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The politics of interbasin transfers: socio‐environmental impacts and actor strategies in Tunisia
Author(s) -
Ben Fraj Wafa,
Elloumi Mohamed,
Molle François
Publication year - 2019
Publication title -
natural resources forum
Language(s) - English
Resource type - Journals
SCImago Journal Rank - 0.646
H-Index - 49
eISSN - 1477-8947
pISSN - 0165-0203
DOI - 10.1111/1477-8947.12165
Subject(s) - wetland , context (archaeology) , climate change , arid , politics , biodiversity , mediterranean climate , water supply , geography , environmental resource management , water resource management , environmental science , ecology , political science , archaeology , environmental engineering , law , biology
Mediterranean wetlands are of key interest in the preservation of biodiversity. However, their ecological water requirement is in constant competition with human uses, particularly in a context of aridity and climate change. This paper examines the case of the Ichkeul Lake‐Lagoon system located in the north of Tunisia in a river basin that is heavily contributing to the water supply of southern regions through water transfers. It maps out the various actors involved, their stakes, discourses and strategies, and explains the current degradation of the Ichkeul system by unpacking the decision‐making power of these actors. It confirms that marginal social groups, ecosystems and next generations are the main parties affected by current water allocation patterns.