Solution Uptake
Community-based Sponge Farming Development in Tunisia
Challenges
With the Tunisian Institute of Marine Sciences and Technology INSTM, marinecultures.org has used its PANORAMA solution to adapt the successful sponge farming solution from Zanzibar to Tunisia.
- Traditional sponge fisheries is down due to over-harvesting & diseases.
- Funds had to be found.
- Do the Tunisian communities find the idea of cultivating sponges instead of sponge fishing good?
- We have not enough manpower to implement a project of national scope. A well established partner in Tunisia is needed.
- It must be clarified to what extent women can participate in sponge farming.
Description of the Uptake
In the 15 days evaluation we clarified:
- Are the local communities ready to start with us?
- Do the local authorities support the pilot project?
- Are reliable project partners at national and local level available?
- What kind of permits are needed?
In Tunis, Zarzis, Djerba and Kerkenah, 13 presentations were made. 1. part: the sponge farming and the business model in Zanzibar. 2. part: questions&answers, and discussion of possible problems and solution approaches. In addition, field visits were made, and six good test farming locations chosen.
A summary of the evaluation trip was given to the INSTN headquarter. A joint decision was made to:
- carry out a one-year joint research project,
- set up a MoU,
- start the detailed planning,
- raise the necessary funds
- apply for the necessary permits
- If the pilot project is successful, start of a two-year development project.
Success factors
- Needed funds secured.
- Presentations of the show Case Zanzibar
- Start possible at grassroots level
- Local partners in all three communities are committed to the project
- Adaptation to local culture and tradition seems possible
- Professional partner with good nationwide network is engaged
- Promising pilot farm sites evaluated
- Warm welcome, Tunisian hospitality opened doors
-
INSTM organized the trip very professionally
Stumbling factors
- Covid regulations causes several delays
- Bureaucracy and lack of permits make planned test operations temporarily impossible
- Too many parties want to be involved in the project
- High expectations of communities and stakeholders
- Insufficient local support could lead to disappointment
- Difficulties in establishing brood stock due to overharvesting and disease
- Theft / Security
- Illegal bottom trawling
Replication methodology
- Required financial resources secured
- Presentation of the successful show case and business model of Zanzibar.
- Film screenings (let fishers speak to fishers) for beneficiaries and potential stakeholders.
- Participatory multi-stakeholder discussion. Identification of potential problems and discussion of possible solutions approaches, especially in the areas of sustainability, socioeconomics, ecology and governance.
