MOUNTAINS LANDSCAPE IN CENTRAL WEST OF TUNISIA: ESSAY OF EVALUATION OF NATURAL ASPECTS IN BOUCHEBKA’S MOUNTAIN

Belonging to the Tunisian dorsal mountains, Bouchebka has a typical landscape of the west-central region of Tunisia. It is distinguished by the importance of the forest area which covers 92 % of the area of the region and the importance of rugged relief. Bouchebka forests part of the great mass of Aleppo pines, located on the plateau between the DjebelChambi and Tébessa mountains cover an area of 19,700 ha. Its mountainous terrain, smoothness and exceptional abundance of sources are the cause of its physical and natural characteristics. The purpose of this research was to reveal the importance of the study area for ecological plans and to help realize its true potential as a multifunctional landscape area. To achieve our goals, analytical research tools based on several interdisciplinary analyses, in particular the cartographic interpretation and delineation of natural and landscape zoning were developed. The obtained results reflect the importance of this territory from the perspective of natural and landscape resources and the necessity of the state intervention and civil society to become engaged for the preservation of this natural heritage.