Kerkennah Municipality was selected under REMEDIES Open Call 2 with No More Plastic in Kerkennah, an eight-month project addressing single-use plastic pollution on Kerkennah Island. Implemented by the Municipality in partnership with the local association AKDDCL, the project combined access to sustainable drinking water, alternatives to plastic bags, and craft-based solutions rooted in local traditions and natural resources.
The project promoted plastic-free drinking water by installing two Kumulus atmospheric water generators in public spaces,distributing 1,000 reusable stainless-steel bottles, and working to equip schools with rainwater harvest, filtration and reverse osmosis systems. The school-based water actions are expected to benefit more than 2,600 students and teachers, reducing reliance on single-use PET bottles while improving access to safe drinking water. Although some installations faced delays due to equipment importation and technical approvals, the Municipality adapted the timeline and continued implementation.
To support plastic-free shopping, the project ordered 570,000 kraft paper bags, with an initial 100,000 bags distributed to local markets, bakeries, and shops. It also mobilised 50 local vendors, of whom 35 signed a voluntary commitment charter to stop using single-use plastic bags when alternatives are available. Awareness actions in Remla and Ataya markets, as well as during the national sports baccalaureate exam, helped bring the message of “Zero Single-Use Plastic” to students, parents, teachers, merchants, and citizens.
The project also revived palm leaf weaving as a nature-based alternative to plastic packaging. Through workshops led by AKDDCL, 35 participants, mostly women and young people, were trained in making reusable bags and baskets from palm leaves. This helped connect plastic prevention with traditional knowledge, women and youth participation, and the development of local, biodegradable alternatives. The Municipality also created a dedicated Facebook page, shared updates through municipal channels, installed informational posters next to the water systems, and presented the project in local environmental events and circular economy workshops.
No More Plastic in Kerkennah created a practical local model for ecological transition in an island context. It strengthened cooperation with the Ministry of Education, regional authorities, AKDDCL, local merchants, artisans, and technical suppliers, while laying the groundwork for monitoring water systems, documenting best practices, and inspiring other Tunisian municipalities, especially in insular and rural areas. The Municipality expressed its willingness to remain active in the REMEDIES network and to share Kerkennah’s experience in future regional and European exchanges.
