LES ÎLES KURIAT

As well as being a paradise island, the Kuriat Islands are also the site of a successful collaboration between the Tunisian authorities and civil society. The island is co-managed by the State and the NGO Notre Grand Bleu. The aim is to enable man and nature to coexist in a unique environment, particularly prized by loggerhead turtles.

Located 20 km from the mainland, the large island, which shares the same name as the archipelago, covers some 270 ha. A further 2 km away, the small island of Conigliera covers around 70 ha. The islands are flat and low-lying (maximum 5 m above sea level). In the rocky northern part of both islands, and at very shallow depths, there are maerl bottom formations considered very rare and vulnerable on a Mediterranean scale.

On the island, it's not uncommon to see a sign and stakes indicating a turtle nest. When the baby loggerheads leave their shells, volunteers escort them back to the sea, while tourists watch in amazement. Here, every effort is made to protect the loggerhead turtle(Caretta caretta), a species that has long been threatened and is now considered vulnerable. These two islands, which are in the process of being classified as a marine and coastal protected area, are the westernmost stable nesting site for loggerhead turtles on the southern Mediterranean coast. The two islets are prized by the loggerheads, as they are spared pollution and enjoy total darkness at night - when the turtles lay their eggs - unlike most of the Tunisian coast. The females, which only become fertile at around 20 years of age, return to lay their eggs at their birthplace. But only one turtle in 1,000 survives long enough to reproduce.

Awareness-raising huts, 800 m hiking trails with explanatory panels, the presence of volunteers on site throughout the summer season: everything is in place to protect the turtles, particularly during the egg-laying season. A kayak circuit has also been created: 200 m wide, it covers all the different shallow-water habitats found on the Kuriat Islands (posidonia meadows, rocks, drop-offs, etc.). Along the way, 5 markers provide information on the flora and fauna. Each marker is equipped with an underwater information panel for educational swims accompanied by an underwater eco-guide.

On land, in season, volunteers take turns spotting new clutches of eggs. When the nests reach maturity, after 50 days, the co-managers and volunteers keep an eye on them, before accompanying the little loggerheads to the sea, sharing these moments of wonder with summer visitors. The baby turtles, barely 5 cm long, make their way through the sand. They are then taken out to sea, away from bathers, and released near underwater posidonia fields, where they can shelter and feed.

In addition to the rare opportunity to see these baby turtles, a visit to the Kuriat Islands is an opportunity to understand the impact of global warming and the catastrophic consequences of plastic, which is rarely recycled in Tunisia, for marine animals.

The NGO Notre Grand Bleu has set itself the goal of protecting, managing and raising awareness of the natural terrestrial and marine environment of Monastir Bay and the Kuriat Islands. A successful challenge!