Salim holds a master's degree in environment and land management from the University of Tananarive. He first applied his skills as head of the Anjouan forestry service at the Regional Directorate of the Environment, then as head of prospective studies at the Regional Directorate of Urban Planning and Housing. He joined Dahari as a reforestation technician and community mobilizer, responsible for monitoring nurseries, georeferencing reforested areas, raising awareness among community groups, and overseeing agricultural activities.