In preparation for the 8th edition of the Forum Mondial de la Mer to be held on September 12 in Bizerte, Rym Benzina, president of the association La Saison Bleue, and Fathi Belkahia, secretary general of the association, had the honor to meet the governor of Bizerte, Mr. Salem Ben Yacoub. The meeting was an opportunity to present the objectives of the Forum and discuss collaborative efforts to ensure its success.
A diverse gathering for collaborative action
During this meeting at the governorate headquarters on Wednesday, July 6, Ms. Benzina emphasized that this edition of the Forum Mondial de la Mer is a key international event dedicated to ocean conservation and sustainable maritime practices. With the theme “From Nice to Bizerte: How is the Mediterranean Doing?”, the forum will serve as an essential platform for dialogue and action. It will highlight international commitments for the preservation of marine ecosystems, notably those made during the Nice conference on ocean protection, and address upcoming negotiations on the global treaty on plastic pollution scheduled for August in Geneva. Rym Benzina, president of La Saison Bleue, specified that the forum will also address ocean governance, sustainable financing, scientific cooperation, the fight against illegal fishing, and the combined effects of climate change and plastic pollution.
Fathi Belkahia noted that this event brings together researchers, professionals, civil society representatives, UN member states’ representatives, international organizations, and local authorities.
This broad range of participants will work collaboratively to define priorities, establish an intervention methodology, and propose concrete actions to enhance the Mediterranean marine environment.
He also highlighted that the Forum is organized in partnership between the association La Saison Bleue and the European initiative Blue Mission Med, within the framework of the EU mission “Restore our ocean and waters.” This partnership aims to strengthen regional cooperation between marine basins and rivers, while inscribing regional priorities on the agenda of the 3rd United Nations Ocean Conference (Nice, June 2025).
Regional and State Support
The governor of Bizerte, Salem Ben Yacoub, affirmed the commitment of the region and various state structures to support development, social, and environmental events, and to mobilize necessary efforts to guarantee their success and contribute to achieving their objectives at local, national, and international levels.
Mr. Ben Yacoub also stressed the importance of a participatory approach in the preparation and organization of this edition, involving all official structures of the region.
