Abstract
In South Tunisia’s oases, palm trees are the main irrigated crop. However, in Kerkena, a Mediterranean archipelago located off the east coast of Tunisia, they represent a natural vegetation and a key element, along with the sea, in the natural landscape and the island’s economy. The palm tree is “the king tree of Kerkena” according to Andre Louis, because all of its constituents were used in traditional fishing techniques, especially fixed fisheries, and in the daily life of kerkenians. Yet today, this natural vegetation is in degradation because of natural and anthropogenic factors. Soil salinization and sea level rise are the main natural causes, while the change in the palm tree’s position in the island’s economy is what humans are responsible for. In this work, we will be treating the issue of palm trees degradation. Therefore, a first part will be dedicated to the natural causes of the deterioration of this natural heritage, a second will be an analysis of the anthropogenic factors, and a third will be devoted to the enhancement of this natural heritage to preserve it and restore its importance in the economy of the archipelago.
Highlights
The archipelago of Kerkena, located on the East Coast of Tunisia, at about 20 km from the city of Sfax, is characterized by the importance of palm trees in both its heritage and geography
The palm tree is "l’arbre roi de Kerkena": "the king tree of Kerkena", according to André Louis, because all its constituents were used in the traditional fishing techniques, fixed fisheries, and in the daily life of the inhabitants of Kerkena [1]
Palm trees form the charm of the landscape with the sea in Kerkena, and the devastating action of man against this vegetation, deprives the archipelago of a major element of its natural landscape, so this operation must be controlled by local authorities and the environmental associations of the archipelago
Summary
The archipelago of Kerkena, located on the East Coast of Tunisia, at about 20 km from the city of Sfax, is characterized by the importance of palm trees in both its heritage and geography. The palm tree is "l’arbre roi de Kerkena": "the king tree of Kerkena", according to André Louis, because all its constituents were used in the traditional fishing techniques, fixed fisheries, and in the daily life of the inhabitants of Kerkena [1]. Today this natural vegetation is deteriorating because of several natural and anthropogenic factors. Mounira Kebaïli Tarchouna: Palm Trees in Kerkena Archipelago (Tunisia) Natural Heritage in Degradation
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