Implementation of TouMaLi Concepts: Regional Workshop in Hammam-Sousse, June 20, 2024
On June 20, 2024, the CITET organized a significant regional workshop in Hammam-Sousse as part of the TouMaLi project, which aims to reduce waste emissions in coastal and marine environments of the tourism sector through sustainable waste management solutions. This workshop, held in hybrid mode, coincided with the Environment Month festivities and brought together a diverse group of stakeholders.
Key Highlights of the Workshop:
Inauguration of "TouMaLi Company for Clean Hammam-Sousse": The workshop marked the official launch of the "TouMaLi Company for Clean Hammam-Sousse," a dedicated entity focused on implementing sustainable waste management practices in the region.
Signing of Training and Assistance Agreements: Agreements were signed with 15 hotels, 3 restaurants, the Society of Studies and Development of Sousse-North, and the Port el Kantaoui residents' syndicate. These agreements aim to establish a robust waste management system and minimize plastic waste in the tourism sector.
Distinguished Attendees: The event was presided over by Mrs. Leila CHIKHAOUI MAHDAOUI, Minister of the Environment, alongside Mr. Nabil FERJANI, Governor of Sousse, Mrs. Kmaira BEN JANNET MZALI, Managing Director of CITET, Mr. Abdallah NASSOUR, International Project Coordinator, and Mr. Sami HAMDI, Secretary General of the Municipality of Hammam-Sousse.
Participation from Project Partners: The workshop saw active participation from the University of Rostock, the Leibniz Institute for Baltic Sea Research Warnemünde IOW, LandBell Group, BFS, Adelphi, and other partners, both in-person and online.
Engagement of Local Stakeholders: Representatives from local authorities, waste management experts, coastal management professionals, and the tourism sector, including public bodies, NGOs, communes, and HORECA services (Hotels, Restaurants, Cafes), were present, highlighting the collaborative effort towards sustainable waste management.
Workshop Sessions:
First Plenary Session: This session focused on presenting the TouMaLi project’s progress in the three participating countries and the advancements made at the national level. Key topics included the legal study for the company's creation, beach monitoring results over the past two years, the "Policy" concept, identification of producers in the context of Extended Producer Responsibility (EPR), progress on the construction of the waste reception center, and governance of hotel waste management in Hammam-Sousse.
Second Plenary Session: The second session was dedicated to discussing the support program for waste management in the tourism sector and outlining future initiatives. This session concluded with the announcement of the third international TouMaLi conference, scheduled for February 11-12, 2025, in Tunisia.
Conclusion:
The workshop underscored the significant challenges in waste management and highlighted the strong commitment and support from all project partners. The collaborative efforts demonstrated during this event are crucial for the successful implementation and sustainability of the TouMaLi project in Hammam-Sousse.