David Obura is a Founding Director of CORDIO East Africa, a knowledge organization supporting the sustainability of coral reef and marine systems in the Western Indian Ocean. CORDIO takes research to management and policy, builds capacity, and works with stakeholders, managers and policymakers. David’s primary research is on coral reef resilience, in particular to climate change, and the biogeography of the Indian Ocean. Reaching out to non-scientists and the public is essential to create the change needed for sustainability. David has worked with multiple fora such as The Conversation Africa, the Guardian/Observer, major TV (South African Broadcasting Company, Al Jazeera, BBC) and film (e.g. Vamizi, Cradle of Coral; Chasing Coral; Blue in Focus).