For many participants from Gabès, a southeastern Tunisian region located between the Mediterranean Sea and the Sahara Desert and known for its rare coastal oasis and agricultural heritage, industrial pollution emerged as the most dire issue threatening both people and ecosystems. The region, long affected by pollution linked to industrial activities, faces growing concerns related to air quality, contaminated water, declining agricultural productivity, and public health.
Once a mesmerizing coastal oasis, Gabès has become a symbol of the environmental struggles experienced by many industrial regions in Tunisia. Participants repeatedly described how pollution impacts everyday life and weakens the connection between communities and their environment.
Azmi Ben Hassine summarized this frustration in a simple but powerful phrase: “Gabès… until when?”, a question reflecting years of concern over environmental injustice.
For Nourhen Souissi, the issue of waste management remains central, stating that “Our environment has rights over us.” This message highlights the growing awareness among Tunisian youth that environmental protection is not optional, but a shared responsibility.
Farah Mansar stressed how industrial pollution contributes not only to environmental degradation but also to agricultural and climate-related disruptions affecting communities’ livelihoods.
Nadia Ben Haj Moussa linked environmental protection directly to public health with the slogan: “Our health is in our environment.”
Meanwhile, Naceur Zidi’s reflection echoed a global climate message increasingly embraced by young activists worldwide: “We are the first generation to feel climate change, and the last that can do something about it.”
Nevertheless, YLRG members from Gabes never lost hope in the face of this crisis and believe that change towards a greener Gabes is still possible. Houda Bourougaa’s vision remains rooted in optimism and collective responsibility: “Every action counts for a sustainable future.”
Seif Eddine Keskes, on the other hand, focused on environmental awareness and the importance of starting change at the local level as solutions by calling people from Gabes: “Let’s start from our own homes.”
Across all testimonies, YLRG members from Gabès demonstrated a strong desire to transform frustration into action through awareness campaigns, local advocacy, and community engagement.
Jendouba: Protecting Forests, Water, and Mountain Communities
In the northwestern region of Jendouba, in Tunisia, known for its mountains, forests, agricultural lands, and rich water resources, climate change is increasingly visible through floods, forest fires, erosion, and irregular rainfall patterns. Participants from the region described how these environmental pressures affect agriculture, ecosystems, ecotourism, and the safety of local communities.
Samar Stiti highlighted four key climate challenges facing the region: water management, forest fires, flooding, and soil erosion. Coming from one of Tunisia’s greenest regions, she emphasized the urgency of transforming environmental risks into opportunities for local resilience and community mobilization. Her motto: “Turning climate challenges into local change,” reflects the spirit of participatory climate action promoted throughout the training.
Eya Souahi focused on the broader impacts of climate change, particularly droughts and floods affecting ecosystems and local livelihoods. Through her message, “Together for environmental protection,” she captures the collective mindset shared among many participants.
Nourhane Somrani and Feryel Khalfi raise a common concern on the ecotourism and the natural identity of the region, key elements to Jendouba’s prosperity threatened by the degradation of mountain ecosystems and the increase in forest fires. Their slogan: “Green mountains… thriving tourism,” expresses a vision where environmental conservation and sustainable local development go hand in hand.
Hamdi Rihani focused specifically on floods and the vulnerability of communities exposed to extreme weather events. His phrase, “Rain is a blessing, not a danger,” reflects the need for stronger preparedness, better infrastructure, and improved local adaptation strategies.
Through their interventions, participants from Jendouba showed a deep attachment to the region’s natural resources and a strong commitment to protecting them for future generations.
Sousse: Water Scarcity, Pollution, and Coastal Risks
In Sousse, a major coastal city on Tunisia’s eastern Mediterranean coast known for its historic medina, tourism, and economic activity, participants identified water scarcity, pollution, waste management, and rising sea levels as major environmental concerns affecting both urban life and coastal ecosystems.
Louey Smida reflects on the urgency felt by many young people facing accelerating environmental risks by stressing that “Nature doesn’t negotiate. Neither should our action.”
Rayen Krir drew attention to marine pollution, poor distribution of usable water, plastic waste, and the lack of waste bins in public spaces. These issues, he explained, directly affect public health, urban cleanliness, and the quality of coastal environments. His call for “a cleaner and more beautiful environmental future,” highlighted the importance of both citizen responsibility and institutional support.
Mariem Ben Salem‘s vision connected environmental protection to civic awareness and everyday behavior: “Our country deserves to be cleaner and more beautiful.”
Similarly, Ghofrane Jelassi emphasized the combined responsibility of institutions and citizens in addressing environmental disasters. Her slogan, “Go green, keep it clean,” summarizes the proactive spirit many participants hope to spread in their communities.
Inspired by the words of John F. Kennedy: “One person can make a difference, and everyone should try,” Nadine Azouzi stressed the role individuals can play in environmental change.
Together, participants from Sousse demonstrated a strong interest in combining awareness campaigns, local advocacy, and behavioral change initiatives to protect coastal ecosystems and encourage sustainable living.
A Generation Ready to Lead Change
Throughout the YOU(th)CARE4planet training, YLRG members proved that young people are not passive observers of climate change. They are organizers, facilitators, campaigners, and future decision-makers capable of shaping local adaptation plans rooted in community realities.
What united participants from different regions was not only the diversity of climate challenges they face, but also their shared belief that sustainable change begins locally, through awareness, collaboration, and active participation.
these YLRG members are not waiting for change to happen. They are already creating it.
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