Our Team

an exceptional marine scientist, conservation practitioner, and visionary leader committed to shaping a future where healthy oceans and thriving coastal communities go hand in hand. He is the Founder, Director and Hub Leader of Sustainable Ocean Alliance Tanzania (SOA Tanzania), a youth-led organization driving ocean conservation, climate action, and inclusive blue economy solutions across Tanzania.

Rooted in science and guided by community values, Ailars’ work bridges field-based conservation, youth leadership, and global advocacy. He has led and supported large-scale mangrove and seagrass restoration initiatives, blue carbon projects, and ocean literacy programs that have engaged over 1,000 young people and coastal community members, restoring critical marine ecosystems while creating pathways for sustainable livelihoods and climate resilience.

Beyond national action, Ailars is an active voice in global ocean and climate spaces. He has participated in major international forums including the UN Ocean Conference in Portugal, the UN Ocean Conference in France, UNFCCC COP27 in Egypt, UNFCCC COP28 in Dubai, and the Our Ocean Conference and Youth and Innovation Summit in Greece, where he has contributed Global South and youth perspectives to conversations on ocean governance, climate solutions, and innovation.

Ailars serves as a Marine Conservation Warden with Marine Parks and Reserves Tanzania, bringing hands-on experience in marine protected area management and biodiversity conservation. A certified scuba diver, he is deeply connected to the underwater ecosystems he works to protect, strengthening conservation through direct field engagement and monitoring.

He is a One Young World Ambassador and a ReGen Future Leaders Fellow of the Prince Albert II of Monaco Foundation, collaborating with global leaders advancing nature-based solutions and environmental stewardship. Previously, he served as Country Coordinator for the Western Indian Ocean Early Career Scientist Network (WIOECSN) under WIOMSA, supporting early-career scientists and strengthening regional collaboration across the Western Indian Ocean.

Driven by purpose, optimism, and a belief in the power of youth and communities, Ailars is dedicated to building resilient coastal futures where science, leadership, and collective action come together to protect the ocean for generations to come.

Benjamin Bitta is an Aquatic Scientist and Co-founder of Sustainable Ocean Alliance (SOA) Tanzania. He holds a Bachelor’s degree in Aquatic Sciences and Aquaculture from the University of Dodoma and is passionate about marine conservation, sustainable fisheries, and youth empowerment. Through SOA Tanzania, he has played a key role in advancing community-led ocean restoration, environmental education, and youth engagement initiatives aimed at promoting a sustainable blue economy and healthy marine ecosystems in Tanzania.

Marine scientist, youth ocean leader, and co-founder of Sustainable Ocean Alliance (SOA) Tanzania. She currently serves as the Hub Leader and Community & Partnerships Manager, where she works to mobilize young people, strengthen partnerships, and promote youth-driven solutions for ocean sustainability in Tanzania.

Shadya is passionate about empowering coastal communities and advancing inclusive ocean conservation. Through her work with SOA Tanzania, she leads initiatives that connect youth, researchers, institutions, and coastal stakeholders to collaborate on innovative solutions for marine and coastal challenges.

She is currently pursuing a Master of Science in Marine Sciences at the Institute of Marine Sciences, University of Dar es Salaam, where her research focuses on community perceptions and dependence on mangrove ecosystems in Zanzibar. Alongside her studies, she works as a Tutorial Assistant at the Institute, contributing to teaching, research, and consultancy.

Shadya’s work sits at the intersection of marine science, community engagement, and youth leadership, with a strong commitment to promoting sustainable ocean management and empowering the next generation of ocean stewards in Tanzania.

A dedicated conservation leader with a proven track record in professional reliability and strategic initiative leadership, holding a Bachelor of Science in Wildlife Science and Conservation. Her career is defined by a purposeful transition from her academic roots in Wildlife Science and Conservation at the University of Dar es Salaam into high impact ocean-focused advocacy since 2024.

A young Ocean and environmental activist graduated from the University of Dodoma, where he earned a Bachelor of Science in Aquaculture and Aquatic Science. 

He is currently a Fisheries Officer at Moshi District Council in the Kilimanjaro Region of Tanzania, where he supports sustainable fisheries management and aquaculture development through technical guidance, community engagement, and policy implementation.

Amrani is a Blue Economy and Innovation Officer and Co-Founder of Sustainable Ocean Alliance (SOA) Tanzania, where he works to promote youth-led solutions in ocean and freshwater conservation, climate action, and sustainable blue economy development. Through this role, he supports innovation, capacity building, and collaboration among young professionals and community stakeholders.

Amrani’s work bridges science, innovation, and community practice to advance sustainable aquatic food systems and a resilient blue economy in Tanzania and beyond as he managed the Youth and Women Mwani Empowerment Project, which empowered 100 youth and women from local coastal communities in Tanzania. The project focused on building capacity in best seaweed farming practices and effective farm management as an alternative source of livelihood. Through this initiative, beneficiaries improved their incomes while contributing to the protection and sustainable use of marine ecosystems.

A marine scientist specializing in marine and coastal ecosystem conservation, with expertise in mangrove ecosystems. His professional experience focuses on community-based ecological restoration, stakeholder engagement and mapping, blue economy interventions, and nature-based solutions for climate change adaptation and resilience.

Paul currently works extensively on community-led mangrove restoration initiatives, integrating ecosystem conservation with sustainable alternative livelihoods, including mangrove beekeeping, seaweed farming, and value addition to enhance socio-economic outcomes for coastal communities.

He is a Young Ocean Leader and serves as the General Secretary of Sustainable  Ocean Alliances Tanzania (SOA TANZANIA), a youth-led organization advancing ocean conservation and sustainable coastal development. Under SOA Tanzania, he has served as a project lead and co-lead for multiple initiatives, including the MIKOKO YETU Project, Mangrove Beekeeping Project, and the Grass Under Water Project, Mikoko Yetu Ujamaa Project, Our Ocean Bootcamp and others.

Previously, Paul served as a Project Officer for the NORAD-funded Mangrove Management for Climate Risk Resilience and Improved Livelihoods Project, implemented across Kilwa, Kibiti, and Mafia districts, contributing to mangrove management planning, climate risk reduction, and community engagement.

Paul also has experience in marine litter research, having participated as a Research Assistant in the Clean Shores – Great Lakes Project (2023–2024), supporting marine litter data collection, analysis, and reporting. Additionally, he has contributed to Community-Based Ecological Mangrove Restoration (CBEMR) assessments led by the Mangrove Action Project in Tanga and Coastal regions, providing technical recommendations to improve restoration outcomes.

Herbert George Semkiwa is a seasoned Communication Manager with over 10 years of professional experience in strategic communications, digital engagement and community-centered advocacy. He has served as a Social Media Officer at Sauti Ya Mtoto Foundation, Majohe Knowledge and Information Center and Efatha Church Kimbiji (Temeke), where he led content strategy, campaign management, multimedia production and online community growth. His expertise spans climate storytelling, videography, capacity building, and social media administration, using communication as a tool to advance social change and environmental stewardship.

Finance Manager of Sustainable Ocean Alliance (SOA) Tanzania and a dedicated youth leader committed to advancing ocean conservation and sustainable development. She plays a key role in financial planning, grants management, and organizational administration, ensuring the effective delivery of SOA Tanzania’s community-led restoration, ocean literacy, and youth empowerment initiatives. Through her work, she supports the growth and sustainability of youth-driven ocean action across Tanzania.

A coastal climate advocate and marine ecosystem conservation practitioner based in Tanzania, along the western Indian Ocean. He graduated from the University of Dar es Salaam in 2022 with a Bachelor of Science in Aquatic Sciences and Fisheries Technology, gaining expertise in marine biology, fisheries management, ecosystem dynamics, and sustainable resource use. This education provided him with strong skills in fieldwork, data analysis, and environmental policy, fueling his passion for ocean conservation amid rising climate and habitat threats.

Is a dedicated marine conservationist with a background in Aquatic Sciences and Fisheries, and a strong interest in marine ecosystem conservation, restoration, and sustainable coastal resource management. Her work focuses on protecting and restoring vital marine habitats, including seagrass meadows, coral reefs, and mangrove ecosystems, while promoting community participation in conservation initiatives.

Fisheries Officer, marine conservation practitioner, and fundraising professional with extensive experience in coastal and marine resource management, community engagement, and sustainable fisheries. He currently serves as the Fundraising Manager and Co-Founder of Sustainable Ocean Alliance (SOA) Tanzania, where he leads resource mobilization efforts, partnership development, and strategic fundraising initiatives that support youth-led ocean conservation and blue economy programs.

Livinus has worked extensively in fisheries management, aquatic research, and community-based conservation, contributing to projects that strengthen marine ecosystem resilience, sustainable livelihoods, and youth empowerment across Tanzania. He is also pursuing advanced research on the role of small fish in food security and nutrition among coastal communities, reflecting his strong interest in the intersection of marine conservation, fisheries, and human well-being.

A certified scuba diver and passionate ocean advocate, Livinus is committed to advancing innovative, community-driven solutions for ocean sustainability while building partnerships that unlock opportunities for coastal communities and the next generation of ocean leaders.

Mr. Erick has a bachelor’s degree in Aquatic Sciences and Fisheries from the University of Dar es Salaam, with over 4 years experience in Fisheries Resources Management, Marine conservation and Aquaculture. He is a dedicated young ocean leader, working under SOA TANZANIA to build Generation Restoration.

Mr Erick’s participation in SOA TANZANIA, revealed by his leading role in implementation of  (Mangrove Restoration) Mikoko Yetu, Underwater Grass (Seagrass restoration) and Kijana na Mwani (Regenerative Seaweed Aquaculture)Projects. Purposely working on ideas, concept notes and project proposals development, identifying potential funders and donors, building partnerships including  consortiums and joint applications,Conduct Monitoring and Evaluation assessments and communicating project impacts. 

He is working as Fisheries Officer (QC) at the Tanzania Fisheries Corporation (TAFICO). He previously  worked as an Aquaculture specialist in the ARSNA-AFDP(II) Project under IFAD, NORAD and the Ministry of Prime Minister’s Office, Parliamentary, Coordination and Policy in Songea and Mtwara Regions,supporting 500 small scale fish and seaweed farmers in best farming techniques and management methods for Nile tilapia (Oreochromis niloticus), Milkfish (Chanos chanos),Seacucumber (Holothuria scabra), muddy crab (Scaylla serrata), and red seaweed (Kappaphycus sp. and spinosum) .

Mr Erick’s adaptive leadership skills, and passion for youth and local communities empowerment in ocean literacy, protection  and climate action create a bright future for long term ocean sustainability.