The Wetland Museum

Discover the Wetlands Museum, an iconic site located in Ghar El Melh in the governorate of Bizerte. It was created as part of the project “Wetlands in Tunisia: A Habitat for Humans and Nature” and inaugurated on April 25, 2013. Nicknamed “Dar El B’hira,” this museum is ideally situated near the old port of Ghar-El-Melh. It is housed in two rooms of the ancient Ottoman fort Borj Elloutani, built in 1659.

The Wetland Museum, ecosystems, migratory birds, and pirate history

The first room immerses visitors in the rich diversity of Tunisian wetlands. This captivating exhibition highlights the importance of these habitats for the ecosystem. It features informative panels and maps illustrating the global distribution of wetlands, migratory bird pathways, and the abundance of fish and other species that thrive here. Children can also explore a model of the irrigation system of Ibn Chabbat’s oases, paying tribute to this ingenious Tunisian hydraulic heritage.

In the second room, the museum reveals the secrets of the Ghar El Melh lagoon, a Ramsar-listed site since 2007. It is filled with unique wildlife, flora, and cultural activities. You will discover the history of the region, famous for its corsair activities in the Mediterranean during the 15th and 16th centuries. A small room, set up as a mini pirate ship, invites visitors-especially young ones-to an immersive experience with sound and light effects. Visitors will also learn that Ghar El Melh once hosted the fleet of the Beys of Tunisia, adding a fascinating historical layer to this journey. Ultimately, the Wetlands Museum of Ghar El Melh is a tribute to Tunisia’s unique ecosystems and the vibrant history of this remarkable region.