Though separated by vast distances, Indonesia and Tunisia share a common challenge: the growing impacts of climate change. Despite being on opposite sides of the globe, both countries face similar threats to their water resources, agriculture, and vulnerable populations due to global warming. The TAKSNA Conference, held from October 20-22, 2024, in Tunis, brings these nations together, showing that while geographically distant, their experiences and local insights hold valuable lessons for global climate solutions. By sharing their approaches to addressing climate impacts, Indonesia and Tunisia aim to highlight the importance of local strategies in contributing to worldwide climate action.
The conference opened with a warm welcome from Dr. Najoua Bouraoui, the Director of APEDDUB, one of the leading NGO in North Africa, and continued by delivering an inspiring talk on the pivotal role of youth in climate action. She called for urgent action on climate change, particularly concerning water resources and agriculture, and introduced projects like "Bisky I" and "Fina Dima," which aim to build local capacity and promote climate-conscious planning. Both speakers emphasized the power of partnerships and community-driven efforts in creating a more sustainable future for Tunisia and beyond.
The partnership between Indonesia and Tunisia originated earlier this year in Cape Town, during a knowledge management initiative organized by South South North (SSN) in VCA Program, where representatives from both countries, C4ledger and APEDDUB, connected over shared concerns.
Both nations face significant water crises, exacerbated by climate change, making them ideal collaborators. This partnership is intended to adapt global climate solutions to local contexts, document successful community-driven practices, and amplify these issues through media advocacy. The goal is to tackle water-related challenges while empowering vulnerable populations, with the hope of setting the groundwork for future climate actions.
One of the most highly anticipated sessions of the conference featured presentations from two renowned Indonesian researchers: Yuni Setyaningsih, S.K.Pm., M.Sc., and Dr. Moh Taqiuddin. Yuni Setyaningsih, from Development Studies Lecturer and Community Engagement Center for Regional Potential and Community Empowerment (PDPM) at Institut Teknologi Sepuluh Nopember (ITS); and Communication and Knowledge Brokering Advisor of C4ledger in the VCA program under South South North (SSN) South Africa, shared her expertise in managing water resources sustainably. She highlighted the importance of community engagement in crafting local solutions to water scarcity, which has become a critical issue in Indonesia due to climate change.
Dr. Moh. Taqiuddin, a Senior Lecture in Faculty of Animal Science University of Mataram and Director KONSEPSI as Lead of C4Ledger (Consortiums for Knowlede Managing/Brokering) VCA Indonesia. He discussed the disproportionate effects of climate change on vulnerable populations, particularly in rural areas, and the need for policies informed by local knowledge and scientific expertise.
Both researchers illustrated how Indonesia is addressing the climate-induced water crisis and contributed significantly to the broader international dialogue on climate justice.
For Tunisia, TAKSNA presents an opportunity to showcase its national climate policy and adaptation efforts. The country is actively learning from Indonesia’s approaches to similar challenges, creating an exchange of best practices that will benefit both nations. Tunisia's role in the conference also highlights its commitment to building a sustainable future through international cooperation and community engagement.
Looking forward, TAKSNA is only the beginning of a broader collaboration between Tunisia and Indonesia. In December, Indonesia Climate Week will continue the dialogue initiated at TAKSNA, featuring knowledge-sharing sessions, national discussions, community product exhibitions, and public campaigns aimed at raising awareness about climate change. The goal is to influence government policies and engage the broader public in climate action.
The TAKSNA Conference represents a significant step toward international climate cooperation, particularly between Indonesia and Tunisia. Through the contributions of experts, the event highlights the importance of integrating local knowledge with scientific expertise to develop meaningful climate solutions. The lessons learned from TAKSNA will not only benefit the two countries but will also contribute to strengthening the global effort to address climate change.
