AILARS DAVID

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.