Biography

Sarah Gaines joined the University of Rhode Island in 2017 through the Coastal Resources Center and continues her work at the Coastal Institute, where she leads the development of the Institute’s international portfolio. Her work centers on sustainable coastal management, governance, and climate resilience, with an emphasis on linking scientific knowledge to cultural and community contexts.

Her expertise spans geoheritage, natural and cultural heritage conservation, marine spatial planning, and international science policy. She led the Coastal Resources Center’s marine biodiversity conservation work in Madagascar. Prior to coming to URI, she worked at UNESCO headquarters in Paris as a program specialist in ecological and earth sciences, contributing to global research networks and internationally designated site programs. She currently serves on the International Advisory Committee on Biosphere Reserves to UNESCO.

She holds degrees in Earth Sciences from Princeton University (BA) and University of Cape Town (MSc).

Current Initiatives

• USAID Fish Right Program
• National Park Service Operational Resiliency Support