UTAP Joins the WETCARB Project to Advance Carbon Sequestration and Sustainable Wetland Management

by UTAP | 1 Jul, 2026 | Announcement

The Tunisian Union of Agriculture and Fisheries (UTAP) is pleased to announce its participation as a partner in the WETCARB – Wetland Ecosystem Tool for Carbon Accounting project, funded under the PRIMA Programme.
WETCARB aims to enhance the understanding, measurement, and valorization of carbon sequestration in Mediterranean wetland-agriculture systems. The project brings together partners from several Mediterranean countries to develop innovative approaches for monitoring greenhouse gas emissions, promoting regenerative agricultural practices, and supporting climate-smart land management.
Through this initiative, UTAP will contribute to stakeholder engagement, dissemination activities, field data collection, and the promotion of sustainable agricultural practices in Tunisia’s wetland areas. The project will also support farmers and local communities by improving their awareness of climate mitigation opportunities and the potential benefits of carbon sequestration.
One of the key outputs of WETCARB will be the development of an innovative digital platform integrating environmental monitoring data and Geographic Information Systems (GIS). This platform will facilitate carbon accounting, support decision-making processes, and contribute to future access to voluntary carbon markets.
By participating in WETCARB, UTAP reaffirms its commitment to sustainable agriculture, environmental protection, climate action, and the promotion of innovative solutions that strengthen the resilience of rural communities.
The project will contribute to the achievement of regional and international climate objectives while highlighting the important role of Mediterranean wetlands in carbon storage, biodiversity conservation, and sustainable rural development.
Project Acronym: WETCARB
Programme: PRIMA – Partnership for Research and Innovation in the Mediterranean Area
Duration: 36 months
UTAP Role: Project Partner
For more information about the project and its activities, please follow UTAP’s communication channels and website updates.

UTAP Joins “SHE-GROWS”: Empowering Rural Tunisia through Sustainable Hydroponics

by UTAP | 1 Jul, 2026 | Announcement

The Tunisian Union of Agriculture and Fisheries (UTAP) is proud to announce its participation in the SHE-GROWS project (Sustainable Hydroponic Education for Growing Rural Opportunities). This 36-month international initiative, funded by the European Union under the Erasmus+ program, aims to revolutionize vocational training and agricultural practices in rural Tunisia.

Project Overview

SHE-GROWS is designed to address socio-economic and environmental challenges in the regions of Béja and Jendouba. The project focuses on empowering rural communities—particularly women—by introducing resource-efficient hydroponic farming and sustainable cooperative entrepreneurship.

By blending digital innovation with climate-resilient agriculture, the project offers a viable solution to combat unemployment, water scarcity, and the impacts of climate change on female-led households.

UTAP’s Strategic Role

As a key Tunisian partner, UTAP plays a vital role in ensuring the project’s local impact and long-term sustainability:

Needs Assessment: Conducting in-depth analysis to identify social and technical barriers to hydroponic adoption.
Bridging the Market Gap: UTAP will act as a bridge between vocational training and real-world market opportunities, providing participants with insights into sustainable business practices.
Cooperative Development: Supporting the legal registration and operational setup of a specialized hydroponic cooperative.
Advocacy & Outreach: Leveraging our extensive national network to ensure that innovative farming techniques reach farmers and fishers across the region.

Key Objectives

Empowerment: Training and certifying at least 60 participants (minimum 50% women) in hydroponic techniques.
Innovation: Developing a gender-sensitive VET (Vocational Education and Training) curriculum tailored to regional needs.
Resilience: Promoting water-saving techniques that align with the “2050 Water Vision” and the “Green Transition.”
Inclusion: Reducing the high unemployment rates among female graduates in rural areas.

Our Partners

UTAP is working alongside a diverse consortium of international and local experts:

Lead Coordinator: EFA El Soto (Spain)
Partners: OpenCom (Italy), Libverda (Czech Republic), Elemtiez Institute for Training (Tunisia), and Grow It Yourself (Tunisia).
Associated Partners: ATFP, APIA, and Association Femme Rurale Jendouba.

Through this collaboration, UTAP reaffirms its commitment to modernizing the Tunisian agricultural sector and fostering an inclusive, resilient economy for our rural populations.
For more information about the SHE-GROWS activities and upcoming training sessions, follow our updates on the UTAP website and social media channels.

UTAP Joins the PROTECHMED Project

by UTAP | 1 Jul, 2026 | Announcement

The Tunisian Union of Agriculture and Fisheries (UTAP) is pleased to announce its participation in the PROTECHMED project, a transnational initiative dedicated to promoting sustainable, digital, and eco-innovative solutions for protected agriculture in the Mediterranean region.

PROTECHMED aims to support the adoption of innovative technologies that improve water and energy efficiency, strengthen digital skills, and enhance the competitiveness of horticultural stakeholders. Through cooperation between research institutions, public bodies, and agricultural organizations, the project will contribute to building a more resilient and sustainable agricultural sector.

Within the project, UTAP will play an active role in the implementation of activities in Tunisia, including the follow-up of pilot actions, participation in training and knowledge-sharing sessions, and support for the transfer of good practices to farmers and agricultural stakeholders.

UTAP will also contribute to the development of practical tools and business models adapted to the needs of horticultural producers, especially small and medium-sized farms.
This partnership reflects UTAP’s commitment to supporting Tunisian farmers, encouraging innovation in the agricultural sector, and promoting solutions that respond to current environmental and economic challenges.

By joining PROTECHMED, UTAP reinforces its role as a key actor in regional cooperation and agricultural modernization, with the goal of fostering a more sustainable future for Tunisian horticulture.