Countries

Forests and the forestry sector

Resources
Tunisia is poorly wooded, its forests covering only a little more than 3 percent (510 000 ha) of its total land area. Most of the vegetation is found in the northern half of the country, for the south extends to the Sahara Desert. Closed forests are found primarily in the Kroumirie mountains along the northern coast. These are mixed stands of oaks (Quercus suber and Quercus ilex). Small stands of pines (Pinus halepensis) are found around the Cap Bon Peninsula. Residual areas of Acacia raddiana savannah are found in the Bou Hedma National Park.

Tunisia has established huge areas of planted forest (202 000 ha), both for production and for dune fixation. The species used include Pinus halepensis, Pinus pinaster, Eucalyptus spp., Acacia spp. and Casuarina equisetifolia.

The country has a small network of protected areas covering about 2 percent of its forests. It has established eight national parks (three others are in the process of being set up) and an archaeological park in order to protect its ecological heritage. It has 18 nature reserves for the protection and reproduction of special species such as the Barbary deer and the gazelle.

Apart from the wild boar, all large mammals in Tunisia are in danger of extinction. Twelve very rare bird species are also in danger.

About a million people live in the wooded areas and 650 000 others live on rangelands, exploiting these lands for various purposes.

Products
Tunisia produces moderate amounts of sawnwood, wood panels and paper. The pulp and paper industry uses non-wood fibres and imported pulp. Sawnwood, panels and paper are also imported. Wood is only a moderately important source of fuel.

Non-wood forest products include medicinal plants, essential oils, wild mushrooms, honey, cork, fodder and game.

Last updated: October 2002