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Working on wildlife research and sustainable livelihood via community-based ecotourism
We are a team of committed and experienced people from many backgrounds conducting research on the ecology, the conservation status and behaviour of Tunisian wildlife in Bouhedma and in south Tunisia since 2019. Our aim is aligning conservation goals and the ones of the local community in general. Our results directly support Tunisian wildlife conservation in Bouhedma and beyond. We’re grateful to the IUCN, the PPIOSCAN programm, the Institut Francais de Tunisie and other supporters and funding partners for the generous support of our research projects.
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The Bouhedma Biodiversity and Research Center
Situated in the Bouhedma National Park, the last Tunisian pre-Saharan Savannah biome, the center consists of a scientific research pole which brings together several biodiversity stakeholders to contribute to preserving and sustainably managing the biodiversity of the park and its surroundings and effectively including local population in conservation. The observatory is functioning as a work space for researchers, an ecological library (ecotheque), a station for ecological survey equipment and supplies and a place for field courses.
Our vision is to be a leader in wildlife research and experiential learning . Since 2019, we have been supporting wildlife research and conservation, student training in the natural sciences, and outdoor education.
We operate as a registered Tunisian not-for-profit organization administered by a volunteer Board of Directors and a small team of staff. Our organization ATR.Akouda has been at the forefront of nature conservation and scientific expeditions since the organization's inception in 2014.
Our mission
We work to ensure the delicate balance between the environments, biodiversity conservation and sustainable development in local communities around the Bouhedma National Park
Wildlife conservation
The threats from wildlife poaching, habitat loss and unsustainable development present an immediate risk of extinction to many species. Whilst we develop long-term solutions we must ensure no further losses to wildlife populations and their habitat
Build local capacity
We believe that local communities are at the core of our mission. Our role is to support the vision of local people; to empower and assist with resources to enable sustainable development in harmony with nature preservation
Long-term solutions
Conservation cannot be effective without genuine consideration of socio-economic needs and all inclusive strategic planning. Whilst long term support from international partners may be required, our end goal is always redundancy as a result of permanent and effective locally managed biodiversity protection
PROJECTS
Since 2019 we are conducting research on the ecology, the conservation status and behaviour of Tunisian wildlife in Bouhedma and in south Tunisia. Engaging local communities in wildlife conservation plays a significant role in our work. We launched three projects. Here you can learn more about our specific projects.
RESEARCH
Our Research Projects have been established in the Bouhedma National Park since 2019. Our team initially focused on studying the predator population and started now to meet other wildlife monitoring frameworks. Our Approach is an integrative, interdisciplinary, multi-sectoral, multi-institutional wildlife monitoring focusing on a variety of research topics such as behavioral ecology, spatial ecology, population ecology, and human-wildlife conflict. Our mission is to achieve practical solutions to conservation problems through original scientific research.
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PRODUCTS
Our shop is well worth a visit. Our visitor center in Bouhedma and our online shop sell a variety of handmade and local products. Find handmade gifts from four local crafters, all based around the National Park.
Looking to stay at Bouhedma?
In collaboration with the local population we provide facilities for researchers, students as well as for all visitors, hikers, campers who want to stay in Bouhedma... In addition to providing accommodations and meals, we can also provide logistical support, guided hiking tours, camping equipment, mountain bike hiring, lab space, scientific survey equipment, hiking with donkey (coming soon) and more.
Accommodation & camping options
Learn about our facilities, rates and services
Guided tours and equipment
Join a guided tour with our local guide. We provide multiple mountain-bikes for rent as well as donkeys for hiking tours
Contact Us
Don’t see what you’re looking for? Send us a message
Your journey begins!
Volunteer with us!
Join us on any one of our current projects or even start your own. We are looking for smart and enthusiastic volunteers and students to become part of our working group and help us fill vital research gaps in Tunisia's savannah area!
Discover Bouhedma
Bouhedma lies in the pre-Saharan region of Tunisia and represents an ecosystem a little bit unique in Tunisia. It comprises an ancient pre-Saharan savannah with acacia raddiana trees, a relic of a quaternary acacia forest that survived due to geomorphologic reasons. Surrounded by mountain ranges the region is like an island with its microclimate and has been protected all the years.
Explore new landscapes, discover the flora and fauna and meet different people, cultures, traditions. Our visitors and students come from all over the world. Bouhedma has so much to offer!
Bouhedma Blog
Discover our Blog from the field
Annual research reports
Our annual research report is a way for us to share with our members, supporters and...
Latest from our Bouhedma Blog
Our website is currently undergoing essential maintenance to enhance your browsing experience. We apologize if informations in this website are not fully complete. Rest assured, our team is working diligently to improve our platform.
If you have any urgent inquiries, please contact us via the contact form here below:
Contact Us
Our association has its formal base in Akouda (Sousse). Research operations are conducted at the field research station in Bouhedma as well as in other national Parks in South Tunisia.
Opening Hours
Mon - Fri
8:00 am – 8:00 pm
Saturday
​Sunday
9:00 am – 7:00 pm
9:00 am – 2:00 pm
Network & Partners
Our work is not carried out in isolation, but in close collaboration with many trusted partners within a strong network in Tunisia and worldwide.
Political Partners
Funding Partners
Academic and further partners
