The IBEI is dedicated to safeguarding coastal and marine ecosystems by advancing sustainable blue economy practices that transform natural assets into inclusive economic opportunities and strengthen long-term community stewardship.
The Institute for Blue Economy & Innovation – East Africa (IBEI) represents sustainable Blue Economy in action. By safeguarding coastal and marine ecosystems and advancing inclusive Blue Economy practices, the Institute supports the conservation, enhancement, and transformation of blue natural assets into long-term social, environmental, and economic value. This approach enables targeted investment in key activities such as:
Training & Capacity Building, Applied Research & Innovation, Climate Action & Nature Based Solution, Knowledge Generation & Promotion of Sustainable Initiatives, Policy Advisory & Technical Support and Reginal Cooperation & Partnerships
Our Team
Garad Abdullhi Ali
Executive Director
Marine Ecosystem and Blue Economy specialist with extensive experience in the sustainable governance of marine and coastal resources. Currently serves at Somalia’s Ministry of Environment and Climate Change as the National Blue Economy Focal Point and Head of the Marine & Terrestrial Ecosystem Section. Leads policy development and science-based decision-making to advance sustainable management of marine and terrestrial ecosystems.
Fuad Mohamed Wardhere
Secretary General
Environmental and geospatial professional with strong expertise in GIS, environmental management, and digital spatial analysis. Serves as Secretary General of the Institute for Blue Economy & Innovation – East Africa, supporting institutional coordination, data-driven planning, and geospatial integration in Blue Economy research and sustainable development.
Edwin Okoth Ochola
Programs Director
Sustainability-focused communicator and environmental planning professional working at the intersection of environmental science, policy, and strategic communication. Serves as Director of Programs at the Institute for Blue Economy & Innovation – East Africa, leading inclusive, evidence-based initiatives that strengthen institutions and promote responsible marine and aquatic ecosystem stewardship.
Barwako Houssein Kidar
Communication and outreach Director
Disaster Risk Management and sustainable development specialist with over twelve years of experience in policy, climate resilience, and Blue Economy planning across the Horn of Africa. Has held senior government leadership roles and currently supports evidence-based planning, regional cooperation, and inclusive approaches linking resilience, sustainability, and the Blue Economy.
Impact Stories
Building Skills for a Sustainable Blue Economy
Through its Training and Capacity Building programs, IBEI supported coastal youth and professionals with practical skills in sustainable fisheries, marine conservation, and blue entrepreneurship. As a result, participants are now better equipped to protect marine ecosystems while creating sustainable livelihoods within their communities.
Nature-Based Solutions Strengthening Coastal Resilience
Under its Climate Action and Nature-Based Solutions initiative, IBEI advanced ecosystem-based approaches that restore coastal habitats and enhance climate resilience. These efforts have helped protect blue natural assets while generating long-term environmental and socio-economic benefits for coastal communities.
Partners
