I am Sebkhet Sejoumi, where the heart of nature beats in harmony with the ebb and flow of my sacred waters, a timeless witness to the ever-changing tapestry of life in Tunisia, Africa, and the world. I am the Sbekhet voice and today I address you, my guests, to convey the urgency of a matter that affects us all – the preservation and defense of the place you enjoy watching. 

Since time immemorial, I have cradled countless forms of life within my tranquil waters. I have silently observed the interconnectedness of all life, nurturing a symphony of existence that spans from the tiniest microorganisms to the mightiest predators. It is in this diversity that our strength and resilience lie, for every species that calls me home supports the intricate web of life we all depend on.  I have seen boys playing football without fear of being hurt, trusting my salty soil. I have seen baby Flamingos toddling in search of clean water, women collecting Khobiza, women shaping clay, families laying on the green field, olive trees growing, and animals adapting and evolving. I have also seen the consequences of the balance being disrupted, witnessing families on the roof evacuating flooded homes, birds with no refuge, and people treating me as a resource to exploit without thought for the health of my waters and the preservation of my green fields. People are coming closer but keeping far away. 

I speak to you today as the voice of the waters that flow through me from streams and rivers, The farmer who struggles every day, the olive trees that still resist, the creatures that swim beneath my surface algae microorganisms turtles, and mollusks,  the birds that grace my skies flamingos and ducks, and the people who enjoy my silent company. 

Today, I raise my voice, not to lament the challenges we face, but to call for a new alliance—a partnership among all ecosystems and species around me. It is time for us to recognize that our fates are intertwined and our survival depends on the health and well-being of every living being, from the tiniest insect and bees to the tallest trees, from the Hare to the salicornia, from Mallassine and Ezzouhour to El Mghira and from Saida El Manoubia to Sidi Hassine Sijoumi. 

To forge this alliance, we must embrace a new way of thinking and living. We must prioritize sustainability over exploitation, cooperation over competition, and harmony over discord. We must recognize that the well-being of one is intrinsically linked to the well-being of all. 

Together, we can confront the challenges that assail our tranquil waters. Together, we can embark on a journey of healing, regeneration, and coexistence—a journey that will ensure the well-being of every ecosystem and species that graces this place. 

In unity and with boundless hope, 

Sebkhet Sejoumi