Training rationale and objectives

Main theme: Ecology and biodiversity of anthropized lagoons under climate changes effects-Case of Ghar El Melh DEMOSITE 

Host: The National Institute of Marine Sciences and Technologies (INSTM), Tunisia 

Partners: Institut de Recherche pour le Développement (IRD) UNESCO-IHP, Ecohydrology (Paris, France) Date: October 8th – 10th, 2024 

Location: The National Institute of Marine Sciences and Technologies, Tunisia- La Goulette Center, Tunisia 

Training rationale and objectives 

The Ecohydrology training ECOTRAIN 2024 gathers an interdisciplinary scientific team studying the interactions between water and ecological systems. Ecohydrology discipline plays an important role in the Intergouvernemental Hydrological Programme IHP 9, UNESCO started in 2022. Among its activities, this program promotes Ecohydrology Demosites; discussion on future activities and strategies (including UNESCO Priority Africa and Gender); dialogue on scientific challenges to achieve the water-related SDGs involving visions from young researchers and professionals. 

The objectives of the training course 

The lagoons in Tunisia represent an important part of the coastal landscape and constitute most of the permanent natural water bodies in wetlands. These are remarkable for their biodiversity and their heritage importance, both natural and cultural. However, these ecosystems have long suffered from the harmful effects of various anthropogenic activities, such as excessive fishing, the discharge of domestic, industrial, agricultural and aquaculture 

Topics The training will be focused essentially on:

•  The principle of the lagoon ecosystem monitoring in the context of the climate change 

• In situ sampling and measurements 

•  The water quality monitoring and the field survey 

• The biodiversity of the lagoon ecosystems 

Expected outcomes 

1. Participants will be informed and trained on the particularities and the trophic capacities of demonstration sites with special attention to Ghar El Melh lagoon. 

2. Participants will be sensibilized to the vulnerability and importance of lagoon ecosystem under climate change and anthropization effects

 3. Participants will be able to prepare and achieve a field campaign in lagoon context. 

4. Enhancement of the participants knowledge on Ecohydrology, natural-based solutions and lagoon biodiversity. 

Target group / who can apply

The target candidates for this training course are young scientists working in the environmental, water and agricultural sector, institutions, non-governmental conservation organizations, protected areas authorities, central and local government. 

Event venue Organizer : National Institute of Marine Sciences and Technology-Institut National des Sciences et Technologies de la Mer (INSTM)-Laboratory of Marine Environment 

Phone Number: +(216) 71 73 04 20 Fax: +(216) 71 73 26 22 

City: Tunis Location: Center of La Goulette - Address : Port la Goulette 

Country: Tunisia Website 

Address: http://www.instm.agrinet.tn/index.php/fr/ 

The INSTM Center of la Goulette is 23 min walking from TGM Train La Goulette Neuve Station and few minutes’ walk far from the taxi or bus stop.