Case-study : Zouara and Îles Kneiss, Tunisia

Abstract

Chott el-Zouara lies on the coastal plain east of Tabarka, on the northwestern Tunisian littoral. Its watershed extends a considerable distance inland, in the general direction of Beja, to and beyond the surrounding mountain range that includes Jbel Abiod, Jbel Msid, Jbel Kreroufa and Jbel Sidi Mhammed. The study-site proper forms part of a series of beaches and embayments, which occurs between Tabarka and Cap Negro, aligned in a northwest-facing direction (Fig. 2.3.1). Infrastructural development in the Chott el-Zouara region, including the construction of a dam relatively close to the coast, aimed to harvest water run-off upstream of the Zouara dune-field, has led to significant changes in the hydrological regime and, anon, in the sediment dynamics of the coastal area occurred. Over the years, particularly throughout the duration of the MECO project (1998-2001), an overtly apparent transformation was registered along the beach and foredune zone at Zouara beach, as a result of a marked decreased in sediment fluxes. Kneiss Islands (Îles de Kneiss) and adjacent coastline constitute a lowland area with inconspicuous features (Fig. 2.3.2). The islet group lies in the Gulf of Gabes, off the coast of El Khouala, between the coastal towns of Mahares and Skhira. Apart from providing relatively good fishing grounds for locals, the islets are important from the point of view of avifauna. So much so, a stringent vigilance is maintained by local authorities and all visits to the islets, even for scientific purposes, are rigorously monitored. The islets and mudflats are an important staging point for various species of seabirds, waders and waterfowl. The islets’ potential for environmental education is immense, but this needs to be balanced out with the need to safeguard the area for both its socio-economic and ecological qualities.