Dr. David Obura chairs the Intergovernmental Platform on Biodiversity and Ecosystem Services (IPBES) for the 2023-2026 term and has represented the Earth Commission from 2019 to 2026. He is also a Founding Director of CORDIO East Africa, an organization focused on promoting the sustainability of coral reef and marine systems in the Western Indian Ocean.

His research primarily centers on coral reef resilience, biogeography, and the impacts of climate change. In recent years, Dr. Obura has expanded his focus to sustainability science, particularly examining nature-climate interactions and their implications for economic and societal contexts. He investigates the scientific foundations that support just transitions and transformations, aiming to foster collective action for sustainability at all levels and strengthen the broader sustainable development framework.

In recognition of his contributions, Dr. Obura was awarded Kenya’s national honor, Moran of the Burning Spear, in December 2021, and received the Coral Reef Conservation Award from the International Coral Reef Society in 2022.