Table 7 Challenges and opportunities in the conservation of the Medina of Tunis from a circular approach perspective

Knowledge and data exchange

Gap in the knowledge and data exchange circle

No means for attracting skills

‘The Rambourg Foundation’s digitisation of all the artisans’ work can be a good example to follow’ (interview with Zoubeïr Mouhli, February 16, 2022)

Culture

The safeguarding and enhancement plan for the Medina of Tunis makes it difficult to localise new uses of the space

‘To be able to get people to participate in cultural life, there should be an organisation of meaningful cultural activities’ (interview with Zoubeïr Mouhli, February 16, 2022)

‘It can be interesting to make well-located guest houses and try to plan their location with a long-term vision. We should think about the Medina as a whole.’ (interview with Inchirah Hababou, February 15, 2022)

Regeneration

Land use regulation problems and legacies that have never been resolved

’What has to be done is that the legislations force owners to sell or renovate their properties’ (interview with Zoubeïr Mouhli, February 16, 2022)

To solve the funding problems and the Medina’s management conflicts, almost all the interviewees agreed that PPPs should be increased

Environmental Circle

The Medina’s compact urban pattern does not permit the creation of green public spaces. The Medina’s UNESCO-protected status constrains the use of green building technologies

‘Green terraces can be made only in a few places and with the condition of prohibiting water infiltration’ (interview with Zoubeïr Mouhli, February 16, 2022)

Safety and Security

Absence of application texts concerning safety and security regulations

‘The creation of job vacancies for the community through PPPs Pedestrianisation and urban lighting’ (interview with Souad Abderrahim, February 08, 2022)

‘Involving the Medina’s community in providing security is a must’ (interview with Laila Ben Gacem, February 16, 2022)