Mazzella Maniwavie holds an MSc in Marine Biology and Ecology and works with The Nature Conservancy’s Papua New Guinea Program. With extensive experience in community-based marine management and mangrove restoration, she now serves as Government Relations and Policy Advisor, leading policy and science initiatives for sustainable marine management. Her research has shaped best practices for mangrove rehabilitation in PNG and highlighted their role in climate resilience. She contributed to PNG’s first community mangrove handbook and leads major initiatives, including the Bautama Mangrove Educational Boardwalk and national blue carbon policy development.