ANNOUNCEMENT
A New Chapter in our Leadership
Introducing our New Director,
Dr. Mishal Gudka
Mishal Gudka joined CORDIO in 2016 as an intern and gradually grew to be the leader of the organisation’s coral reef programme. His work spans a variety of applied research across the Western Indian Ocean, particularly on CORDIO’s flagship ecosystem: coral reefs. Mishal has led a range of ecosystem assessments using internationally recognised methods such as the Red List of Ecosystems, the Ocean Health Index and Resilience Potential assessments. He has also undertaken extensive coral reef monitoring and bleaching assessments, and contributed to Global Coral Reef Monitoring Network (GCRMN) regional reports.
In his new role, he will lead CORDIO’s research agenda across marine and coastal ecosystems, supporting efforts to strengthen evidence-based conservation, monitoring, and management across the region.
In this interview, we explore his journey in marine science, the current state of coastal ecosystems in the Western Indian Ocean, emerging priorities in conservation and research, and what he hopes to help shape in this next chapter of his work.
1. You joined CORDIO in 2016 as an intern and now you return as Research Director. How do you feel about this opportunity to lead the organisation?
To be honest, I feel very excited and humbled. CORDIO has nearly 30 years of experience and impact in marine science and conservation, and I’m standing on the fins of giants in this space, both in our region and globally. It is exciting, but also a little daunting.
Having worked at CORDIO for six years already, I understand what makes the organisation so unique and important, and I can’t wait to get started and build on the strong foundations that are already in place. I’m very grateful for the trust shown in me by Melita, David, and Joan in taking on this leadership role.
2. What have been some of the most important learning moments in your work so far?
CORDIO gave me my start in the coral reef science field and taught me a lot about what it means to be a good researcher. One of the most important things I learned early on was the value of being inclusive and collaborative, and that is really central to how CORDIO works. We have been able to achieve so much because we work effectively with other stakeholders and partners.
3. As Research Director, what broad areas will shape CORDIO’s research priorities going forward?
Good question. CORDIO has always focused on applied research — research that has real-world conservation applications. That is also where my research interests lie, so I would definitely like to continue building on this. Coral reefs are changing, and they are changing rapidly, so it will be important to document these changes and understand their implications for dependent communities and biodiversity.
However, CORDIO is also far more than just ecological research. We do fantastic work on community-based conservation, small-scale fisheries, and social science. I am looking forward to working on integrated, multidisciplinary questions that provide holistic information to support decisions on how we manage and use our marine environment.
4. What are your immediate priorities as you step into this role?
I am still figuring this out. I have a keen interest in communication, so I want to invest in increasing the visibility and reach of our work so that we can maximise our impact.
One of my immediate priorities will be to strengthen and expand our long-term partnerships, particularly with organisations and funders that value science and evidence-based conservation, and that recognise the importance of investing in and working alongside a truly local African organisation with world-leading expertise and impact.
5. Looking ahead, what kind of impact would you like this phase of your work to have in the region?
I’m not really someone who looks too far ahead. I got into this line of work to make a positive impact on biodiversity and society, particularly at home in Kenya and across the Western Indian Ocean. I aim to continue CORDIO’s legacy as a regional and global leader in undertaking groundbreaking marine science.
However, like many people, the current situation has given me a greater sense of urgency. We must ensure that our research and knowledge are reaching and being heard by the right people. I am keen to mainstream our messages so that, with all the attention the marine sector is receiving at the moment, nature conservation does not become a missed opportunity.
6. What advice would you give to young scientists and practitioners entering marine and coastal conservation today?
Ooh — don’t be afraid to try new and innovative ideas. There is no single way to tackle the biodiversity crisis. It will require interdisciplinary solutions, whether they come through business, technology and engineering, communications and marketing, politics, conservation, research, or a combination of all of these. So, try to be creative.
However, my main message would perhaps be for the mentors. I feel that at CORDIO, I was given wonderful opportunities to grow and was constantly encouraged to do so, with the right amount of guidance and support. And I’m not alone — many influential people in the Western Indian Ocean region and beyond have come through CORDIO. It is part of the fabric and culture of the organisation, and I want to ensure that continues.
