Our Mission
The oceans cover more than 70% of our planet, yet women remain significantly underrepresented in ocean conservation and marine sciences. At The Sirene Project, we’re changing this narrative by creating inclusive spaces where female conservationists can thrive, lead, and innovate.
We envision a world where gender equality in ocean conservation is the norm, not the exception. Our platform connects passionate women with the resources, mentorship, and opportunities they need to become leaders in protecting our blue planet.
Our work is guided by four core values:
- Collaboration – Building networks that transcend borders and disciplines
- Empowerment – Providing tools and resources for women to lead
- Scientific Excellence – Upholding rigorous standards in research and conservation
- Sustainability – Ensuring long-term impact for oceans and communities
Why The Sirene Project Matters
The statistics tell a compelling story about the need for our work:
- Women make up only 38% of ocean scientists globally, according to UNESCO’s Global Ocean Science Report
- Less than 30% of research positions in marine conservation are held by women
- In leadership roles, the disparity grows even wider, with women holding fewer than 20% of senior positions in major marine conservation organizations
Yet research shows that diverse teams produce better outcomes. Conservation initiatives led by women are 35% more likely to report long-term success in community engagement and sustainable resource management. When women participate equally in decision-making processes, marine protected areas show improved compliance rates and better ecological outcomes.
In regions where women have taken leadership roles in coastal management, studies have documented increased biodiversity, improved fisheries yields, and stronger community support for conservation measures.
Our Programs
The Sirene Project offers comprehensive support through four key program areas:
Mentorship Network
We connect early-career women with established female leaders in marine conservation. Our structured mentorship program includes one-on-one guidance, career development resources, and professional skill-building workshops. Mentors and mentees commit to regular check-ins over a 12-month period, creating lasting professional relationships.
Research Grants & Fellowships
We provide financial support specifically designed for women pursuing innovative ocean conservation research. Our grants range from $5,000 to $50,000 and prioritize projects addressing critical marine challenges while advancing women’s leadership. Fellows receive not only funding but also methodological support and publication assistance.
Educational Workshops
Our hands-on training programs equip women with specialized skills in marine research, conservation technology, policy development, and project management. Workshops are offered both virtually and in-field across coastal communities worldwide, making expertise accessible regardless of location.
Community Building
We foster a global network of women in ocean conservation through regular conferences, field expeditions, and online forums. These connections create powerful collaboration opportunities and ensure that no woman has to navigate the challenges of marine conservation alone.
Current Initiatives
The Sirene Project currently spearheads several groundbreaking conservation efforts:
Coral Sisters Initiative
A collaborative research program documenting coral restoration techniques across five global hotspots. All-women research teams are implementing and testing innovative approaches to coral rehabilitation, with promising early results showing 40% higher success rates than traditional methods.
Policy Pathways Program
Our advocacy arm works with government agencies and international bodies to increase female representation in ocean policy development. We’ve successfully advocated for gender-inclusive policies in marine protected area management across three continents.
Ocean Literacy Campaign
Reaching over 100,000 students annually, our educational initiative brings ocean conservation curriculum to schools with a focus on inspiring young girls to pursue marine science careers. Materials highlight the contributions of women to marine research and conservation successes.
Coastal Community Partnerships
Working directly with women in fishing communities, this program develops sustainable livelihood alternatives while promoting conservation. Participants learn techniques for sustainable harvesting, ecosystem monitoring, and ecotourism development.
Success Stories
The impact of The Sirene Project is best illustrated through the achievements of the women we support:
Dr. Maya Chen, Marine Biologist
“The Sirene Project grant funded my research on microplastic impacts on mangrove ecosystems, which led to policy changes in coastal waste management across Southeast Asia. The mentorship I received helped me navigate publishing my findings in top journals and presenting at international conferences.”
Amara Okafor, Community Conservation Leader
After participating in our leadership workshop, Amara established a women-led marine protected area monitoring program in coastal Nigeria. “The skills and confidence I gained through The Sirene Project empowered me to bring together traditional knowledge and scientific approaches. Our community has seen fish stocks recover by 28% in just two years.”
The Coral Monitors Network
A team of six women from different Pacific Island nations, connected through our fellowship program, developed a standardized coral health monitoring protocol now adopted by 17 marine protected areas across Oceania. Their collaborative approach has been recognized by the UN Ocean Conference as a model for regional cooperation.
“The Sirene Project gave us not just funding, but a platform to be taken seriously as scientists and conservationists. We’re now training the next generation of women coral researchers.” — Leilani Tuala, Network Coordinator
Get Involved
There are many ways to join The Sirene Project’s mission:
Volunteer
Whether you have marine science expertise or skills in communication, education, fundraising, or event planning, we have meaningful volunteer opportunities available. Both remote and field-based positions are regularly updated on our volunteer portal.
Donate
Your financial support directly funds grants, fellowships, and program operations. Monthly donors join our “Ocean Guardians Circle” with special access to research updates and virtual field experiences.
Partner With Us
We collaborate with academic institutions, conservation organizations, and corporate partners committed to gender equality and ocean health. Contact our partnerships team to explore how we can work together.
Stay Connected
- Join our newsletter for monthly updates
- Follow us on social media @SireneProject
- Attend an upcoming event – view our calendar below
Upcoming Events:
- June 8, 2025: World Oceans Day Virtual Conference
- July 15-18, 2025: Women in Marine Science Leadership Retreat (Bali, Indonesia)
- September 5, 2025: Sirene Project Research Symposium (San Diego, CA)
- October 12, 2025: Coastal Community Workshop Series Launch (multiple locations)
The ocean needs all voices to protect it. Join us in creating a more inclusive future for marine conservation.