Dr. Hajaniaina Andrianavalonarivo Ratsimbazafy is a Malagasy expert in biodiversity conservation, protected area management, and environmental governance. He currently serves as Dorsch Impact’s Head of Mission for technical assistance to Madagascar National Parks, where he also acts as the institution’s Senior Technical Advisor.
Holding a Master’s degree in Applied Oceanography from the Fisheries and Marine Sciences Institute of Madagascar, he continued his studies in Belgium, where he earned an international Master’s degree in Ocean, River, and Lake Science and Management, jointly awarded by the Vrije Universiteit Brussel, Ghent University, and the University of Antwerp. He also holds a PhD in Science from the Department of Biodiversity & Ecology at the Vrije Universiteit Brussel, where he was appointed Co-Professor of Conservation Genetics in 2019.
For over fifteen years, he has dedicated his expertise to scientific research, higher education, institutional capacity building, and the strategic support of conservation policies. His work focuses on conservation genetics, the sustainable management of terrestrial and marine ecosystems, and improving the governance of protected areas.
As Chairman of the Board of Directors of Natiora Defenders, he supports the organization’s vision and strategic direction, while contributing to the development of science-based solutions to address the challenges of biodiversity conservation in Madagascar and beyond.