Cross-Mediterranean Insights: Governance in Action for Circular Economy and Sustainable Waste Management Solutions in Tunisia’s Tourism

The current research work emphasizes the urgent need for a paradigm shift in Mediterranean tourism, advocating for the adoption of a comprehensive framework centered on sustainability in Tunisia. The establishment of an Inter-Ministerial Task Force is proposed to facilitate collaboration across gove...

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Main Authors: Nour El Houda Chaher, Abdallah Nassour, Michael Nelles
Format: Article
Language:English
Published: MDPI AG 2025-01-01
Series:Recycling
Subjects:
Online Access:https://www.mdpi.com/2313-4321/10/1/9
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author Nour El Houda Chaher
Abdallah Nassour
Michael Nelles
author_facet Nour El Houda Chaher
Abdallah Nassour
Michael Nelles
author_sort Nour El Houda Chaher
collection DOAJ
description The current research work emphasizes the urgent need for a paradigm shift in Mediterranean tourism, advocating for the adoption of a comprehensive framework centered on sustainability in Tunisia. The establishment of an Inter-Ministerial Task Force is proposed to facilitate collaboration across governmental sectors, thereby enhancing governance and addressing the complexities of waste management within the tourism industry. Results reveal significant waste management inefficiencies and underscore the potential of integrated approaches that can lead to substantial environmental improvements. By fostering inter-ministerial collaboration, a strategic roadmap is provided that promotes effective resource recovery and sustainable waste management practices. Furthermore, the integration of the informal sector, exemplified by local recyclers, into formal waste management systems is anticipated to enhance social equity and bolster environmental stewardship. A comprehensive SWOT analysis identifies Tunisia’s intrinsic strengths, including its rich cultural heritage and significant eco-tourism potential, while simultaneously exposing shortcomings such as fragmented governance structures and insufficient infrastructure. It is posited that the creation of a centralized coordination body, coupled with the enhancement of public–private partnerships, could catalyze innovation in sustainable tourism practices, leading to increased investment opportunities and the successful implementation of circular economy principles. Drawing inspiration from Spain’s successful circular economy model, actionable recommendations for policymakers are offered, including the introduction of eco-certification programs aimed at incentivizing environmentally responsible practices within the tourism sector. Ultimately, the proposed framework aspires to position Tunisia as a regional leader in sustainable tourism, delivering long-term benefits to local communities through enhanced environmental protection and economic resilience.
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spelling doaj-art-db06333dc6a44e9aa3b21c01f3de29732025-08-20T02:03:32ZengMDPI AGRecycling2313-43212025-01-01101910.3390/recycling10010009Cross-Mediterranean Insights: Governance in Action for Circular Economy and Sustainable Waste Management Solutions in Tunisia’s TourismNour El Houda Chaher0Abdallah Nassour1Michael Nelles2Department of Waste and Resource Management, Rostock University, 18051 Rostock, GermanyDepartment of Waste and Resource Management, Rostock University, 18051 Rostock, GermanyDepartment of Waste and Resource Management, Rostock University, 18051 Rostock, GermanyThe current research work emphasizes the urgent need for a paradigm shift in Mediterranean tourism, advocating for the adoption of a comprehensive framework centered on sustainability in Tunisia. The establishment of an Inter-Ministerial Task Force is proposed to facilitate collaboration across governmental sectors, thereby enhancing governance and addressing the complexities of waste management within the tourism industry. Results reveal significant waste management inefficiencies and underscore the potential of integrated approaches that can lead to substantial environmental improvements. By fostering inter-ministerial collaboration, a strategic roadmap is provided that promotes effective resource recovery and sustainable waste management practices. Furthermore, the integration of the informal sector, exemplified by local recyclers, into formal waste management systems is anticipated to enhance social equity and bolster environmental stewardship. A comprehensive SWOT analysis identifies Tunisia’s intrinsic strengths, including its rich cultural heritage and significant eco-tourism potential, while simultaneously exposing shortcomings such as fragmented governance structures and insufficient infrastructure. It is posited that the creation of a centralized coordination body, coupled with the enhancement of public–private partnerships, could catalyze innovation in sustainable tourism practices, leading to increased investment opportunities and the successful implementation of circular economy principles. Drawing inspiration from Spain’s successful circular economy model, actionable recommendations for policymakers are offered, including the introduction of eco-certification programs aimed at incentivizing environmentally responsible practices within the tourism sector. Ultimately, the proposed framework aspires to position Tunisia as a regional leader in sustainable tourism, delivering long-term benefits to local communities through enhanced environmental protection and economic resilience.https://www.mdpi.com/2313-4321/10/1/9Mediterranean sustainable tourismcircular economygovernanceinter-ministerial task force“extended producer responsibility”“extended sector responsibility”
spellingShingle Nour El Houda Chaher
Abdallah Nassour
Michael Nelles
Cross-Mediterranean Insights: Governance in Action for Circular Economy and Sustainable Waste Management Solutions in Tunisia’s Tourism
Recycling
Mediterranean sustainable tourism
circular economy
governance
inter-ministerial task force
“extended producer responsibility”
“extended sector responsibility”
title Cross-Mediterranean Insights: Governance in Action for Circular Economy and Sustainable Waste Management Solutions in Tunisia’s Tourism
title_full Cross-Mediterranean Insights: Governance in Action for Circular Economy and Sustainable Waste Management Solutions in Tunisia’s Tourism
title_fullStr Cross-Mediterranean Insights: Governance in Action for Circular Economy and Sustainable Waste Management Solutions in Tunisia’s Tourism
title_full_unstemmed Cross-Mediterranean Insights: Governance in Action for Circular Economy and Sustainable Waste Management Solutions in Tunisia’s Tourism
title_short Cross-Mediterranean Insights: Governance in Action for Circular Economy and Sustainable Waste Management Solutions in Tunisia’s Tourism
title_sort cross mediterranean insights governance in action for circular economy and sustainable waste management solutions in tunisia s tourism
topic Mediterranean sustainable tourism
circular economy
governance
inter-ministerial task force
“extended producer responsibility”
“extended sector responsibility”
url https://www.mdpi.com/2313-4321/10/1/9
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AT abdallahnassour crossmediterraneaninsightsgovernanceinactionforcirculareconomyandsustainablewastemanagementsolutionsintunisiastourism
AT michaelnelles crossmediterraneaninsightsgovernanceinactionforcirculareconomyandsustainablewastemanagementsolutionsintunisiastourism