“The ocean doesn’t need a single hero—it needs a generation. A generation that rises, restores, and protects. That is the generation we are building.”
— Ailars David
About me
I am Ailars David. a marine scientist and a certified scuba diver, serving as the founder and hub leader for Sustainable Ocean Alliance Tanzania, a youth led NGO and an official hub of Sustainable Ocean Alliance in Tanzania. I also work as a marine conservation warden at Mafia Island Marine Protected Area and a Man and Biosphere reserve under Marine Parks and Reserves Tanzania. I am a proud Regen Future Leaders Fellow, a program by the Prince Albert II of Monaco Foundation. I am deeply passionate about restoring ocean health and sustainability by empowering youth and coastal communities through ocean conservation and sustainable blue economy and innovation.
my story
As a teenager, I often visited the ocean with my friends sometimes as an outreach activity, other times just for fun, like a picnic. During those visits, I began to listen more closely to the people around me. Fishers shared their struggles with declining fish catches, while tourists spoke about the growing issue of ocean pollution. I realized something was deeply wrong with our ocean and I felt the need to act.
That realization stayed with me. I later graduated from the University of Dodoma with a degree in Aquatic Sciences and Aquaculture. It was there that I truly began to understand the scale of the challenges facing our marine ecosystems. Driven by that awareness, I made a commitment to act and that marked the beginning of my journey to build a generation dedicated to ocean restoration.
fOUNDER AND HUB LEADER – SOA TANZANIA
As the founder and hub leader of Sustainable Ocean Alliance (SOA) Tanzania, I am working to build the largest youth-led ocean community in the country what we proudly call the “Generation Restoration.” Our community brings together over 700 young people and local coastal residents across more than 20 regions of Tanzania.
We lead impactful projects focused on mangrove, seagrass, and coral reef restoration, and we champion sustainable blue innovations that help heal and protect our ocean. Through our flagship initiative, the Ocean Bootcamp, we have trained over 182 young ocean leaders in advocacy, conservation, and climate action. To date, our community-led restoration efforts have resulted in the planting of over 20,000 mangroves real actions with lasting impact.
MARINE CONSERVATION WARDEN – MPRU
As a marine conservation warden with Marine Parks and Reserves Tanzania (MPRU), I serve on the frontlines of ocean protection and ecosystem resilience. I am based at the Mafia Island Marine Protected Area (MPA), which is also recognized as a UNESCO Man and Biosphere Reserve—an ecological treasure known for its rich marine biodiversity, coral reefs, seagrass meadows, and mangrove forests.In my role within the Research and Monitoring Unit, I study the island’s biophysical resources and ecosystems to assess their health, trends, and threats. My work involves conducting scientific monitoring of key habitats such as coral reefs, mangroves, and seagrass beds, as well as tracking the status of marine species. This evidence-based approach helps guide sustainable management actions within the MPA.
Beyond research, I collaborate closely with local communities, scientists, and enforcement teams to ensure the protection and long-term sustainability of Mafia’s marine environment. From conservation awareness to restoration efforts, I am committed to preserving one of Tanzania’s most vital marine ecosystems for the benefit of both nature and future generations.