Agriculture, water and fisheries: Tunisia seeks to secure climate funding

Tunisia’s Ministry of Agriculture, Water Resources and Fisheries is working with the relevant national bodies to prepare a portfolio of projects aimed at securing international climate finance. The goal is to help agriculture, water and marine sectors adapt to climate change, while contributing to efforts to reduce greenhouse gas emissions and address loss and damage.

The initiative was discussed at a meeting chaired by Minister Ezzeddine Ben Cheikh, focusing on financing mechanisms available through the Green Climate Fund (GCF) and the Fund for responding to Loss and Damage (FRLD).

Improving access to international funding

The meeting forms part of the ministry’s efforts to mobilise international resources and strengthen the capacity of national institutions to access climate finance.

Presentations outlined the objectives of the two funds, their areas of intervention and the requirements and procedures for accessing available resources. The aim is to develop a pipeline of viable projects that meet national and sectoral needs as well as international funding criteria.

Participants also highlighted the role of the Agricultural Investment Promotion Agency (APIA), described during the meeting as a national entity accredited by the Green Climate Fund. The agency is expected to help mobilise funding and support national bodies in preparing their projects.

Growing pressure on water, land and marine resources

Discussions addressed the impact of climate change on agriculture, water resources, forests and marine activities.

According to the information presented, rising temperatures, declining rainfall and recurring droughts, heatwaves and floods are increasing pressure on water resources, irrigation, farmland and pastures.

Participants also examined the effects of these events on livestock, strategic crops, forests, ecosystems and marine resources, as well as fisheries and aquaculture.

The findings presented underscored the need to prioritise projects grounded in scientific evidence and technical studies. These projects should strengthen resilience in the sectors concerned, protect natural resources and support food security, while reducing emissions and limiting loss and damage.

Turning research into practical projects

Ezzeddine Ben Cheikh called for scientific research to play a greater role in setting priorities and designing projects.

He recommended working with APIA to translate research findings into clearly defined, thoroughly assessed proposals capable of securing funding and being implemented.

The minister also stressed the need to make practical use of climate change studies, developing solutions and applications that address the actual needs of agriculture, water resources and fisheries.

To support this work, he called for stronger data, assessment and analysis systems relating to loss and damage.

Supporting project developers

APIA was urged to strengthen its information, guidance and support services for the relevant institutions and those putting forward project ideas.

This assistance should help them improve their proposals, increase their readiness and meet the requirements and criteria for accessing international climate finance mechanisms.

The minister also advocated closer coordination with donors and technical and financial partners. He stressed the need to make faster use of available mechanisms while ensuring that proposed projects are realistic, feasible and directly linked to sectoral needs.

Thanking the Ministry of Environment and the participating bodies, he emphasised the importance of coordinated action across institutions and ministries to develop projects aligned with national priorities.

Fisheries and aquaculture among the priorities

The minister called for dedicated fisheries and aquaculture projects to be developed and included in the portfolio of climate priorities.

This approach reflects the vulnerability of marine resources and ecosystems to climate change. It aims to ensure that the needs of these activities are reflected in funding proposals.

Building a portfolio based on project readiness

At the close of the meeting, participants agreed to continue coordination between the Ministry of Agriculture, the Ministry of Environment and the other national bodies involved.

The next steps include developing concept notes and ranking project ideas according to their priority, readiness and ability to attract funding. At this stage, the announced outcomes therefore concern the preparation of the national portfolio.

The meeting brought together senior staff and officials from the Ministry of Agriculture, representatives of the Ministry of Environment and bodies responsible for finance, investment, agricultural production, water, forests, fisheries and aquaculture.

Organic farming, rural engineering, studies and development, research, agricultural higher education and international cooperation were also represented.

 

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