Who we are

The Story of Coralive

Coralive is a environmental organization (CHE-311.736.420 Swiss Association Registration Number and CR/99/2021 Maldivian NGO Registry), passionate for the ocean, operating worldwide to help protect, manage and restore coastal ecosystems. As in nature, diversity and synergies are key in creating a healthy environment, hence our team represents diverse backgrounds of experience and expertise to provide the multi-faceted services we offer.

The Coralive family is a growing global network of like-minded people, organizations and business partners, always open to new input and partnerships, so let us know how you might envision a collaboration!

Ahmad Allahgholi (Aki)

Founder & Director

Aki has dedicated his energy and talents to marine conservation initiatives around the globe since 2011, from serving as Program Manager for marine conservation NGO Reefdoctor in Madagascar, to Project Manager for a Philippine-based NGO working on coral reef restoration, MPA management, and alternative livelihood solutions. Armed with a master’s degree in “Sustainable Natural Resource Management” and a thesis in “Coral Reef Restoration” from the United Nations mandated University for Peace in Costa Rica, he is always searching for new knowledge and learning best practices to share.
 

Joanne Wong

Scientific Advisor

Joanne is an ecologist with a strong background in coastal management and environmental impact assessment. She worked as an environmental consultant and researcher in themes varying from coastal planning and harbor green-engineering, to mangrove reforestation, microplastic pollution and saltmarsh ecology. Joanne’s quick thinking, analytic and spatial-oriented mind serves the Coralive team as an inestimable resource for evaluating, designing and executing projects.
 

Zoe Tapps

Senior Project Manager

Zoe is a marine biologist with a degree from Flinders University in South Australia, with extensive global experience in marine conservation, including marine wildlife rehabilitation, aquarium biology, and coral restoration. Since joining Coralive in 2018, Zoe has played a key role in the coordination, execution, and management of reef restoration projects. She focuses on implementing location specific restoration approaches for future reef resilience, educating local stakeholders and providing training opportunities for early-career marine biologists.
 

Matthew Walker

Senior Project Manager

Matt is a marine biologist from Scotland, who has been drawn to the oceans ever since childhood. Graduating from Heriot-Watt University in Edinburgh, he set off to discover how he can use his passion and skills to make big impacts for the oceans, travelling the world and gaining experience in coral restoration, sea turtle conservation, as well as wildlife rescue and rehabilitation. With Coralive, Matt will focus on rebuilding ecosystems from the bottom-up, combining his knowledge and understanding to promote a diverse coral reef framework that ensures healthy ocean bionomics.
 

Richard Baxter

Project Consultant

Rich is an experienced island ecologist specializing in habitat restoration on both land and sea. He has dedicated the last decade to exploring and understanding the biodiversity of the Western Indian Ocean region and its interconnected terrestrial and marine ecosystems. His accomplishments include successfully deploying mineral accretion technology coral nurseries at Frégate Island and managing large-scale coral restoration projects in Maldives. Rich is also a member of the IUCN SSC Tortoise and Freshwater Turtle Specialist Group (TFTSG), regularly engaging in fieldwork, diving, hiking, and communicating the importance of protecting numerous species through conservation efforts.
 

Mai-Linh Murger

Marine Experience Manager

Mai is an environmental professional with a Bachelor of Science in Environmental Management, specializing in Marine Zoology and Botany, and a Master’s degree in Event Management, Tourism, and Sports. Growing up in French Polynesia, she developed a deep connection to the ocean, witnessing firsthand the effects of climate change on coral reefs. Her passion for conservation has taken her from terrestrial ecosystems to marine environments, giving her a well-rounded understanding of biodiversity protection.
Her journey has led her from game monitoring and animal welfare at the Simbonga lion sanctuary in South Africa to the frontlines of marine conservation. She plays a key role in mentoring interns and volunteers, ensuring valuable experiences while actively contributing to meaningful restoration projects. Committed to ethical and science-driven conservation, Mai-Linh believes in the power of community involvement to create lasting environmental change.

Dr. Dave Gulko

Scientific Advisor & Project Consultant

David Gulko has over 35 years of experience in coral reef resource management, serving as Principal Investigator or Lead on numerous projects. He is a global expert in coral nurseries, reef restoration, and underwater forensics. Recently, he designed the Coral Action Plan for NEOM in Saudi Arabia, focusing on active restoration and maintenance in a new marine protected area in the northern Red Sea. Gulko has also created land-based coral nurseries across various oceans and managed coral ecosystems for Hawaii, where he directed the Hawaii Coral Restoration Nursery and developed the Hawaii Coral Ark, a major coral biobank. An award-winning author, his latest book, “Coral Reef Interventions,” will be released in early 2026. He consults globally on coral interventions against climate change and marine impact investigations.

Selma Mezger

Project & Communications Consultant

Selma is a marine biologist pursuing her PhD at the University of Bremen, Germany, investigating the impact of global and local factors on benthic reef organisms. She has gained extensive experience in coral reef ecology through fieldwork in the Red Sea, the Maldives, and the Mediterranean, focusing on coral physiology, restoration techniques, and potential stress factors. Selma has contributed to various research initiatives, and uses her communication skills to engage a broader audience for marine conservation via public talks and presentations. As an experienced scientific diver and freediver, she combines practical restoration work with scientific insight to support healthy reef ecosystems.

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