David Obura

David Obura is a Founding Director of CORDIO East Africa, based in Mombasa, Kenya, and maintains an academic affiliation with the University of Queensland. He is a leading expert in coral reef resilience, particularly regarding climate change impacts, and the biogeography of the Indian Ocean. His work bridges science and action, integrating conservation and development through inclusive blue economy principles aligned with global sustainability goals.

Dr. Obura serves in several prestigious expert roles including:

• Chair of the IUCN Coral Specialist Group
• Coordinating Lead Author for the IPBES Global Assessment
• National Geographic Explorer
• Member of the Earth Commission, Global Commons Alliance/Future Earth
• Technical Working Group member for the High Level Panel on Ocean Sustainability

His research spans multiple scales from local community engagement through regional initiatives like the Northern Mozambique Channel alignment to global policy influence. Dr. Obura's work emphasizes critical connections between marine ecosystem health, human wellbeing, and sustainable development in the Western Indian Ocean region.

As a prolific researcher, he has published extensively on coral reef ecology, climate change impacts, and sustainable ocean governance. His recent work focuses on Earth system boundaries, climate tipping points, and integrating biodiversity conservation with climate action through frameworks like the Global Biodiversity Framework.

Dr. Obura is recognized for translating scientific knowledge into actionable policy recommendations. His leadership with CORDIO East Africa has been instrumental in building regional capacity, fostering stakeholder engagement, and developing innovative coral reef management approaches across the Western Indian Ocean.