29 January 2013: The Secretariat of the Ramsar Convention on Wetlands of International Importance especially as Waterfowl Habitat (Ramsar Convention) has reported that the Government of Tunisia recently designated two Important Bird Areas (IBAs) as new Wetlands of International Importance.

According to the Ramsar Secretariat, the Complexe des zones humides de Barrage Ghdir El Goulla et Barrage El Mornaguia (Al Mornaguia) provide nesting grounds for several waterbirds and a wintering ground for migrating species, including an IUCN red-listed species.

The Ramsar Secretariat reports that second site, the Complexe des zones humides de Sebkhet Oum Ez-Zessar et Sebkhet El Grine, is located along the southern coast of the Gulf of Gabes, and is comprised of permanent estuarine and shallow marine waters. The site supports several bird species, estuarine fish species, as well as several reptiles and mammals. The area also plays a role in groundwater recharge. Activities carried out on the site, which is remarkable for its natural state, include traditional fishing and grazing.

Tunisia received assistance from the World Wildlife Fund (WWF) International Freshwater Programme, WWF Mediterranean Programme, and WWF-Tunis Office for these designations.

Tunisia’s designations contribute to one of the goals contained in the Ramsar Convention’s Strategic Plan for 2009-2015, which is to reach a protected area of 250 million hectares by 2015. [Ramsar Press Release]