Mahdia, May 30, 2023 - The launching  of the Mahdia Municipal Composting Site, made possible by the contribution of the European Union, marks a significant milestone in waste management for the municipality. This project is part of the CLIMA initiative to address environmental, economic, and social challenges associated with the mismanagement of organic waste in the Mediterranean region, specifically in Italy, Tunisia, and Lebanon.

Photo credit: Giulia Giovagnoli for COSPE

On Tuesday, a seminar on household waste valorisation through composting and vermi-composting was held in Mahdia, Tunisia. This event not only celebrated the inauguration of the municipal composting station established under the CLIMA project but also highlighted the EU's financial backing for this important initiative. The seminar, organized by CITET, the Municipality of Mahdia, and the NGO COSPE, witnessed the presence of distinguished guests, including the Minister of Environment Mrs. Leila Chekhaoui, the Governor of Mahdia, regional delegates, government agencies, associations, representatives of international cooperation programs, and citizens from the region.

Photo credit: Giulia Giovagnoli for COSPE

Mr. Fadi Karam, the representative of the ENI program management committee, remotely followed the seminar's proceedings and took the opportunity to commend all the partners and attendees for their commitment to the composting site establishment. He also reminded participants of the commendable results achieved through the CLIMA project. Mrs. Leila Chekhaoui praised these efforts, emphasizing the project's alignment with the ministry's and the government's new strategy to encourage source separation and valorization of organic waste in all governorates.

During the seminar, Mr. Valerio Baldissarra, the project coordinator, provided an overview of CLIMA's objectives and highlighted its achievements since its inception in September 2019. These include the establishment of the composting station, awareness and citizen education campaigns on waste sorting and reduction of food waste, as well as the support and financing of six private and associative initiatives in Tunisia focused on green projects or circular economy concepts.

Photo credit: Giulia Giovagnoli for COSPE

The seminar dedicated a space to discuss the technical aspects of the project, particularly the development of vermiculture-composting in the laboratory of CITET, which was subsequently transferred to the Mahdia composting station to launch a unique experience in the region. This aspect was passionately presented by Ms. Lamia Sayahi from CITET.

In the concluding part of the seminar, participants were given the opportunity to share their views and proposals on how to ensure the viability and operation of the composting station after the conclusion of the CLIMA project. The proposals presented demonstrated citizens' involvement and highlighted the crucial role of universities in contributing to the success of this experience through research and academic expertise. The involvement of civil society was also emphasized as a key factor in ensuring the station's sustainability and success.

Photo credit: Giulia Giovagnoli for COSPE

The seminar concluded with a guided tour of the composting station, led by Mr. Fadhel Mhiri from CITET and Mr. Zouhair Baklouti from the Municipality of Mahdia. Participants had the opportunity to visit all compartments of the station and gain a comprehensive understanding of the operational process, from waste reception to the production of the final product.

The inauguration of the Mahdia Municipal Compost site, supported by the European Union, marks a significant step forward in waste management practices, promoting sustainability and environmental stewardship within the community. This project stands as a testament to the fruitful collaboration between local entities, Inter Mediterranean cooperation programs, and the European Union's commitment to tackling environmental challenges.

Photo credit: Giulia Giovagnoli for COSPE