Barkha is the Regional Regenerative Blue Economy Manager at IUCN Eastern and Southern Africa Office. In this role, she leads the implementation of the Western Indian Ocean Coastal and Ocean Resilience (WIOCOR) project, focused on enhancing seagrass conservation in the Western Indian Ocean under the Great Blue Wall initiative. Previously, Barkha was the Blue Economy Advisor to the African Union Commission, helping to establish a continental blue economy programme following the process of institutional reform of the African Union. Barkha has also served as a diplomat in the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of Mauritius, where her focus was on promoting environmental diplomacy with a focus on SIDS priorities, ocean economy and maritime security, while advocating for innovation and entrepreneurship within the public sector.
An avid scuba diver, Barkha is passionate about strengthening Africa’s ownership over its oceans and seas and making oceans accessible to local communities. She co-founded #SeeingBlue, which aimed at empowering young islanders, especially youth from coastal areas, to champion their ocean resources and supporting them in developing solutions towards the most pressing challenges faced by our oceans and seas.
