Field & Community Engagement | 2021–2022
Association Club Bleu Artisanal × Association Les Amis des Oiseaux (AAO/BirdLife Tunisia) × SPA/RAC
Connecting Science, Fishers, and Conservation
Between 2021 and 2022, Chaima BEN GRIRA contributed to field and community-based activities within the MedBycatch project in Tunisia, working at the intersection of marine conservation, fisheries and participatory science. The Tunisian component of MedBycatch brought together conservation organisations, fisheries stakeholders and local communities to improve knowledge of vulnerable marine species affected by fisheries, strengthen data collection, raise awareness among fishers and support practical approaches to reduce bycatch.
Her Contribution
Training & Capacity Building
Participation in training activities aimed at strengthening knowledge of vulnerable marine species, bycatch and sustainable fishing practices.
Participatory Science
Contribution to participatory data collection, connecting scientific monitoring with the knowledge and experience of fishing communities.
Awareness & Communication
Supporting awareness and communication activities to improve understanding of bycatch and promote greater involvement of fishing communities.
Community Engagement
Building dialogue with fishers and recognizing local knowledge as an important component of marine conservation.
Fisher Surveys & Field Investigations
Conducting surveys and engaging directly with fishers to document fishing practices and interactions with vulnerable marine species.
Fieldwork
Participation in field activities and direct engagement with fishing communities and coastal stakeholders.
Environmental Education & Future Generations
For Chaima BEN GRIRA, environmental education is an essential part of building a sustainable relationship between people and the sea. Through awareness activities, field experiences and engagement with local communities, she has contributed to making marine and environmental issues more accessible and meaningful, particularly for young people. This approach reflects a long-term vision: protecting the Mediterranean today while empowering future generations to understand, value and actively contribute to its protection. By connecting knowledge, local experience and action, environmental education becomes a powerful tool for nurturing a new generation of responsible citizens, professionals and leaders of the Blue Economy.
From Field Knowledge to Conservation Action
MedBycatch created an opportunity to connect scientific knowledge, field observations and the lived experience of fishers.
Through surveys, training, participatory science, communication and field activities, Chaima BEN GRIRA developed valuable experience in bridging scientific approaches with local knowledge and community engagement.
This experience contributed to shaping an approach to marine conservation based on a simple principle:
Listen to communities. Understand the field. Connect knowledge with action.
A Foundation for SHE4SEA
For SHE4SEA, the MedBycatch experience represents an important stage in Chaima BEN GRIRA’s professional journey, strengthening her experience in fisheries, marine conservation, participatory science and community-based approaches.
It contributed to the foundations of a vision that continues today through SHE4SEA: connecting people, science, opportunities and action for a more sustainable Mediterranean Blue Economy.