Blandina Lugendo

Trained at BSc level as a general marine ecologist. At MSc level specialized as a seagrass ecologist, and at PhD level as a mangrove and fish ecologist.

I am currently employed by the University of Dar es Salaam (Tanzania) where I work as a lecturer. As a lecturer I teach a number of courses ranging from fisheries science, marine resources and management, seagrass and mangrove ecology, fish ecology and behaviour. Apart from teaching I also do research and consultancy services.

As a researcher I generally work as a marine ecologist in wide range of specialization ranging from seagrass, mangrove and fish ecology, the fields in which i do most of my research work. I have also researched on trophic relationships and nutrient pollution along coastlines using stable isotopes as a tool. I have also published in these areas.

I also do have a working knowledge in coral reef ecology, marine living resources, biodiversity assessment, marine resources and management, marine protected areas, marine endangered species, and estuaries. Regarding biodiversity assessment I was involved in the review of National Biodiversity Strategic and Action Plan (2015-2020) as the Lead Expert, during this exercise i gained a great deal of knowledge not only regarding marine biodiversity but also terrestrial and freshwater biodiversity. This exercise also enhanced my leadership as well as coordination skills. I have worked in different leadership position both as a marine ecologist and beyond.

I am currently leading the Department of Aquatic Sciences and Fisheries Technology as Head, where I am mandated to oversee both academic and administrative issues of the Department. I was a Board Chair for Marine Parks and Reserves Unit (Tanzania) the position that exposed me in a completely different set up of leadership. I also sit as a Board Member in different Boards. Currently I lead a regional team of researchers in a WIOMSA funded MASMA project geared at assessing the effectiveness of seagrass meadows in protecting shorelines against erosion. This project will also pilot seagrass restoration. The project is implemented in Tanzania (mainland and Zanzibar) and Mozambique. The project has a capacity building component where a total of 4 postgraduate (2 PhDs and 2 MSc) students are involved. I have also been involved in preparation of national as well as regional (WIO) reports including The State of Environment (Tanzania), State of the Coast (Tanzania), the Regional State of the Coast Report (2015), and the Regional Critical Habitat Outlook (yet to be published). I am keen to be involved in other national and regional tasks which falls within my area of expertise, but also ready to learn new things.

I am a member in various professional affiliations including the Western Indian Ocean Marine Science Association, Western Indian Ocean Seagrass Network, Indo-Pacific Seagrass Network, Network of Women in Marine Sciences (WiMS), and Regional Task Force for Implementation of the Strategic Action Programme for the protection of the Western Indian Ocean from land-based sources and activities (WIO-SAP) for the Nairobi Convention.

I have received various grants from WIOMSA, NUFFIC-MHO-ENVIRONS as well as Sida-SAREC. Also received an award notably the UNESCO-LOREAL for Women in Science in 2004.