The Medina of Sousse, a UNESCO World Heritage site renowned for its historical architecture including walls, gates, and the Great Mosque, faces several risks from environmental factors and urban pressures:

Climate Change and Rising Sea Levels: Being close to the coast, the Medina of Sousse is vulnerable to the impacts of rising sea levels. This can lead to increased flooding, especially during storm surges, which not only damages the ancient structures but also the infrastructure that supports the area.

Urbanization Pressure: As Sousse continues to expand, the urban pressure on the Medina increases. This includes construction that can undermine the foundations of historic buildings and the overuse of water resources, leading to subsidence issues.

Erosion and Saltwater Intrusion: The proximity to the sea makes the Medina susceptible to saltwater intrusion, which can deteriorate building materials over time, such as stone and wood, leading to faster degradation of its iconic structures.

Tourism Impact: While tourism is a vital economic driver for the region, the large number of visitors can lead to physical wear and tear on the ancient structures. Without proper management, the increased foot traffic and related activities can pose a threat to the integrity of the site.

Maintenance and Conservation Challenges: Maintaining the Medina, with its narrow alleys and densely packed historic buildings, presents significant challenges. Consistent and adequate funding for preservation activities is required to address issues of decay and ensure ongoing maintenance, which is often difficult to secure.

Efforts to mitigate these risks include implementing strict regulations on urban development within and around the Medina, enhancing disaster preparedness plans to manage flooding risks, and establishing sustainable tourism practices to balance economic benefits with heritage conservation.