Jerry Geoffrey Mangena is the Executive Director of Action For Ocean (AFO), where he leads the organisation’s strategic vision, operational growth, and mission to advance marine conservation across Tanzania and the wider Western Indian Ocean region. He holds a Master’s degree and brings a multidisciplinary approach to ocean stewardship — combining scientific grounding with a strong commitment to community-centred conservation.
Jerry’s expertise spans marine conservation, community engagement, and fundraising and partnerships, with a particular focus on building blue economy ecosystems that are affordable, contextual, and sustainable for the communities that depend on them most. He is a firm believer that lasting ocean conservation is achieved not through top-down mandates, but through empowering coastal communities with the knowledge, tools, and economic opportunities to become active stewards of their marine environment.
Under his leadership, Action For Ocean has grown into a credible voice for ocean advocacy in Tanzania, forging partnerships with local stakeholders, government institutions, and international organisations to drive measurable impact at the intersection of conservation, livelihoods, and climate resilience.
Jerry’s vision is a future where healthy oceans and thriving coastal communities are not competing priorities, but mutually reinforcing realities.