Source: UNISDR Disaster Risk Reduction
In 2019, Tunisia formally endorsed its National Disaster Risk Reduction (DRR) Strategy, developed through an inclusive, participatory process. With support from the United Nations Office for Disaster Risk Reduction (UNDRR) and the UNDP Country Office, the strategy integrates biological hazards and prioritizes post-COVID-19 recovery through a ‘build back better’ approach. This forward-looking framework aligns with national strategies on climate change, biodiversity and sustainable development, and now forms a cornerstone of Tunisia’s Comprehensive Strategy for Ecological Transformation, endorsed by the Council of Ministers in February 2023.
One of the strategy’s most significant outcomes has been the launch of a six-year (2021-2027) Comprehensive Programme for Disaster Risk Management and Resilience, which has attracted US$ 125 million in investment from the World Bank and the French Development Agency . This programme aims to enhance Tunisia’s preparedness and response capacities for disasters and climate shocks.
The programme was shaped through extensive national consultations, particularly with the Ministry of Environment, which serves as the National Sendai Framework Focal Point. It resulted in the “Blended Programme for Resilience to Natural Disasters”, built around four interlinked pillars aimed at strengthening institutional, legislative and financial systems, fostering a robust culture of preparedness and recovery.:
- Flood risk management in urban areas: A US$ 42 million initiative led by the Ministry of Equipment and Housing focuses on strategic flood mitigation to protect urban populations and infrastructure.
- Enhanced early warning systems: With a US$ 24 million investment, the National Meteorological Institute is upgrading its meteorological and hydrological capabilities to deliver timely and reliable disaster alerts.
- Innovative disaster risk financing: Under the Ministry of Finance, a US$ 30 million project is developing disaster insurance mechanisms to provide financial protection to families and businesses impacted by natural hazards.
- Institutional and legislative strengthening: A US$ 2.5 million initiative is advancing legal and institutional frameworks to enhance coordination and capacity-building for DRR.
Key impacts
- Mainstreaming DRR into development planning: Tunisia embedded DRR into its national ecological transformation strategy, elevating resilience as a cross-cutting development priority and aligning it with climate action goals.
- Mobilizing high-level political and financial support: The integration of DRR into national development planning helped mobilize US$ 125 million in external funding for the implementation of the Comprehensive Programme for Disaster Risk Management and Resilience (2021-2027) .
- Fostering whole-of-government collaboration: The inclusive development process ensured inter-ministerial cooperation, securing buy-in from all sectors and levels of government.
- Strengthening financial governance for DRR: A newly established Resilience Unit within the Ministry of Finance has improved the mobilization and management of financial resources for resilience. Legislative updates have empowered local authorities with greater roles in disaster risk management.
- Leveraging a joint UN approach and international partnerships: Collaboration between UNDRR, UNDP and international partners has enabled the use of global expertise and cost-sharing to support local resilience-building efforts.
Lessons learned for replication or adaptation
- Structured DRR strategies attract investment: Tunisia’s US$ 125 million funding success illustrates how well-crafted DRR strategies can unlock substantial international support when integrated into broader development frameworks.
- Participatory approaches ensure relevance and sustainability: Inclusive, multi-stakeholder consultation processes enhance the effectiveness of national strategies, ensure local ownership and address the needs of vulnerable groups.
- Policy coherence enhances impact: Linking DRR strategies with climate change, biodiversity, and post-COVID recovery policies creates a more resilient and adaptable framework for managing current and emerging risks.
- Financial protection reduces economic vulnerability: Tunisia’s disaster risk insurance initiative underscores the value of pre-arranged financial mechanisms to buffer families and businesses against disaster-related economic shocks.
Institutional innovation supports resilience financing: Creating dedicated resilience units within ministries-such as Tunisia’s Resilience Unit in the Ministry of Finance-helps integrate DRR into national budgeting and development planning. Tailoring governance mechanisms to local needs also empowers municipalities to play a proactive role in DRR.