Fourth Workshop – Matmata – 27th February 2025 – Integrating the WEFE Nexus for a Sustainable Future
The Tunisian team of the Nexus-NESS project successfully hosted the fourth workshop on February 27, 2025, at the Arid Regions Institute (IRA) in Medenine. The event, under the theme “Matmata 2050: Integrating the WEFE Nexus for a Sustainable Future,” marked a significant step in advancing the Nexus Plan and co-validating proposed actions aimed at driving the sustainable transition of the Matmata region.
The workshop brought together a diverse group of stakeholders, including experts, farmers, policymakers, the farmers’ union, the women’s union, and community leaders. It fostered a dynamic discussion on the most effective and practical pathways to achieve the 2050 management vision for the region. Special emphasis was placed on the empowerment of women and marginalized communities, recognizing their vital role in ensuring a fair and sustainable transition.
A key highlight of the workshop was the intervention of former minister Saad SeddiK, a native of the region. His insights into funding opportunities, the state’s strategy for the WEFE Nexus, and agricultural policies in Tunisia enriched the discussion. Moreover, his comparison of the proposed actions with real-world experiences in the country provided invaluable context and practical perspectives.
The draft Nexus Plan was presented, sparking a discussion primarily aimed at refining the proposed actions. The session proved to be highly productive, though certain measures—particularly those linked to the Program of Agricultural Modernization (PAM)—prompted intense debate. Nonetheless, the workshop concluded with a voting session on proposed future actions.
