With over 30 years of experience in ocean space, Dr Jeff A. Ardron is a recognized leader and international expert in marine and environmental governance, policy, planning, and conservation. He has a proven track record of spearheading innovative and impactful work in government, inter-governmental and non-governmental organizations, as well as research and academia. Currently, he is the Africa Oceans Director for The Nature Conservancy (TNC), overseeing teams working in several African countries on ocean conservation and sustainability. These include: Kenya, Tanzania, Seychelles, South Africa, Namibia, Angola, and Gabon. Previously, he was the Adviser, Ocean Governance at the Commonwealth Secretariat, London, where he led the landmark Commonwealth Blue Charter, a unique international agreement that he conceived and established. The Blue Charter became the Commonwealth’s ocean solutions flagship across its 56 countries. Dr Ardron holds a PhD in Ocean and Earth Science from the University of Southampton, UK, and an MSc in Environment and Management from Royal Roads University, Canada.