Dr Rashid Omari Ismail is working at the Institute of Marine Sciences (IMS), University of Dar es Salaam as Lecturer. He has sixteen years of expertise in the field of marine sciences. He graduated from the University of Dar es Salaam with a Bachelor’s degree in Aquatic Environmental Sciences and Conservation. He is holding MSc. in Botany from the University of Dar es Salaam and PhD in Plant physiology from Stockholm University. He has a wide experience of research in marine science, majoring in  Seagrass Physiology and Ecology, Mangroves Physiology and Ecology, Blue carbon research, Sea-Landscape Ecology, Climate change, Ocean acidification and Coastal Ecosystems connectivity. He worked with UNEP/GEF Blue Forest and IUCN projects aimed to assess the effects of mangroves degradation on carbon storage and blue carbon stocks in the WIO region respectively. Since coastal ecosystems particularly seagrass and mangroves are critical for blue carbon storage and human livelihood, and are under severe threat from anthropogenic activities, his current research focuses on how to conserve mangrove and seagrass ecosystems while guaranteeing sustainable livelihoods. Dr Ismail is an active member of the Western Indian Ocean Mangrove Network (WIOMN), Western Indian Ocean Marine Science Association (WIOMSA) and Western Indian Ocean Early Career Scientists Network (WIOECSN).