Systematic review of a RAMSAR wetland and UNESCO biosphere reserve in a climate change hotspot (Ichkeul Lake, Tunisia)

Tunisia's Ichkeul Lake is among the most productive ecosystems in Mediterranean, with a great regional value thanks to its diversity of habitats. It an important overwintering area for waterfowl species. RAMSAR wetland, National Park, UNESCO World Heritage, and Biosphere Reserve. This review paper provides broad overview climatic, hydraulic, biogeochemical features, bio-resources, bio-productivity Lake. The interconnectivity between different environmental components lake presented, highlighting main characteristics this vital ecosystem. Its ecosystem consists permanent bordered by temporary marshes. connected Mediterranean Sea via Bizerte Lagoon under typical semi-arid sub-humid bio-climate wet dry seasons. winter rainfall fills up rivers freshwater that overflows into Tinja River. In summer, high evaporation reduces water level allows seawater enter wetland from Lagoon. threatened pollution, damming rivers, climate change. unsustainable management has resulted fundamental modifications, as evidenced large variation salinity, level, productivity plants , decline venue stop-overs waterbirds. current situation warning indicates general perturbation resources particular site Tunisian wetlands general, especially region been designated change hotspot. Accurate hydrological needed boost physical functioning ecosystem, gain deeper knowledge phases cycle relationship other long-term cycles sustainable strategies water-scarce world. • Wetland, located one hot spots. regionally bioresources bioproductivity. Damming, hydraulic structures (locks) pollution caused major degradation Climate pressures disruption functioning.