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Environment
and development in coastal regions and in small islands |
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Environment
and development in coastal regions and in small islands |
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Coastal region and small island papers 12: papers
Natural
and CULTURAL heritage in Mahdia, Tunisia
Mahdia is a city of 50,000 inhabitants located on a rocky
promontory in central eastern Tunisia. Due to its location, fishing is the main
industry, and Mahdia is the top fishing harbour in Tunisia for blue fish, and
ranks second in terms of overall tonnage. Agriculture is the second most
important economic activity, thanks to its olive groves and intensive market
gardening activities.
Natural heritage
Mahdia is a preserved natural site. Despite the important
fishing fleet, the sea at Mahdia is not polluted due to the city’s location
away from main maritime commercial traffic.
The sea is the main source of income for the population. The most widely
used fishing techniques are harmless to marine fauna. Some traditional coastal
fishing techniques go back to Roman times. Lamparo fishing (using firelight) is
seasonal from May to October and targets exclusively blue fish (sardines and
mackerel). This technique was imported by Italian fishermen during the 19th
century and consists of attracting fish with light.
The Tunisian fishing legislation is clear as far as
preservation of marine resources is concerned.
It includes the use of selective nets, protection of some species during
reproduction and growth periods (e.g. squid in October), strict control on
purging and cleaning of boats, and young fishermen are trained in professional
fishing schools.
There is a 10 km sandy beach at Mahdia.
Following the recommendations of an international workshop held in Mahdia
in June 1999, under the aegis of UNESCO, and given the sensitivity of coastal
dune ridges along the beach of Mahdia, especially in relation to damage from
human pressure, a pilot project was implemented in 2001.
This consisted of the restoration of a dune ridge; reduction of the impact
of wind deflation and engulfment of structures; and experimentation with a
soft-engineering technique, dune fences, fore dune restoration. Fifteen hundred
metres of dune fences were constructed to reduce wind erosion and trigger sand
deposition in damaged areas. A vegetation screen was planted and the restored
dunes were also planted. A public
awareness programme was conducted and the restored area is being scientifically
monitored.
Partners in this project included the Tunisian Agency for
Coastal Protection and Planning; Association for the Preservation of the Medina
of Mahdia; Mahdia City Council; Ministry of Public Works, Ministry of
Agriculture; Mahdia Regional Council; and the United Nations Development
Programme.
Human
heritage
Mahdia is a major historical site whose peninsular location
has historically attracted human settlements. Each civilisation left its own
imprint. The historical centre (the Medina) has been fulfilling several roles
since the Middle Ages, namely as an industrial zone, commercial and craft shop
area, concentration area of main religious sites, concentration zone of all
historical monuments.
The Medina has experienced transformations over the last 20
years in relation to changing life styles and the introduction of tourism
activities. These transformations have had negative effects on the urban fabric
and architectural heritage of the Medina.
Despite an existing urban management plan and a Heritage Code at the national level, the absence of a dedicated Preservation Plan for the Medina has impeded any successful implementation programme. Given this situation, and following the Mahdia Seminar, a joint initiative of the Association for the Preservation of the Mahdia Medina and the School of Architecture in Nantes, France, set up a programme, under the aegis of UNESCO, to establish a ‘Demonstration House’.
This ‘Demonstration House’ is a building with four shops
at ground level and a house on the first floor. This building was rescued from
demolition and is located right in the centre of the Medina, in the transition
zone between the residential and commercial areas.
The objectives of the programme are to restore the building, rehabilitate
old building techniques, involve local stakeholders (inhabitants, craftsmen,
scientists, decision-makers), experiment with new indigenous techniques adapted
to local conditions, train architectural students and respond to enquiries.
Partners in this programme are the Association for the
Preservation of Medina of Mahdia; Municipality of Mahdia; Regional Council of
Loire Atlantique, France; Mahdia Regional Council; French Ministry of
Culture; UNESCO; School of Architecture,
Nantes.
The ‘Demonstration House’ programme began in 2000. It
involves French and Tunisian experts in architecture, sociology and heritage.
Participation in the demonstration restoration site is open to all experts and
to students of all nationalities. The 2001 session gathered about 40 students,
including French, Mauritanian, Moroccan, German, Algerian and Tunisian
nationals.
At the end of this programme and once an agreement protocol is signed by the involved parties, the office, once restored, will host a counselling and support centre for the local population and public authorities.
