On February 13–14, 2025, the Tunisian team of the Nexus-NESS project traveled to Nefta, a historic oasis town located approximately 300 km from Médenine, following an invitation from SHANTI, a Tunisian association dedicated to fostering social and environmental innovation. This visit marked an important step in expanding the project’s outreach and strengthening synergies with local organizations engaged in community-driven sustainability initiatives.
The primary objective of the visit was twofold: to present the Nexus-NESS project and the WEFE Nexus approach to local stakeholders and to learn from SHANTI’s extensive experience in implementing and replicating social innovation projects aimed at improving living conditions in Tunisia.
A Collaborative Approach to Sustainability
SHANTI’s mission aligns closely with the principles of Nexus-NESS, particularly in empowering communities to address contemporary social, economic, cultural, and environmental challenges. Since its founding in 2016, SHANTI has operated in 18 out of Tunisia’s 24 governorates, impacting more than 600 individuals and strengthening over 90 organizations working in the social and solidarity economy.
During the visit, the Nexus-NESS team engaged with SHANTI’s members and local actors to explore potential synergies in capacity building, sustainable resource management, and participatory approaches. Discussions revolved around integrating the WEFE Nexus approach into local initiatives, particularly in arid and semi-arid regions where access to water, energy, food, and ecosystem services remains a major challenge.
A Shared Vision for the Future
This exchange provided valuable insights into the scalability and replicability of social innovation models, reinforcing the idea that community-driven approaches are essential for the success of sustainable development strategies. By fostering collaboration between scientific research and grassroots organizations, the Nexus-NESS project aims to enhance knowledge-sharing and co-creation processes, ensuring that sustainability solutions are tailored to local realities and needs.
The visit to Nefta strengthened the connection between research-driven innovation and community-based action, highlighting the pivotal role of local associations like SHANTI in advancing equitable and inclusive transitions toward sustainable resource management.
