surface water (1%). Most of the groundwater and treated seawater are used for irrigation and landscaping while desalinated seawater is used for drinking, household, industrial, and commercial purposes.

desalination-plant-uae

Water consumption per capita in UAE is more than 500 liters per day which is amongst the highest worldwide. UAE is ranked 163 among 172 countries in the world in total renewable water resources. In short, UAE is expected to be amongst extremely water stressed countries in 2040.

To address this, utilities have built massive desalination plants and pipelines to treat and pump seawater over large distances. Desalinated water consumption in UAE increased from 199,230 MIG in 2003 to 373,483 MIG in 2013 (Ministry of Energy 2014). In 2008, 89% of desalinated seawater in UAE came from thermal desalination plants and most of them are installed at combined cycle electric power plants (Lattemann and Höpner 2008). Desalination is energy as well capital intensive process. Pumping desalinated seawater from desalination plants to cities is also an expensive proposition.

Electrical energy consumption in UAE doubled from 48,155 GWh in 2003 to 127,561 GWh in 2018. Electricity in UAE is generated by fossil-fuel-fired thermoelectric power plants. Generation of electricity in that way requires large volumes of water to mine fossil fuels, to remove pollutants from power plants exhaust, generate steam that turns steam turbines, to cool down power plants, and flushing away residue after burning fossil fuels (IEEE Spectrum 2011).

Water production in UAE requires energy and energy generation in UAE requires water. So there is strong link between water and energy in UAE. The link between water and electricity production further complicates the water-energy supply in UAE, especially in winter when energy load drops significantly thus forcing power plants to work far from optimum points.

Several projects have been carried out in UAE to reduce water and energy intensity. Currently, the use of non-traditional water resources is limited to minor water reuse/recycling in UAE. Masdar Institute launched recently a new program to develop desalination technology that is powered by renewable energy.

water-energy-nexus

Water-energy nexus in the UAE should be resilient and adaptive

Despite their interdependencies, water-energy nexus is not given due importance in the UAE. Currently, water systems in the UAE are vulnerable and not resilient to even small water and energy shortages. To solve this problem, water-energy nexus in UAE should be resilient and adaptive. Thus, there is a need to develop and demonstrate a new methodology that addresses water and energy use and supply in UAE cities in an integrated way leading to synergistic type benefits and improved water and energy security.

Modern, cutting-edge science and engineering methods should be used with the goal of developing a robust framework that can identifying suitable future development scenarios, selection criteria and intervention options resulting in more reliable, resilient and sustainable water and energy use.

Artisanal Fishing in Morocco – Enormous Resources and Pressing Constraints

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In Morocco, artisanal fishing is a traditional activity based on canoes, generally made of wood, generally equipped with an outboard engine and a small crew of three people on average, fishing for benthic and surface species. Fishing is mostly based on the coastline and in estuaries and lakes. Morocco overlooks the Mediterranean Sea and the Atlantic Ocean with coastlines extending over more than three thousand five hundred kilometers, opening its shields to tens of thousands of fishermen.

Artisanal fishing in the Moroccan Mediterranean Sea occupies a great place, due to the advantages it offers, especially the large mass of labor engaged in this activity. Its production consists mainly of species of high commercial value and is found on the entire coast.

artisanal fishing in morocco

The Mediterranean coast consists of maritime zones that manifest themselves in the west from the cities of Tanger, Tetouan and Chefchaouen to the east through Al Hoceima, Nador and Berkane. This coastline includes 94 sites, comprising 5 ports. This maritime space provides employment opportunities for around 7,800 seafarers working on 2,600 boats, ensuring social and economic balance in the region.

The Moroccan Mediterranean Sea has two natural features that concern an area of exchange with the Atlantic Ocean in the west, specifically at the Strait of Gibraltar and a lake, called, Marchica in the center of Nador. The Strait of Gibraltar lies between Morocco and Spain and separates the Mediterranean and Atlantic Ocean.

The region is witnessing an exchange of Mediterranean and Atlantic water masses, forming a corridor for several large migratory species such as bluefin tuna and swordfish.  At the national level, this privileged geographical location provides ample scope for the artisanal fishing sector. The lake of Nador, “Mar-Chica” is located in the east of the coast, between “Ras Alma” and “Cap Des 3 Fourches”. This lake has an oval shape, elongated parallel to the coast.  It has an area of about 115 kilometers. It is connected to the sea via the Boukana Pass.

The Nador region is characterized by intense activity, both in the semi-industrial fishing sector and in the artisanal fishing sector. The fleet consists mainly of fishing vessels and sardines, while artisanal fishing features a fleet of around 1,000 boats that provide employment for more than 3,000 sailors.

Fishermen do not engage in any other economic activities. In very rare cases, they may engage in low-income agriculture or trade. Women were confined to domestic chores and did not participate in any economic activity. But now the situation has changed, with women becoming key partners in fishing activities.

blue whale cooperative

The Mediterranean coast has many professional associations and cooperatives are active in artisanal fishing along the coastline. The Blue Whale Aquaculture Net Sewing Cooperative is among many active women’s cooperatives. Sanaa Karkari, head of the cooperative, said the cooperative is made up of women who sew nets for aquaculture farms and ropes for shellfish farms, cages and others.  It was established by the Fnideq Heroes Association for Underwater Fishing and Environmental Protection within the Fnideq Eco-City project. She received the “Lalla the Collaborator” Award in 2022.  It has partnered with the “Tanger Med Foundation”. The collaborators were supervised by the Cooperative “Doralup” for a year and a half. Then I started sewing aquaculture nets for “the Aqua M’diq” farm, which raises fish using the technique of floating cages and nets fixed to the sea through special ropes.

Sanaa Karkari pointed out that the women of the cooperative prepare shell breeding lanterns and also work on recycling nets. Currently, it has trained more than 20 women in this field with a view to their future employment.

Raiss Mimoun, head of the Marchika fishing cooperative in the Nador region, said fishermen use divided nets of two types, as well as special nets for algae farming. There are nets that are seasonally caught with limited fish species from April to July, such as “Rouget”, “Crevette” and “Sepia”.

He added that there is a type of nets caught throughout the year called “tramel”, which are fishing nets made up of three layers of uneven nets, used to catch fish in shallow waters. You catch a large whale from 200 g and above to 5 kg. In August, all species and varieties are hunted.

Mr. Memoun recalled the suffering posed by the crab tearing their nets. And the various constraints represented in some indiscriminate fishing practices where fishing is carried out with prohibited nets in certain periods, in which fishing with this type of nets is prohibited, because it takes small fish and larvae, pointing out that the artisanal fishing sector is unregulated, there is no full health coverage and they do not have a pension system. To support their livelihood, some seafarers have resorted to the cultivation of edible “grasselaria algae”. The cooperative provides natural shelters for tourists to visit the farm and taste the local fish.

“Marchica” of the Nador region is characterized by salt water, low or absent tides and good protection against wind and waves. This situation encourages artisanal fishing and promotes aquaculture activity. Fishing activity is a major activity of the Lake Nador community, and can be accompanied by subsistence farming or small businesses. The region is known for some fishing practices that are harmful to the marine ecosystem and endangered species, but thanks to awareness and sensitization organized by civil society and the National Institute for Research in Fisheries, some relatively indiscriminate practices have decreased.

artisanal fishing cooperative

Mohamed Settar of the Talassemtane Association for the Environment and Development., Sports and Culture in the city of Chefchaouen said that a field monitoring of a set of imbalances and problems associated with a group of axes related to the coast has been monitored. Most fishermen complain about the entrance to the port of Smaala, which poses a great danger to them and has witnessed numerous accidents. Its gate was designed in an inconvenient place and filled with visible and invisible underwater stones. Sand also flows into the marina space and fills the boat berthing areas, which requires bringing a very large mechanism to finish and displace the sand from it out of the port, in exchange for a huge budget for the cost of what this mechanism does.

Regarding the “Alboran – Aknion” reserve, Mohammed SETTAR added that the cement molds in which the fish are raised were destroyed and damaged in a number of fishing points by coastal fishing boats (trawlers), and the spread of “Nicro” fish (black dolphin) caused a real crisis for fishing professionals, through their repeated attacks on small pelagic fish, especially sardines, and on fishermen’s nets on local coasts. It also negatively affected catch yields.

Mohammed Settar stressed that there is a lack of respect for fishing laws (quota) regarding the amount of tuna caught on the coasts of the region, and from small pelagic fish that are used as bait by fishermen. The continuation of trawlers fishing in the sea near the shore, which is a major dilemma for sailors in the “Qaa Asras”, “Al-Jabha” and “Smaala”, through the elimination of small fish and throwing them into the sea, through circumventing the law in order to catch the largest possible share of fish, to the monopoly of the lion’s share of the quota allocated for fishing in all its fish branches.

A report drafted by the Talassemtane Association for the Environment and Development, Sports and Culture confirmed that the high production costs and successive increases in fuel prices created a noticeable disparity in the number of traditional boats operating in the region, which resulted in a reduction in the duration of fishing, which was reflected in their economic situation. The emptying of engine oil in the middle of the port by boat owners is considered a cause of water pollution, such as the case of the port of “El Jebeha”, in addition to the obsolescence of fishing equipment and boats for fishermen. This poses a threat to their safety while working. The report added that the continued indiscriminate fishing in the region contributes to the damage to fish stocks and harms the environment, which affects the marine life cycle chain in the coast. A new activity has emerged in the form of transporting visitors and tourists on tours at sea outside any legal framework.

Settar said that the association recommended activating the requirements and recommendations mentioned in the opinion of the Economic, Social and Environmental Council on the coast. Activating the roles of the environmental police, and cracking down on all violations related to the management of the coastal area in the region. The coastal territorial communities should adopt collective plans that include projects contributing to the geological, touristic, cultural and natural management of the coast. Rehabilitate the infrastructure of the coast in the region, and make it more resilient and resistant to any climate change. To combat the phenomenon of looting the sand of the coastal beaches of the region. Supporting scientific research related to the coast and creating special divisions and university courses on marine wealth and marine professions.

The association called for the rationalization of marine resources in line with the strategy of the “Aleutes” plan (1 and 2) for the sake of continuing fisheries to promote traditional fishing activity in the northern region. And the need to rehabilitate and repair the port of “smaala” similar to El Jebeha port , which will soon be covered by a comprehensive reform that responds to the aspirations of the population. and the reconstruction of the port entrance. Activating the role of the coast guard forces to control violating trawling boats that infiltrate, practice overfishing and fish in places close to the shores, distances in which trawling is prohibited according to the legal texts, which impose a distance of at least two miles as the closest point to the shore, which contributes to exacerbating the problems of traditional fishermen.

It is necessary to acquire marine relief and safety equipment for the benefit of traditional fishing boats in order to preserve the safety of fishermen. Then tighten control over the use of dynamite in fishing and suppress all observed violations. Consideration should be given to building a maritime vocational training centre in order to train new generations of seafarers and promote maritime professions. Training courses for fishermen and boat owners should be organized by the custodian sector on protection and marine ecosystems. Support for small fishermen and traditional fishers, especially in light of the high prices and fuel. Support fishermen to acquire nets used in catching pelagic fish, as this type of nets is characterized by strength and durability that is difficult for the fish (nicro) – black dolphin to penetrate and tear them. Biological comfort must be adopted and respected for each species as an objective solution for restoring the status quo of the fisheries, with parallel measures accompanying periods of adoption of biological rest, such as subsidies for seafarers through a financial fund established for this purpose and financed by periodic contributions by professionals.

Ahmed EL Fatih (80 years old), president of the traditional fishing association in the port of “Cala Iris”, and a member of the Mediterranean Chamber of Tanger, said that the areas of Kala Yris, Taris and Badis are among the best fishing areas. Between the areas of Al Hoceima and El Jebeha, there are the best and finest fish, especially the “Miro” fish, but unfortunately some rare species have disappeared due to random overfishing, and there are those who fish at night, because the fish is present and easy to catch.

The Ministry of Fisheries has not yet regulated the division of each category that catches a particular type of fish. Fishing is carried out only without division, depending on the gear used in the fishing, where fish wealth is lost, each time different nets are used on the other.

El-Fatih added that the fishing area has about 110 traditional boats involved in the cooperative he heads. There is a problem of unloading at some fishing points that do not have a port. The fisherman El Fatih, who has spent nearly 60 years in the fishing craft, said there was no limit to the amount of catch. There is no law regulating the amount of catch rationally without exhaustion of fish resources. “They asked us for biological comfort, we agreed at the professional fishing room to biological comfort, and we said that we are committed to biological comfort, but the seaman cannot remain without work for 3 months, and the concerned ministry did not find a solution, yes we stop working for three months or even 6 months, but compensation must be made.” Mr. El Fatih adds.

There is a problem of indiscriminate fishing, there must be a fishing license for each specific fish and with certain equipment, El Fatih stresses, recalling the crisis in the fishing sector due to the high price of fuel. The same spokesman said that specialists should coordinate with professionals to identify imbalances and seek solutions, although seafarers have received financial support. For me, this is not a solution, the problems remain. The real subsidy is the reduction in the price of fuel, while the material support has created other problems and has not found radical solutions. “Fuel cuts are a big boost for seafarers.”

This report was produced with the support of “Internews” Earth Press Network as part of the “Mediterranean Media Initiative”

Hima: Integration of Religion and Conservation

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Revisiting the earliest days of rural, pastoral- and agriculture-based societies offers thought-provoking answers to solve today’s crises. At the highest levels of international concern, Islam’s formalized system of “Hima,” or Nature Conservation, is receiving optimistic attention. One of the reasons why Hima is an interesting solution for today’s conservation needs is because it developed under a similar set of crises.

Relatively speaking, the ratio of human population to accessible natural resources in the days of Moses was just as dire as today’s challenges. It is possible to recognize the development of Hima by following the early days of Prophet Moses, God’s peace be upon him, as the following history is related in the Torah, the Bible and in the Quran.

animal-conservation-islam

The Elevation of Hima in Islam

In Islam, believers are warned repeatedly to obey the set limits, and recognize the prescribed boundaries, or “hudood,” of the Hima as formalized in the following verses of the Holy Quran:

Those are limits (hudood) set by Allah: those who obey Allah and His messenger will be admitted to gardens with rivers flowing beneath to abide therein (for ever); and that will be the supreme achievement. But those who disobey Allah and His messenger and transgress His limits will be admitted to a fire to abide therein: and they shall have a humiliating punishment! [Quran 4:13-14]

In Makkah, the area around the Ka’abah, or the “Sacred House,” is the most famous Hima or “Sacred Precinct” in Islam. Behaviors, rights and responsibilities associated with the Hajj Pilgrimage are highly formalized for this Hima in the Quran:

O ye who believe! violate not the sanctity of the Symbols of Allah, nor of the Sacred Month, nor of the animals brought for sacrifice, nor the garlands that mark out such animals, nor the people resorting to the Sacred House, seeking of the bounty, and good pleasure of their Lord. But when ye are clear of the Sacred Precincts and of pilgrim garb, ye may hunt and let not the hatred of some people in (once) shutting you out of the Sacred Mosque lead you to transgression (and hostility on your part). Help ye one another in righteousness and piety, but help ye not one another in sin and rancour: fear Allah: for Allah is strict in punishment. [Quran 5:2]

A Model for Natural Resource Management

In his article, Hima as a Model for Natural Resource Management in West Asia and North Africa, Dr. Odeh Al-Jayyousi covers Islam’s elevation of the Hima system. Defining the hima as the Arabic translation for “a protected place” or protected area Al-Jayyousi explains that in the original concept, access to this place was declared forbidden by the individual or group who owned it. However, mandatory public sharing, with codified community cooperation and joint protection eventually became the norm.

In the Arab peninsula, where the natural environment is characterized by aridity, fluctuation and uncertainty, cooperation over shared resources becomes essential to securing the livelihoods of local communities. Through public participation (shura) and reaching consensus through consultation, the community-based management model of hima contributed positively to saving and protecting natural resources, wildlife, rangelands and forests for 5000 years, and providing the enabling environment for managing conflicts. The deep understanding of the cycles of nature, seasonal variations and carrying capacity informed social innovation in community-based natural resource management.

Islam contributed to the value system and ethical dimension of hima along with the rational imperative and judgement for measuring trade-offs between human rights and nature conservation. The Prophet Mohammad declared that free access to public water is the right of the community and said that “people are partners in three resources: water, pasture, and fire.” The notion of social justice and equity (adl) for all people, regardless of their culture or belief system, is the cornerstone of Islamic values. Islamic law has devised and formalised specific rules for formulating public policies and making trade-offs between public and private interest. Maslaha (public interest) may lead to an understanding of sustainability in its broader terms. [Dr. Odeh Al-Jayyousi Hima as a Model for Natural Resource Management in West Asia and North Africa]

Need for Authentic Convictions

Wide-scale adoption of Islam’s concept of Hima could effectively slow down the runaway machine that has become global development. With well-protected boundaries, and strongly enforced penalties, the Hima system has at its core the goal of preserving life.

New fuel-efficiency would be a built-in benefit when conservation is backed up by Islam’s teachings against waste, damage, and abuse. Hima boundaries are further protected by the Islam’s guideline that “whatever leads to something prohibited is also prohibited.”

Climate change and human intervention is threatening many wildlife species in the Middle East

However, although most countries have currently established environmental protection agencies, S. A. Hamed sums up the dilemma we need to consider, when confronting the drunk drivers of the Earth’s riding mowers:

“Unless communities are well-informed and consulted during the development planning process, new projects and programs will not benefit from local knowledge and may never gain the support of the community.

Movement towards environmentally sustainable development by any society involves more than establishing an environmental protection agency, raising environmental awareness, or providing technical training. It requires comprehensive efforts on all fronts to strengthen the sustainable development institution as a whole and to shift the priorities of the society at large.

No significant progress in history was ever accomplished without an ethical emphasis, sincere loyalty, genuine affection, and authentic convictions.” [S. A. Hamed, “Capacity Building for Sustainable Development: The Dilemma of Islamization of Environmental Institutions,” in Islam and Ecology, p. 409]

Conclusion

As responsible stewards of God’s creation, sharing our faith is critical in promoting conservation ethics in our families and throughout our communities. These qualities, “ethical emphasis, sincere loyalty, genuine affection, and authentic convictions,” are as miraculous as water in the desert, because we can all share them in common, even among diverse faiths and belief systems. With them, and with each other we can work together successfully to restore creation to its rightful glory.

6 Tools And Products For Your Industrial Business

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Commercial businesses sell tangible goods such as airplanes, vehicles, roofing materials, and more. Their price usually depends on their quality. Industrial businesses work differently. Instead of selling the final product, an industrial business supplies other companies with the goods necessary for production, such as raw materials, manufacturing parts, etc.

What makes a commercial business unique is their take on innovation, but when it comes to industrial businesses, the company that supplies the highest-quality materials at the fastest rate will stand out while others are left behind.

Unfortunately, production isn’t a joke, and it’s difficult to improve your current production efficiency unless you adopt new technologies for your industrial business. If that’s what you’re looking for, then the following industrial tools and products may help:

tools-for-industrial-business

1. Bench Scales

Bench scales, also known as benchtop scales, are small scales that can usually fit on top of workbenches or workstations, hence the name. Due to its size, industrial bench scales are often more accurate when weighing small objects. Some bench scales may include a remote display wherein you can see the weight and other information from far away.

Their size comes in handy since most industrial goods are relatively small, while you can use the remote displays to monitor the weight of objects even during production or development.

Bench scales can come in separate products or as a package with assembly stations, which is yet another excellent tool for an industrial business.

2. Assembly Station

The creation of watches and other crafts consists of countless individual steps. This process is often done by hand and requires the individual to be somewhat skilled with their hands. These types of individuals are rare, but assembly stations aren’t.

Assembly stations have one job—to create craftsmanship products with semi-automated processes. This means while there are still steps done by hand, workers no longer have to handle tasks requiring high levels of precision. Simply put, assembly stations can reduce the time spent on each product and minimize human error.

Assembly stations may also serve as a workstation for workers as it pretty much contains everything they need, such as a monitor, scales, retaining rings, and drawers where they can store small gizmos.

3. Torque Screwdriver

Screwdrivers have always been a must-have in any production-based business, as most of the apparatus you’ll see today contains at least one screw. Much like any other tool, screwdrivers have evolved from being just the plain old piece of metal in a rubber handle.

Torque screwdrivers have the same function as regular screwdrivers, but with a twist—it allows the user to control the force applied to the screw, making sure it doesn’t exert too little or too much pressure. This can be handy when dealing with fragile packages where excessive tightening can often lead to unforeseen damages.

4. Diode Lasers

A semiconductor laser is a relatively prominent technology in almost every industry. It can be used for optical processes, telecommunications, and even medical treatment. However, a recent innovation on this technology has slowly taken the industrial sector by storm—diode lasers.

A diode laser is a type of laser technology that has a relatively high power but is more energy efficient. But that’s not the only reason why it’s becoming a hit in the industrial sector. Diode lasers are also compact, making it possible to integrate this technology into existing machinery. They also have long lifetimes, making them maintenance-free and highly reliable.

Simply put, if your industrial business deals with machinery, diode lasers can be an excellent tool, whether it’s for joining or welding components.

5. Inkjet Labelers

If a wire has no label, workers can potentially cut or unplug the wrong cables and wires, which can be extremely dangerous in most cases.

inkjet-labellers

Wire marking is the process of putting labels or marks in things like cables, transformers, fuses, etc. This practice is essential to any industrial business as it can potentially save lives. Although there have been many wire marking tools in the past, inkjet labelers are the way to go since ink can withstand scratches and lasts for a very long time.

6. Cutting Plotters

Prototyping is a fundamental process among businesses, especially in large-scale projects. It’s where you create a visual representation of the product, which allows you to investigate all of its aspects. In some cases, you can spot flaws or problems within the product and fix those issues, saving you the money and time you would’ve spent for mass production.

While there may be different ways to create prototypes, if you’re looking for an affordable yet effective tool, a cutting plotter is your best bet.

Wrapping Up

While it’s true that these tools and products can be great additions to your business, you have to remember that these devices are also hazardous. On that note, it might be a good idea to conduct equipment training before adding these industrial tools to the workplace.

نظرة عامة حول جودة الهواء في الدول العربية

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تدهورت جودة الهواء في الدول العربية خلال العقود القليلة الماضية ، حيث آرتفع معدل  انبعاثات ثاني أكسيد الكربون (CO2) إلى حوالي الضعف. كما ساهمت  التغييرات التي عرفها  قطاع الطاقة والتي استمدت من التجارب الناجحة في تطوير معدل النفاذ إلى مصادر الطاقة بعدد من بلدان المنطقة  في  إحراق المزيد من الوقود الأحفوري في محطات الطاقة الحرارية لتلبية الزيادة في الطلب على الطاقة.

ازداد استهلاك الكهرباء بنسبة 75.5 في المائة ، مما أدى إلى إنبعاث ما مجموعه 766.5 مليون طن من ثاني أكسيد الكربون في عام 2015 ، مقارنة بـ 436.6 في عام 2006. كما آرتفعت الإنبعاثات الصادرة من قطاع النقل بسبب النمو الكبير في هذا القطاع خصوصا مع غياب تدابير تخفيف فعّالة وضعف وسائل النقل العام في معظم البلدان.

Sandstorm_MiddleEast

تدّعي دراسة أجريت في المدن الكبرى في المنطقة أن الاضطرابات في بعض البلدان قد أدت إلى انخفاض في الانبعاثات. قد يحمل هذا بعض الغازات بسبب تباطؤ الصناعات والنقل الشخصي ، لكن من الواضح أن الغبار والملوثات الأخرى الناتجة عن النزاعات قد ازدادت.

وفقاً لمنظمة الصحة العالمية (WHO)،  تعتبر المنطقة العربية من بين الأسوأ في جودة الهواء. إذ غالبا ما تتجاوز المستويات المسجلة لتلوث الهواء 5 إلى 10 أضعاف المعايير العالمية، وكانت العديد من المدن العربية قد سجلت حضورها في قائمة أكثر 20 مدينة ملوثة في العالم. في هذا الإطار، تشمل الانبعاثات الزائدة أول أكسيد الكربون الناتج عن قطاع النقل و أكسيد الكبريت و أكسيد النيتروجين ، مما يؤدي إلى تكون الأمطار الحمضية والأوزون والمركبات العضوية المتطايرة (VOCs).

لقد تحقق الحد من محتوى الكبريت في وقود الديزل في معظم الدول العربية من خلال تشديد المعايير ، مما ساهم في انخفاض مستوياتها من 1000 جزء في المليون إلى حوالي 50 جزء في المليون. علاوة على ذلك، تم تحقيق تحول إلى البنزين الخالي من الرصاص من خلال تحمّل فروق التكلفة، تليها فرض حظر كامل على استخدام الوقود المحتوي على الرصاص.

Arab region is among the worst performers in air quality

وتشمل تدابير التخفيف التي يمكن تنفيذها للحد من الانبعاثات الصادرة عن قطاع الطاقة تحسين جودة الوقود ونشر التكنولوجيات المتجددة والأجهزة ذات الكفاءة في استخدام الطاقة. إضافة إلى ذلك، تقوم معظم الدول العربية بتطوير سوق قابلة للاستمرار لاستثمارات الطاقة المتجددة. بين عامي 2012 و 2015 ، شهد إجمالي القدرة المركبة القابلة للتجديد زيادة بنسبة 150 في المئة ، وتجاوزت 3GW ، باستثناء الطاقة الكهرومائية ، مقارنة بـ 1.2GW في عام 2012.

تندرج معظم استراتيجيات النقل المستدامة في واحدة من ثلاث فئات: تحسين تكنولوجيا المركبات / الوقود ، تحسينات عمليات الطرق / المركبات وإدارة الطلب. هذا يعني أنّه لم يتم بعد تنفيذ نظام نقل جماعي رسمي على نطاق واسع في المنطقة. تنتج محركات البنزين عموما انبعاثات أقل ضررا مقارنة بالديزل ، وبالتالي فإن تشديد المعايير المتعلقة بنوعية البنزين سيؤدي إلى انخفاض كبير في الانبعاثات.

يعد النجاح في إدخال السيارات الهجينة والكهربائية إلى الأردن على مدى السنوات الثماني الماضية مثالاً ساطعاً على كيفية تأثير السياسات المالية المستهدفة على السوق. في غضون بضع سنوات ، ساعدت مجموعة من الإعفاءات الضريبية على السيارات النظيفة ، وزيادة الضرائب المفروضة على تلك التي لديها انبعاثات أعلى ، في زيادة عدد السيارات الهجينة والكهربائية في الأردن إلى نصف عدد السيارات المسجلة حديثًا.

ترجمة: أشرف الشيباني 

صحفي و مترجم تونسي ، له مقالات عديدة في قضايا التغيرات المناخية و هو عضو في مبادرة كلايمت تراكر الألمانية .

Energy Sector in Arab Countries

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Arab_EnergyThe Arab energy sector has played and will continue to play an important role in the regional as well as global economy. In addition to satisfying energy needs for economic and social development, it is the source of oil and gas export revenues contributing to economic development. The Arab oil and gas sector represents the largest economic sector in the region. Increase of oil revenues were the main drivers for economic development in most of the Arab oil producing countries.

The Arab economies, as well, are heavily dependent on oil and gas to meet their domestic energy demand. Oil contributes about 53.6 % of the total demand and the share of gas represents about 43.9 %, while other resources such as hydro power, coal, and renewable resources represent only about 2 %

The energy sector in MENA has been struggling in recent years to find ways to tackle existing and anticipated shortfalls in resources and investments. In many cases, the efficiency of energy production and consumption patterns in the region requires improvement. Though the per capita energy consumption in the GCC sub-region are among the world’s top list, more than 40 percent of the Arab population in rural and urban poor areas do not have adequate access to energy services. It is also noted that almost one-fifth of the Arab population relies on non-commercial fuels for different energy uses.

Energy Consumption in Arab Countries in 2003

  • The average primary energy consumption reached 1196 kgoe per capita, compared to the world average of 1523 kgoe. Wide disparities exist in the levels of energy consumption within and between Arab countries.
  • The average electricity consumption reached 1445 kwh per capita regionally, compared to the world average of 2271 kwh per capita, and
  • The average primary energy intensity in the region is 0.51 kgoe per US$ compared to a world average of 0.27 kgoe, reflecting the low economic returns on energy consumption in the region

Electricity Consumption in Arab Countries in 2005

  • Installed capacity in 2005 was 124 GW compared with 13 GW in 1975.
  • Electricity consumption in 2005 was 480,000 GWh (480 TWh) compared  with 22,000 GWh (22 TWh) in 1975.
  • Half of the installed capacity exists in Arab Gulf countries.
  • Population in 2005 was 313 million compared to 140 million in 1975.
  • Annual per capita consumption increased from 160 KWh in 1975 to 1530  kWh in 2005.
energy-efficiency-middle-east

Energy efficency is still not a priority in the industrial sector in Arab world

Relying heavily on fossil fuels, it is evident that the current trends in the Arab energy sector are unsustainable. The move towards achieving the objectives of energy for sustainable development requires policies and measures to address energy management issues, while maintaining the effective contribution of the sector to the region’s prosperity.

Since 1992, Arab countries have been moving towards the sustainability of the energy sector to achieve the goals and targets relevant to the key energy issues. Several Arab declarations have been issued in recent years emphasizing concerns and commitment of regional powers to achieve sustainable development. Some progress has bee achieved; however, more steps are required to achieve the desired objectives.

Climate Change Mitigation in Tunisia: Challenges and Progress

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Climate change has become a reality in Tunisia, which is struggling to cope with the problems of desertification, water scarcity and the degradation of natural resources. Despite its limited carbon footprint, the risks of climate change may be high. The fourth Arab country to have published its Intended Nationally Determined Contributions (INDC) for a reduction in greenhouse gas emissions, Tunisia has put climate change on the top of its political and economic agenda. It is also the first country in the region to include in its new Constitution recognition of climate change: “A sound and balanced environment while contributing to the safety of the climate by all available means.”

climate-change

Tunisia is making serious efforts to reduce its carbon footprint by 13 percent by the year 2030. The share of renewable energy in electricity generation is expected to increase to 14 percent by 2020 and upto 30 percent by 2030. These ambitious indicators are a strong boost to the efforts aimed at holding the increase in the global average temperature to well below 2 °C above pre-industrial levels and to pursue efforts to limit the temperature increase even further to 1.5 degrees Celsius.

In addition, the limited national energy resources are an opportunity to develop renewable sources of energy and improve usage efficiency in line with the new job strategy that helps to reduce youth unemployment.

Tunisia has for several years embarked on a real process of reducing the carbon-based economy in a step to mitigate greenhouse gas emissions. This requires a package of long-term proactive climate change mitigation measures in the area of energy control. However, this process needs further consolidation and enhancement. Nonetheless, many problems threaten the sustainability of this trend.

Tunisia lacks funding to change its energy generation infrastructure, as well as a clear lack of environmental awareness, environmental education, information, and proper management, both among the public and decision-makers.

Desertification and drought are real threats for Tunisia

This must be accompanied by the development of communication discourse for local and international environmental organizations to take bolder action in this regard. A simplified and smooth dissemination of information and training the environmental stakeholders are key pillars of the implementation of a long-term strategy.

For this purpose, these actions should primarily target state actors, not to mention the general public, civil society, the media, academics, researchers, and others, while establishing complete databases on research and studies carried out in or around Tunisia on the issue of climate change.

In this context, special attention should be given to the employment of natural solutions that are easy to implement, such as planting trees in desert areas and protecting soil from erosion, especially since Tunisia does not have the technology to apply high-cost geological engineering with unsecured results.

The Paris Agreement, with its various financial and technical opportunities, is expected to be an important incentive for Tunisia to strengthen its efforts to combat climate change, which requires a global roadmap to reduce emissions and increase adaptation efforts.