April 4 and 5, 2026 < Ksar El Ferch and other sites
Symposium on socio-ecological resilience in arid environments
Scientific meeting on the impact of climate change on society and the economy

In 2025, the first decentralized edition of EFEST CAMP inaugurated the Agora, a space for collective civic expression designed to address the challenges facing the Tataouine region. Organized by Echos Electrik in partnership with ASPG, this program offers unique opportunities for dialogue to stimulate the exchange of ideas, knowledge, and perspectives among local residents, researchers, civil society, and institutions.

Building on this initial experience, the 2026 edition will feature an Agora session outside the festival, designed as a scientific and participatory symposium bringing together national experts and local stakeholders, with the aim of collectively analyzing the effects of climate change on arid regions and co-developing tailored responses by combining traditional knowledge, scientific insights, and social and cultural innovations.

The goal of these discussions is to develop a collectively crafted priority action that can be concretely implemented after the meeting and serve as a catalyst for launching other projects with a direct impact on the ground. The goal is to integrate traditions, science, and social and cultural innovations to strengthen the region’s resilience in the face of climate change and its repercussions on society and the economy.

Two themes will be addressed:

  • Theme 1 – Knowledge, Intangible Heritage, and Innovations:

This focus area examines the intangible heritage of arid regions, consisting of empirical knowledge, adaptive practices, and forms of social organization developed over the long term, particularly by women and elders. It aims to analyze the ways in which this knowledge is transmitted, valued, and hybridized in a context of rapid climate and social change.

The research area explores the potential of dialogue between traditional knowledge and scientific knowledge as a driver of regional innovation, emphasizing the engagement of young people, the role of women, and the cultural dimension of the ecological transition—all with the aim of fostering the emergence of inclusive, replicable, and socially appropriate approaches that strengthen the resilience of local communities.

  • Research Area 2 – Water and Soils: Restoring the Ecological Resilience of Arid Regions:

Water and soil quality, particularly in arid regions, are fundamental factors in all ecological dynamics. Consequently, this research area aims to analyze the mechanisms of degradation and adaptation of water–soil systems in arid regions, particularly in Tataouine, where water scarcity, soil degradation, and the weakening of collective management practices are exacerbating regional vulnerabilities. This research area focuses on studying the conditions for restoring and optimizing traditional agro-hydrological systems (jessour, tabias, water collection structures) and agroecological practices adapted to arid environments, treating them as functional ecological infrastructure.

The goal is to identify technical, institutional, and community-based levers to improve water and soil management, strengthen the resilience of production systems, and support the capacity of regions to cope with climate variability.

Partner:

IRA, Institute for Arid Regions of Médenine

Specific Objectives:

The specific objectives of organizing the agora are:

  • To provide a forum for exchange among experts, local stakeholders, and residents to better understand the challenges of climate change and the responses we must provide.
  • To share best operational practices and highlight proven traditional know-how in the management of water, soil, and agro-pastoral resources.
  • To initiate sustainable collective initiatives capable of ensuring the continuity of dialogue and the implementation of a concrete project beyond the event.

Moderator:

Mr. Adel Azoueni: Ph.D. candidate in geology at the Faculty of Sciences in Tunis, environmental and climate change advisor for the PSSETAT project, and author of the book “Sud en mouvement”

Public debates: 50 targeted participants, representing a range of generations and professions

List of panelists:

  • Mr. Samir Khorchani: Ph.D. in History and Archaeology of Ancient Civilizations; professor and researcher at the Institut des Arts et des Métiers in Tataouine; president of the “Association for the Preservation of Ghomrassen’s Heritage”
  • Ms. Samia Gharbi: Scientist, expert in environmental management, and president of the Association for Environmental Education for Future Generations (AEEFG)
  • Mr. Ali Abaab: Professor of agronomy, specialist in climate change and natural resources
  • Mr. Bechir Chibeni: Development expert and socio-economic analyst
  • Ms. Rawdha Ammari: Specialist in gender and climate change
  • Mr. Tarek Ben Fraj: Geographer https://www.linkedin.com/in/tarekbenfraj/
  • Mr. Noureddine Enasser: Professor at INAT and expert in natural resources
  • Mr. Radhouen Tiss: History and geography inspector, owner of the Oued Elkhil estate, and farmer