On February 9 and 10, the Tunisian Blue Ambassadors (TBA) project organized a two-day workshop for a group of English Access Microsholarship Program graduates on themes related to marine and environmental protection and preservation in Tunis. The project – implemented by Notre Grand Bleu association and led by alumni of the Thomas Jefferson Program – aims to strengthen Access alumni and student networks and inspire them toward marine environment protection and civil society engagement. The project provides environmental training for young leaders from five coastal cities in Tunisia: Djerba, Sfax, Monastir, Tunis, and Tabarka. These leaders will then begin environmental clubs to serve as marine environment ambassadors in their communities
Participants in the Tunis workshop gained both theoretical and practical knowledge of sea turtles, seagrass posidonia, invasive species, and sea birds. This was also an opportunity for them to meet and discuss many environmental issues specific to their region, and try to think of innovative and sustainable solutions. Two teams will be invited in March to present their ideas and take part in a supplemental training camp in Monastir.