Local consultations in oil-producing area of Tunisia
In Tunisia the Natural Resource Governance Institute (NRGI) is implementing the project 鈥淧romoting Democratic Space for Marginalized Communities Tataouine oil-producing area of Tunisia鈥� funded by UNDEF. This initiative aims at bridging the democratic gap between government and marginalized oil-producing communities of Tataouine and Kebili. Recently NRGI has held meetings to discuss the results of a perception survey conducted in Kebili and Tataouine, and presented the preliminary findings to local stakeholders. The perception survey focused on economic sectors which have the potential to advance development in these marginalized regions and to improve health services and employment opportunities.
These meetings come as part of preparing a study aimed at identifying priorities for the Kebili governorate. NRGI held several meetings with a group of CSOs from the region to work on the survey, which will elaborate on the region's needs. NRGI succeeded in establishing two CSO networks in each of Kebili and Tataouine, through identifying and bringing together local committed and engaged CSO actors with the potential for impact in their local communities. In addition to establishing these networks, they leveraged existing project activities to instill a culture of consultation and collaboration within each network.
NRGI addressed an array of regional needs, such as health, education, and infrastructure. However, with UNDEF funding, NRGI hopes to further civil society organizations capacity and equip them with the necessary tools to support the region in development outside of the natural resources as a key economic sector.
