Blue Ocean Renaissance: Meet Dayda Eric Rakotomahatsiaro, Our New UN SDG Youth Ambassador

ICRI International Coral Reef Science Submittal Accepted

Reef Life Foundation is proud to introduce a transformative leader joining our global reef mission: Dayda Eric Rakotomahatsiaro. A Master of Marine Science, Coral Restoration Manager, and visionary researcher, Dayda embodies the next generation of ocean stewardship in the Western Indian Ocean.

Madagascar: From the bustling shores of Nosy Be to the prestigious halls of international symposia, Dayda Eric is more than an advocate; he is a practitioner of "Blue Resilience." With a Master’s degree in Marine Science from the renowned Institut Halieutique et des Sciences Marines (IH.SM), Dayda combines rigorous scientific methodology with a deep-rooted passion for his native Malagasy waters.

The Bridge Between Science and Action: Manager at Koraï Koraï - régénération de la biodiversité marine

Currently serving as the Coral Restoration Manager for Koraï Nosy Be,

Dayda oversees the daily strategic implementation of one of Madagascar’s most ambitious reef projects. His role is multifaceted:

• Scientific Operations: Leading nursery management, fragment transplantation, and long-term monitoring.

• Strategic Leadership: Implementing high-stakes ecosystem restoration strategies defined by Koraï HQ.

• Knowledge Transfer: Translating complex scientific data into actionable reports and educational content for the community and international partners.

Under his management, Koraï has evolved into a vital regional hub, providing critical data to the Global Coral Reef Monitoring Network (GCRMN/CORDIO) and contributing to the IUCN Red List of Ecosystems reassessment—a task of global significance for biodiversity.

Field Excellence: Instructor, Diver, and Freediver

Dayda is a true "waterman," blending professional management with elite technical skills. With over 300 logged dives and a background as a Level 1 Freediver, he possesses a profound connection to the underwater environment.

Beyond exploration, Dayda is a guardian of safety and professional standards. He holds prestigious certifications as an Instructor in Emergency Oxygen Provider and First Aid Instructor (SDI). This dual expertise as both a scientist and a safety instructor makes him uniquely capable of leading complex underwater operations while ensuring the highest standards of risk management for his teams and partners.

A Global Voice: ICRS 2026 and Beyond

The international scientific community has already recognized Dayda’s impact. His research, “Harnessing Ecotourism for Coral Reef Conservation in Nosy-Be: Ecological and Socioeconomic Perspectives” (Abstract #2799), has been accepted for the 16th International Coral Reef Symposium (ICRS 2026) in Auckland, New Zealand.

This work highlights a "Pioneering Finance Model"—linking reef restoration directly to sustainable tourism revenue. This field-tested approach is a beacon of hope for developing island nations facing the chronic lack of conservation funding.

The "Ocean Ambassador" of Nosy Be

Dayda’s influence extends into the luxury and community sectors. As an Ocean Ambassador (supported by the IUCN) for the Collectif Nosy Be Ocean, he designed the "Rencontres Bleues" (Blue Encounters) experience. This initiative bridges the gap between high-end tourism and conservation, educating visitors on the responsible approach to whale sharks, cetaceans, and turtles.

A Versatile International Professional

A multilingual professional (Malagasy, French, English, and notions of Italian and Mandarin), Dayda is uniquely equipped to lead international collaborations. He is an active member of YSO MADAGASCAR (Young Searchers' Organization) and CoRRECT (Coral Reef Research, Education and Conservation Team), ensuring that Madagascar’s voice is heard in every major environmental dialogue.

Joining the Reef Life Foundation Global Team

As our United Nations SDG Youth Ambassador, Dayda will focus on SDG 14 (Life Below Water). He will work alongside Melody Brenna and the global team to scale the "Koraï Model" and amplify youth-led scientific solutions.

Dayda will be integrating the UN UNESCO Blue Ocean Brain Trust

Please join us in welcoming Dayda Eric Rakotomahatsiaro.

Together, we are writing the next chapter of reef restoration.

Harnessing Ecotourism for Coral Reef Conservation:

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