AGP Executive Report

Water Governance: Tunisia’s Prime Minister chaired a small Cabinet meeting focused on the water system, stressing reforms to protect the constitutional right to drinking water, strengthen water sovereignty and food security, and keep supplies steady year-round by maintaining facilities and diversifying non-conventional water sources. Youth & Drug Prevention: The Health Ministry launched a national project to support youth integration and prevent drug and psychotropic substance use, targeting ages 10–25 with life-skills training and support for families, schools and careers. Biodiversity in Arboretums: The EU-backed Green4Value project was officially launched to improve management, conservation and valorization of biodiversity in Tunisia’s arboretums, linking ecological protection with research and socio-economic development. Press Freedom Under Pressure: Tunisian journalist Khaoula Boukrim was sentenced to four years in prison in absentia under the cybercrime law, renewing concerns from rights groups about shrinking space for free expression. Environment at Sea: Rare footage from a ghost-diver in the Mediterranean captured a great white shark near the Sicily–Tunisia area, highlighting both marine life and the risks posed by lost fishing nets.

Water Governance in Tunisia: Prime Minister Sarra Zaâfrani Zenzri chaired a restricted cabinet meeting focused on the water system, stressing governance and reform to secure the constitutional right to drinking water, protect water wealth, and prevent sudden cuts—while work continues on new legislation and maintenance of hydraulic infrastructure. Tunisia Press Freedom: Tunisian journalist Khaoula Boukrim was sentenced to four years in prison in absentia under the cybercrime law, renewing concerns from rights groups about shrinking space for free expression. Mediterranean Marine Life: Volunteer “ghost diving” teams captured rare underwater footage of an adult great white shark between Sicily and Tunisia during ghost-net removal, highlighting how abandoned fishing gear threatens marine life and why biodiversity protection matters. World Cup Heat & Travel Context: Coverage around the 2026 World Cup keeps flagging climate-driven heat risks and travel/visa friction affecting teams and media—issues that intersect with Tunisia’s own World Cup match schedule and regional attention.

Water Security in Tunisia: Tunisia’s Prime Minister chaired a restricted ministerial council focused on the national water system, stressing water sovereignty, food security and the constitutional right to drinking water, with measures to maintain hydraulic infrastructure and diversify supply sources. Water Governance: The meeting also highlighted new legislation to improve management, preservation and protection of water resources, aiming to prevent service disruptions across all regions. Marine Life & Biodiversity: Volunteer divers working to remove abandoned fishing nets near a shipwreck between Sicily and Tunisia captured what experts call the first underwater footage of an adult great white shark in the Mediterranean, with scientists noting the value for understanding a critically endangered species and the need to protect marine habitats from ghost gear. Climate Pressure on Sports: A climate analysis warns that global warming is raising the odds of performance-impairing heat in 97 of 104 World Cup matches, including Tunisia-related fixtures. World Cup Hydration Rules: FIFA reversed its earlier ban on reusable water bottles, allowing fans to bring one factory-sealed disposable bottle into matches in the US and Canada.

Marine Conservation & Wildlife: Volunteer divers working to remove “ghost nets” from a shipwreck in the Strait of Sicily (between Sicily and Tunisia) captured what experts call the first underwater footage of an adult great white shark in the Mediterranean. The shark circled the team, appeared calm and curious, and then swam away; researchers say direct sightings help fill gaps left by past records based mostly on dead sharks caught in fishing gear. Climate & Sports Risk: A climate analysis says human-caused warming is raising the odds of performance-impairing heat for 97 of 104 World Cup matches, including a Tunisia-related match in Monterrey. Tunisia Public Works: A small cabinet meeting in Tunis focused on speeding up the implementation of public programmes and projects, stressing better technical, land, economic, social and environmental assessments before execution. Tunisia Environment & Industry: A report on Gabès raises questions about appointing one CEO to oversee both Gafsa Phosphate Company and the Tunisian Chemical Group, with calls for a clear strategy for better exploitation of phosphate resources. Tunisia Energy (Regional): An Arab Energy Organisation report shows renewable capacity in AEO member states jumped about 36% in 2025, with Tunisia adding a smaller share.

Marine Wildlife & Pollution: Divers removing abandoned “ghost nets” from a shipwreck in the Strait of Sicily (between Italy and Tunisia) captured what experts believe is the first underwater footage of an adult great white shark in the Mediterranean, a critically endangered species rarely seen below the surface—highlighting both the value of marine conservation and the risks posed by derelict fishing gear. Climate & Health: A new analysis warns climate change is raising the odds of performance-impairing heat at 97 of 104 World Cup matches, including a high risk for Tunisia’s group game in Monterrey—fueling calls for stronger heat protection for players and fans. Tunisia Governance: Tunisia’s small cabinet meeting in Kasbah focused on speeding up public programme delivery, stressing earlier project assessment of technical, land, economic, social and environmental factors to avoid execution delays. Energy Transition (Regional): Arab renewable capacity rose about 36% in 2025 to 39.2 GW, with solar dominating; Tunisia added around 0.1 GW, showing slow but present momentum. Environment-linked Economy: PhosCo says drilling at its Gasaat phosphate project in Tunisia intersected wide phosphate zones, supporting plans to grow fertilizer supply.

Marine Conservation in the Mediterranean: Volunteer divers clearing “ghost nets” from a shipwreck between Sicily and Tunisia captured what experts believe is the first underwater video of an adult great white shark in the Mediterranean, highlighting how abandoned fishing gear and overfishing threaten biodiversity. Renewables in the Arab World: A new Arab Energy Organisation report says renewable capacity in AEO member states jumped about 35.9% in 2025 to roughly 39.2 GW, with solar making up 72.3%; Tunisia added about 0.1 GW. Tunisia Trade Enforcement: In Tunis governorate, economic control services logged 3,173 violations in the first five months of 2026 after 14,300 field inspections, targeting price hikes, missing invoices, and subsidy-related diversion. Weather Watch (Tunisia): Sunday looks partly cloudy with afternoon thunderstorms and rain over western highlands; temperatures range 28–32°C on coasts and mountains, up to 43°C in the far south with possible sirocco winds.

Water Security in Tunisia: Development and water resources expert Houcine Rhili warns Tunisia could face a difficult summer for drinking water supply, noting dam filling is around 60% but shortages persist due to logistics, pumping stations, well maintenance, and underinvestment in distribution networks by SONEDE. Heat and Storms: Tunisia’s weather outlook points to very hot conditions this weekend, with coastal highs around 32–35°C and inland up to 42°C, plus localized thunderstorms and possible sandstorms in some regions. Biodiversity & Wetlands: Lake Ichkeul is highlighted for a major ecological shift as greater flamingos nest there for the first time, signaling changing habitat conditions. Digital Connectivity: ViaTunisia’s subsea cable segment between Marseille and Bizerte reached ready-for-service status, aiming to boost secure, high-capacity connectivity between Europe and North Africa and improve resilience in disaster-prone areas. Olive Climate Benefits: On World Environment Day, new figures spotlight olive trees’ role in climate action, including estimates that producing one litre of olive oil can remove about 10.65 kg of CO2. Governance & Peacekeeping: Tunisia’s Master Sergeant Seifeddine Hamrita received the UN Dag Hammarskjöld Medal posthumously for his service with MINUSCA.

Water Security in Tunisia: Development and water resources expert Houcine Rhili warns Tunisia’s drinking water supply could be strained this summer, even with dam filling around 60%, pointing to persistent winter cuts linked to logistics, pumping stations, well maintenance, and investment gaps at SONEDE. Heat & Storm Outlook: Tunisia’s weather service flags very hot conditions (up to 42°C inland) and, for Sunday, partly cloudy skies with afternoon thunderstorms in western highlands, plus strong east winds and possible sand whirlwinds in the south. Climate Risk for Sports: A report on the 2026 World Cup highlights climate change’s growing role in extreme heat and humidity, with some matches in open-air venues facing dangerous heat stress—an issue that could hit Tunisia’s squad in its group games. Digital Connectivity Boost: The ViaTunisia subsea cable segment between Marseille and Bizerte reached ready-for-service status, aiming to improve high-capacity, more resilient connectivity between Europe and North Africa. Environment & Carbon Benefits: On World Environment Day, coverage spotlights olive trees’ climate value, citing figures on CO2 absorption and the potential carbon impact of olive oil production. Local Governance & Compliance: In Tunis, economic control services recorded 3,173 violations in the first five months of 2026, targeting price hikes, missing invoices, and breaches tied to subsidised products.

Water Security in Focus: Tunisia’s water resources expert Houcine Rhili warns a difficult summer is coming, with dam levels around 60% but ongoing drinking-water cuts tied to logistics, pumping stations, well maintenance, and SONEDE investment—not just rainfall. Climate Risk for Sports: A report on the World Cup highlights how climate change is raising heat and humidity risks for players and fans, with some matches flagged as dangerously hot. Biodiversity & Nature: On World Environment Day (June 5), coverage spotlights olive trees’ climate role, including how olive groves can absorb CO2 and how producing olive oil can remove significant emissions. Digital Resilience: ViaTunisia’s subsea cable segment between Marseille and Bizerte has reached ready-for-service status, aiming to boost secure, high-capacity connectivity and reduce outage risks in natural-disaster-prone areas. Local Animal Management: Le Kef launches a month-long nighttime campaign to curb stray dogs, running June 1–30, with residents urged to stay cautious. Environment & Health Reminder: Tunisia’s weather outlook warns of very hot conditions—32–35°C on the coast and up to 42°C inland.

Water Security in Focus: Water expert Houcine Rhili warns Tunisia’s drinking water supply could be strained this summer, even with dam filling around 60%, pointing to gaps in distribution logistics, pumping, maintenance, and investment by SONEDE. Climate & Heat Risks: Tunisia’s National Institute of Meteorology flags a very hot Saturday (32–35°C on the coast, up to 42°C inland), underlining the pressure on water and public health. Digital Connectivity: The ViaTunisia subsea cable segment between Marseille and Bizerte has reached ready-for-service status, aiming to boost secure, high-capacity Europe–North Africa connectivity and reduce outage risks in disaster-prone areas. Biodiversity & Nature: Lake Ichkeul is reported to see greater flamingos nesting for the first time, signaling a notable ecological shift. Environment & Society: Le Kef launches a month-long nighttime campaign to curb stray dogs, amid debate over humane alternatives like sterilization. Global Climate Warning: A report on climate change and the World Cup highlights growing heat and humidity risks for players and fans. UN Recognition: Tunisia’s peacekeeper Seifeddine Hamrita receives the Dag Hammarskjöld Medal posthumously at UN HQ.

Weather & Heat Alert: Tunisia’s National Institute of Meteorology warns of very hot conditions this Saturday, June 6, with coastal highs of 32–35°C and inland peaks up to 42°C, especially in Gafsa and Tozeur, under moderate southeast winds. Climate & Food-Carbon Link: On World Environment Day, coverage highlights how olive trees help fight climate change, citing that producing 1 litre of olive oil can remove about 10.65 kg of CO2 and that olive groves can capture CO2 at scale. Digital Infrastructure for Resilience: The ViaTunisia subsea cable segment between Marseille and Bizerte has reached ready-for-service status, aiming to strengthen secure, high-capacity connectivity between Europe and North Africa and reduce outage risks in disaster-prone areas. Tunisia in the E-commerce Picture: UNCTAD’s Tunisia-focused assessment points to strong internet penetration (76%) and potential to expand online commerce, while calling for better tailored financing and digitization support. EU Migration Policy: The EU reaches initial agreement on new migration and deportation rules, including return centers outside the bloc for rejected asylum seekers.

Digital Connectivity: ViaTunisia’s subsea cable segment between Marseille and Bizerte has reached ready-for-service status, boosting secure, high-capacity Europe–North Africa connectivity and adding resilience in natural-disaster-prone areas. Climate & Weather Watch: Environmental expert Adel Hentati warns of an unusual “heat dome” pattern over Western Europe, the Mediterranean and North Africa, with forecasting tools struggling to match the new extreme setup; Tunisia’s evening forecast points to clear-to-partly cloudy skies, strong east winds in the south with local sandstorms, and warm night temperatures. Sustainable Cities: The Women and Sustainable Cities Programme has wrapped up in Mauritania, Morocco and Tunisia, highlighting women-led input on green infrastructure and climate resilience in urban planning. Public Project Delivery: Tunisia’s government reviewed progress on major public projects, stressing faster execution, better preparation (including technical and environmental checks), and improved procurement to avoid delays. Energy Transition Debate: A report questions Europe’s hydrogen push, flagging inefficiencies and the scale of renewable power needed for the proposed SoutH2 corridor linking Algeria/Tunisia to EU consumers. Governance & Rights: Rached Ghannouchi’s defence calls his “secret apparatus” life sentence shocking and politically motivated.

Heat & climate risk: Environmental expert Adel Hentati warns of an exceptional “heat dome”-type pattern affecting Europe, the Mediterranean and North Africa, with unusual conditions persisting into next week, while Tunisia’s National Institute of Meteorology reports clear-to-partly cloudy skies, strong east winds in the south and possible local sandstorms. World Cup heat exposure: An NPR analysis says more than one-third of 2026 World Cup matches face dangerously hot, humid conditions, with Miami’s games flagged as especially risky—raising concerns for players, officials and fans. Tunisia economy & inflation: Tunisia’s Central Bank kept its key interest rate at 7%, citing intensified external inflation pressures and the need for a cautious, price-stability-focused policy. Public projects push: The Prime Minister chaired a restricted ministerial council to accelerate public project delivery, stressing better preparation and stronger environmental and social assessments before implementation. Governance & capacity building: A three-year Italy-backed capacity programme will train senior officials from Tunisia, Kenya, Ethiopia and Ivory Coast to strengthen public administration and support sustainable development. Tourism momentum: UN Tourism data shows Tunisia leading North Africa’s tourism gains, with Tunisia’s tourism revenues up to 2,649 million dinars by end of May. Energy transition debate: A report highlights Europe’s proposed SoutH2 hydrogen corridor linking Algeria and Tunisia to consumers in Italy, Austria and Germany—while noting major energy losses in hydrogen conversion.

Heat Risk for World Cup Workers and Fans: NPR analysis warns that over one-third of 2026 World Cup matches face dangerously hot, humid conditions, with Miami flagged as especially risky for players, fans and staff. Local Health & Environment Response (Bizerte): Tunisia’s governorate teams launched thermal fogging campaigns in Menzel Bourguiba, Tinja and Mateur to curb Chironomidae insects, with authorities stressing the treatment is meant to protect public health and local environmental balance. Sustainable Tourism Push: Tunisia’s ONTT signed an MoU with the Global Sustainable Tourism Council to build a roadmap, train stakeholders and align national standards with international sustainability benchmarks. Lake Ichkeul Monitoring: Inspections around Lake Ichkeul and nearby sites led to stronger field interventions to limit Chironomidae spread. Climate Justice Film: Greenpeace MENA promoted “Under the Sun,” featuring Global South youth—including Tunisia—calling out fossil-fuel profits and demanding climate justice. Tunisia Economy Watch: The Central Bank of Tunisia kept its key interest rate at 7%, citing intensified external inflation pressures.

Heat Risk for World Cup: An NPR analysis warns that more than one-third of 2026 World Cup matches face dangerous heat and humidity in host cities, raising concerns for player and official safety. Digital Connectivity: ViaTunisia’s subsea cable link between France and Tunisia has reached Ready for Service, supported by EU funding under the Connecting Europe Facility (Digital). Sustainable Tourism in Tunisia: Tunisia’s tourism authorities signed an MoU with the Global Sustainable Tourism Council to build a sustainability roadmap, train stakeholders, and align local standards with international benchmarks. Insect Control in Bizerte: Thermal fogging campaigns are underway in Menzel Bourguiba, Tinja and Mateur to curb Chironomidae insect spread, with residents asked to follow local safety instructions. Lake Ichkeul Update: Authorities around Lake Ichkeul are stepping up field interventions to limit Chironomidae impacts while stressing the approach is meant to preserve environmental balance. Rainfall Watch: Tunisia’s National Institute of Meteorology reported 40 mm in Fériana over 24 hours, with rain affecting multiple regions. Tunisia Exam Prep: Tunisia’s 2026 Baccalaureate main session begins June 3 with 162,435 candidates and nearly 6,000 exam centers mobilized.

Desertification & climate risk: A new report warns the Sahara is expanding fast, with UN data saying more than three-quarters of land has become permanently drier since 1996—fueling fears of desert creep into the Sahel. Public health & environment: In Bizerte, authorities are stepping up field action against “Chironomidae” insects around Menzel Bourguiba, Tinja and Mateur, including large-scale thermal fogging, saying it’s meant to protect residents while preserving local environmental balance. Water & weather: Tunisia’s National Institute of Meteorology reports Fériana (Kasserine) hit 40 mm of rain in 24 hours, with impacts across the northwest, central regions, the Sahel and the south. Biodiversity signal: Lake Ichkeul is highlighted for flamingos nesting for the first time, pointing to a major ecological shift. Regional environment policy: IUCN is set to implement a US$23m GEF-backed portfolio to restore ecosystems and strengthen biodiversity conservation. Food system stress: South Africa’s foot-and-mouth disease response ramps up with millions more vaccine doses to protect livestock and trade—an indirect pressure point for regional agriculture.