27 Mar 2020
Djerba, Tunisia
Sustainable Tourism

Terre d’Oasisvillage nature, is an initiative born on the island of Djerba in Tunisia. Here ecotourism is not an ultimate goal, it allows the development and implementation of many activities for the benefit of young Tunisians. The associative project aims to empower and strengthen the fraternal ties of a youth who feels abandoned. Terre d’Oasis focuses on the transfer of sustainable know-how and the sharing of cultures in a place in harmony with its environment.

An ambitious and coherent associative project

Terre d’Oasis was originally intended to help associations by offering them a space where they could train, allowing them to develop their own activities free of charge. Starting with 2 guest rooms, it has now become a small village that welcomes school classes, associations, visitors from elsewhere…

Giving hope by training young people, increasing self-esteem through meditation, creating new sources of sustainable income, achieving food independence are some of the missions that Terre d’Oasis has set for itself. Terre d’Oasis defines itself as a creator of bonds and autonomy.

An ecolodge in tune with its environment

The ecolodge, located in the village of M’Garsa is a place that embraces the various activities of the association. There is a community lodging, unusual accommodation in the trees, guest rooms, food gardens, an orchard, meeting rooms, a library, an open-air theatre…

Buildings constructed with local materials are equipped with solar panels. The members of the association pay particular attention to water consumption. Indeed, due to the mass tourism on the island, an average tourist in Djerba consumes between 400 to 800 litres of water per day when only 10 litres of water per person per day are delivered to the village of Mgarsa.

An action of solidarity

The activities are primarily aimed at young Tunisians and environmental education is one of the pillars of Terre d’Oasis:

– Understanding agro-ecology, permaculture and nourishing gardens with the help of seeds adapted to the drought and salinity of Djerba’s soils .

– Experiment with young people in vertical, above-ground gardens…

– Transmit know-how on self-construction with local natural elements: earth, straw, algae, palm wood, also insisting on energy autonomy…

– Organize class trips: green classes, discovery classes to raise awareness of sustainable development among the youngest children…

Tourism, a means of financing Terre d’Oasis

Financed mostly thanks to the income from tourism, Terre d’Oasis offers to stay in this haven of peace, especially during thematic solidarity stays (eco-construction, agroecology). It also organizes solidarity meals for expatriates and tourists from Djerba and hosts artistic residences from all over the world.

Tourism here is a way to develop all activities, to discover the other and to share…

"Donner de l’espoir aux jeunes et leur donner le désir de rester et faire vivre leur territoire est selon Terre d’Oasis une priorité en Tunisie…"Terre d'Oasis
An eco-tourist village is giving a voice to Tunisian youth | The Switchers
Terre d’Oasis Sustainable Tourism