Tunisia is taking part in the 224th session of UNESCO’s Executive Council, currently underway in Paris, where the country achieved a major diplomatic and environmental milestone. On April 15, 2026, member states unanimously approved the inscription of the “Dahar Geopark” on UNESCO’s Global Geoparks list.
This designation is the first of its kind for Tunisia and only the third on the African continent. It marks the culmination of sustained coordination among all relevant ministries, public bodies, local authorities, the private sector, and civil society. Spanning 6,000 square kilometers across the governorates of Tataouine, Medenine, and Gabès, the Dahar Geopark is distinguished by its exceptional diversity of natural landscapes, geological resources, and local socio-economic and cultural activities.
Speaking before the Executive Council, Tunisia’s Permanent Delegate to UNESCO, Ambassador Dhia Khaled, underscored the strategic importance of the geopark’s inclusion on the UN body’s list. He affirmed that the decision reflects his country’s steadfast commitment to preserving and enhancing its geo-cultural heritage at both the national and regional levels.
Ambassador Khaled added that the UNESCO recognition is expected to generate fresh momentum for regional and local development, while further cementing Tunisia’s standing as a premier destination for cultural, alternative, and environmentally responsible tourism.
UNESCO Global Geoparks are unique, integrated geographical areas where sites of international geological significance are managed through a holistic concept encompassing protection, education, and sustainable development, with active involvement from local communities. As of 2025, the UNESCO Global Geoparks network comprised 229 sites across 50 countries, covering a total area of 816,629 square kilometers. During the current session of the Executive Council, twelve new geoparks were added to the list.
TunisianMonitorNews
