A journey that started early : SeaTuMed

Project Coordinator | 2019–2021

WWF North Africa × Association Club Bleu Artisanal

A journey that started early

At just 19 years old, Chaima Ben Grira stepped into the field of marine conservation and sustainable fisheries as a Project Coordinator within SeaTuMed. Her early involvement in the project marked an important step in a journey shaped by field experience, community engagement, environmental education and a strong commitment to the Mediterranean. Through SeaTuMed, Chaima contributed to activities bringing together fishers, local communities, researchers and environmental stakeholders, gaining first-hand experience of the challenges facing marine and coastal ecosystems.

Her contribution

As a project coordinator, Chaima was involved in: Environmental Awareness Supporting awareness activities promoting marine conservation, environmental protection, and sustainable practices.

Training & Capacity Building Contributing to training activities designed to strengthen knowledge and capacities among local stakeholders and coastal communities.

Advocacy & Stakeholder Engagement Taking part in advocacy initiatives and stakeholder dialogue around marine conservation and the sustainable management of marine resources.

Fieldwork & Sea Activities Participating in field activities and sea trips, working directly with fishing communities, and gaining practical insight into their realities, practices and challenges. Scientific Monitoring Contributing to field-based scientific monitoring and data collection related to marine ecosystems and fisheries. Participatory Approach Working alongside fishers and coastal communities, valuing local knowledge and encouraging their participation in environmental and marine initiatives

From the field to academic research

This field experience was complemented by her academic journey at the Institut Supérieur de la Pêche et de l’Aquaculture de Bizerte (ISPA Bizerte), where she pursued her studies and developed a scientific and technical foundation in fisheries and aquaculture. Her final-year project (PFE) further strengthened the connection between her academic training and her field experience, bringing together scientific knowledge, marine ecosystems, and practical challenges faced by coastal communities.

Building expertise through experience

SeaTuMed represents one of the early milestones in Chaima Ben Grira’s professional journey. It helped shape an approach based on a simple principle: Connecting knowledge, communities, and action to create a more sustainable Mediterranean. Today, this experience forms part of the foundation behind SHE4SEA’s vision: connecting people, knowledge, opportunities, and action to empower women and future generations within the Mediterranean Blue Economy.