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Alasdair Harris

Executive DirectorBlue Ventures

Skoll Awardee

Biography

Alasdair Harris leads the Ocean Resilience & Climate Alliance (ORCA), a philanthropic initiative advancing transformative solutions at the intersection of ocean and climate action.

A marine biologist and social entrepreneur, Al has over two decades of experience building and leading organizations, teams, and boards across the environmental and climate sectors. His work integrates community-led conservation with climate resilience, rejuvenating marine ecosystems while improving livelihoods for coastal communities.

As the founding Executive Director of Blue Ventures, Al developed pioneering approaches to local stewardship and sustainable marine resource use, directly benefiting hundreds of thousands across Southeast Asia, Africa, and the Caribbean.

A TED and Ashoka Fellow, as well as a National Geographic Explorer, Al holds a PhD in marine ecology and an honorary doctorate from the University of Edinburgh.

Regional Focus

Eastern and Southern Africa, Oceania, West and Central Africa