Dr. Blandina Lugendo, a L'Oréal-UNESCO for Women in Science Fellow (2004), is a Senior Lecturer and the Dean of the School of Aquatic Sciences and Fisheries Technology, University of Dar es Salaam. She is a distinguished marine scientist in the WIO region who specializes in coastal and marine ecosystem conservation. She holds a Ph.D. in Fish Ecology from Radboud University Nijmegen and has a strong academic foundation in marine sciences from the University of Dar es Salaam. Her expertise spans seagrass, mangrove, and fish ecology, focusing on biodiversity conservation, ecosystem functioning, habitat mapping, and nature-based solutions (habitat restoration). Her extensive research has provided critical insights into marine ecosystems, informing sustainable management practices in Tanzania and the broader WIO region. Dr. Lugendo has co-authored various book chapters and articles published in peer-reviewed scientific publications. She is also involved in supervising Undergraduate, Master and PhD students.

Dr. Lugendo’s experience has earned her key positions in regional, national and NGO Boards and Committees, including Chairperson of the Advisory Board of Fisheries Education and Training Agency (FETA), Chairperson for Board of Trustees for Tanzania Marine Parks and Reserves Unit (MPRU), Chairperson of the Advisory Board of Sea Sense, and Member of the National and Regional Task Forces for WIOSAP Project (UNEP – Nairobi Convention) on Critical Habitats Component. Dr. Lugendo served as the WIOMSA Country Coordinator for Mainland Tanzania and is currently a member of the WIOMSA Board of Trustees.