Tunisia is known for its natural beauty, from the Mediterranean coastline to its deserts and forests. However, this landscape is increasingly threatened by a persistent problem: waste. On February 14, a day usually associated with romantic love, Tunisians are finding another way to express their affection: by caring for their land.

The national initiative, launched by the citizen movement Solution and Action (الحل والعمل), aims to organise what it describes as Tunisia’s largest coordinated cleanup operation. Beyond its symbolic meaning, the campaign offers a practical response to a shared environmental challenge. It encourages citizens to take responsibility for their surroundings through collective action.

The choice of Valentine’s Day is deliberate. According to the initiative, Pope Gelasius I, associated with the formalisation of Saint Valentine’s Day in the fifth century, had Tunisian origins linked to the Jelassi family. By drawing attention to this historical connection, the movement gives the occasion a new meaning, presenting it as an opportunity to celebrate civic engagement and environmental responsibility rooted in Tunisian identity.

Technology also plays an important role in the campaign. Through an interactive application, participants can choose how they want to contribute, whether by joining cleanup teams, supporting logistics or making donations. The initiative extends across several regions, while an interactive map helps citizens identify nearby locations and join local activities. In this way, digital coordination turns individual goodwill into a collective effort, helping communities organise their contributions towards a cleaner Tunisia.

@solution.and.acti2
www.solutionandaction.com
♬ original sound – Solution and Action

Behind the initiative is Firas Mezghani, an entrepreneur focused on problem-solving and civic impact. In 2021, he developed Covidar, a national telemedicine application that served thousands of patients across Tunisia during the Covid-19 pandemic. National media also covered the project. It showed how technology could address urgent social needs when combined with a clear purpose. Today, Mezghani applies the same approach to environmental action.

The founders of Solution and Action know that lasting change takes time. Transforming a country requires consistency, discipline and daily commitment. Their initiative encourages citizens to adopt cleaner, more responsible habits. Over time, these everyday actions can help restore Tunisia’s streets, neighbourhoods and public spaces.

Solution and Action aims to build a sustained national movement rather than organise a one-day campaign. The initiative already operates in several regions. It plans to expand through regular activities, community participation and partnerships. Its long-term success depends on turning individual involvement into a lasting collective commitment.

The movement welcomes support from investors, institutions, companies and individuals. They can contribute through funding, equipment, materials, logistical assistance or technical expertise. These contributions help communities organise cleanup activities and promote civic responsibility.

At its core, Solution and Action offers a practical approach to civic engagement. Instead of simply complaining about problems, the movement encourages people to find solutions and take action. It combines immediate efforts with a commitment to long-term change.

When asked what Solution and Action means, the answer is simple: Tunisia itself. The initiative reflects a belief in Tunisians’ ability to address everyday challenges. By finding solutions and working together, citizens can make a difference.

The movement also shares this philosophy through its online platform: https://www.solutionandaction.com/en.

Ultimately, Solution and Action aims to do more than collect waste. It seeks to rebuild confidence in collective action and show what sustained cooperation can achieve. By bringing people together around a shared goal, the movement demonstrates how consistent action can turn good intentions into meaningful change.

Environment of Tunisia