Djerba's cultural heritage faces imminent danger from neglect and climate change

The island of Djerba, located in the southern Mediterranean off the southeast coast of Tunisia, has a rich cultural heritage that has been under threat for several years. Various factors, including neglect, tourism, and climate change, have substantially impacted historic sites and traditional housing on the island. Over recent decades, alterations in annual precipitation patterns have emerged, with models predicting a significant drop of 20% by the end of the century. Compounding this issue, rising sea levels and storm surges have led to the inundation of archaeological sites, including those dating back to the Roman era. Sites such as the ruins of Sidi Garous are now entirely underwater, replaced by memorials, while others are partially submerged. In addition to environmental changes, Djerba's traditional cultural landscape has been modified due to the encroachment of modern tourist infrastructure. Traditional structures, known as houmas and menzels, have been replaced in many areas by more contemporary developments aimed at attracting visitors. The shift in focus from preservation to profit-driven tourism has left many significant historical buildings neglected and deteriorating. A lack of local and international funding has resulted in the abandonment of some critical structures, highlighting the urgent need for effective heritage management strategies. Efforts to preserve Djerba’s cultural heritage have been made by various community organizations. One notable group, the Association for the Safeguarding of the Island of Djerba, has worked actively to address the void left by inadequate institutional frameworks. Additionally, Tunisia’s culture ministry has established a task force dedicated to monitoring construction projects and other development activities. This task force aims to collect vital data on designated protected areas and devise plans to restore and preserve various heritage sites. Despite these initiatives, many historic structures continue to suffer from years of neglect. The situation in Djerba reflects a broader crisis regarding cultural preservation in the face of climate change and modernization. Without significant climate adaptation efforts and a commitment to meaningful preservation practices, the island’s rich heritage may continue to erode, potentially erasing entire aspects of its identity. Many archaeological and cultural sites on Djerba are increasingly vulnerable, necessitating the attention of both local authorities and international bodies dedicated to heritage preservation. The long-term impact of ongoing environmental changes on Djerba’s cultural heritage requires immediate action to ensure that future generations can still appreciate the island's unique historical assets.