The National Institute of Marine Sciences and Technologies (French: INSTM) launched a first demonstration campaign to set up natural sponge nurseries (on a small scale) in the sea in Kerkennah and Djerba.

The goal is to promote income-generating environmentally responsible and sustainable natural sponge cultivation for local communities, the Institute Friday said in a statement.

An awareness campaign was conducted to this end to highlight the importance of these nurseries in reinforcing scientific advances, ensuring the survival of this cultivation and the profitability of spong farming, as well as its impact on marine environment.

A second campaign will target Zarzis and El Bibanes/Jdaria, in partnership with Le Pécheur à Zarzis organisation and the agricultural development groups of rural women in Jdaria.

This campaign is part of the awareness-raising mission carried out in May 2022, in collaboration with non profit organisation Marine Cultures, with a view to promoting an environment-friendly and income-generating spongiculture.

Source: Agence Tunis Afrique Presse