WestMED at the Sousse Scientific Symposium: an integrated vision for the development of natural and human resources

On 26 April 2025,  the Ministry of Technical and Technical Education / Higher Institute for Science and Technology in Sousse organised a symposium titled ‘Sustainable Sousse: An integrated vision
for the development of natural and human resources.’

The symposium brought together a group of researchers, specialists, and civil society representatives to discuss the challenges of sustainability and present practical solutions to ensure  development that takes into account the needs of the present without compromising the rights of future generations.

One of the keynote speakers was Dr Masauda Abuarosha, WestMED National Hub Libya and Faculty member at the Faculty of Agriculture, Department of Agricultural Economics at the Omar Al Mukhtar University. She presented the WestMED Initiative with the title: ‘Sousse 2030 – Roadmap towards a Prosperous Blue Economy.’

Key recommendations of the Symposium
1. Strengthen co-operation between government and private entities to develop development strategies that take into account the environmental balance.
2. Adopt environmentally friendly smart projects in the fields of agriculture, afforestation, tourism, water management and hydroponics.
3. Empower local communities through awareness and training programmes to raise environmental awareness and improve the competencies of individuals.
4. Incorporate circular economy principles into local industries to reduce waste and utilise resources more efficiently.
5. Develop a sustainable infrastructure that contributes to reducing emissions and enhancing quality of life, and focusing on recycling waste to benefit from it and minimise its risks.

Agenda: available here