PGE-Gabès: A look back at the results of an innovative project
PGE-Gabès, promoting local environmental governance
The Gabès region, which houses the only coastal oasis in the Mediterranean, has been suffering from the impacts of serious industrial pollution for 40 years. The intense industrial activity in the region causes significant environmental deterioration for people and ecosystems in the region.
In the context of the Tunisian Government’s renewed environment policy, the European Union entrusted Expertise France with the implementation of PGE-Gabès. The project, which aimed to contribute to reducing pollution in the region by building the capacities of local civil society organisations, is now reaching completion.
A look back at the results
“The results are generally positive”, points out Sophie Vanhaeverbeke, Head of Cooperation of the Delegation of the European Union. The project, which has made significant efforts to mobilise and support local actors, has made it possible to implement concrete actions in terms of raising environmental awareness and sustainable economic development.
Two studies have been conducted to improve the knowledge of local actors about the impacts of industrial pollution on the economy and human health in the Gabès region. It is through more in-depth knowledge of the impacts that pollution has on their region that the residents of Gabès will be able to come up with new solutions to live in a healthy environment.
For further reading: The impact of industrial emissions in Gabès: a significant cost for the region’s economy
The project has also met its initial objective of training industrialists in the region in how to improve environmental management by supporting five companies for CSR.
The emergence of a space for dialogue between the main actors materialised with the creation of a Chamber of Local Consultation (CLC). These participatory dynamics constitute a real model to be followed by many other regions badly affected by pollution.
Finally, through the allocation of grants, this experience has made it possible to implement 9 projects (see opposite) that contribute to local development and to improving the environmental situation in Gabès.
What future for Gabès?
PGE-Gabès, which has managed to innovate through its implementation methods, with the priority aim of making civil society actors central to local democracy, has paved the way towards a new vision of a shared territory. By implementing educational programmes and projects designed to build the capacities of the most vulnerable populations (young people and women), PGE has managed to create real dynamics for raising awareness of environmental issues in the region.
Efforts need to be continued to regain a viable balance between economic, social and environmental dynamics in the Gabès region after the completion of the project. The seminar on 27 and 28 February will also provide the opportunity to propose possible avenues to continue the work achieved since 2015 by the 68 associations in Gabès and the many local stakeholders of PGE-Gabès. It is by maintaining the commitment made by stakeholders that Gabès will be offered a prosperous and sustainable future.
Find out more about PGE-Gabès
Consult the project brief 
Discover the website of PGE-Gabès
