With over 15 years of expertise in environmental science and conservation, I am proud to lead Nature Conservation Egypt (NCE) as its CEO. At NCE, we are dedicated to preserving and revitalizing Egypt's rich natural heritage and biodiversity. My team and I collaborate closely with government bodies, local communities, the private sector, and international partners to devise and implement robust conservation strategies and projects. Beyond my administrative duties, I am an active researcher at Wageningen University & Research, pursuing a PhD in Bird Migration Ecology. My research examines the effects of wastewater management and land use on bird populations and their migratory behaviors, employing tools like Google Earth Engine alongside traditional ecological methods. I am deeply committed to leveraging scientific insights to enhance conservation efforts in Egypt and adapt solutions to meet the unique environmental challenges of non-Western contexts and the global South. I am continually motivated by the possibility of creating innovative, sustainable approaches to nature conservation that respect and integrate the diverse perspectives and needs of the global south.

Mohamed started his career in Saudi Arabia at a travel agency and worked his way up until he became the branch’s manager. Mohamed then decided to return to Egypt in 2011. Mohamed moved jobs in Egypt until he settled in NCE in 2016. Mohamed feels most connected to the wolf. He believes there are many common traits between the two of them. For example, he finds wolves are mostly misunderstood, as they have a reputation of being 'evil', despite their many good traits; a wolf is kind to its family, it’s even called 'the dutiful son’, and that's a trait Mohamed I proclaims he has in common with the wolf. Mohamed promises he also, like the wolf, sleeps with one closed eye and the other half open!

Youmna El Sherbiny was born and raised in Cairo. She studied Integrated Marketing and Communications in the American University in Cairo. El Sherbiny has diverse work experiences with governmental and non governmental entities that extended her work to communications, branding, consulting and brand management. El Sherbiny also studied Psychology and Sociology as university studies which grew her to link between communications and marketing and community work and people.

Watter AlBahry is the founder of 'Wild Phoenix' , a professional environmental researcher, ornithologist-birdwatcher since 1999 and Nature and Wildlife Documentary photographer since 2005, and a wildlife photography instructor at Nikon School Egypt. Watter has worked for various publications including National Geographic & National Geographic Youth Magazine and wrote various researches for many international environmental organizations as BirdLife International and local NGOs since 2009. Watter also worked as an Administrative Officer (NCE) “2013-2016” and rejoined the team recently. Watter worked with HEPCA (Hurghada Environmental Protection & Conservation Association) in the Red Sea Dolphins Project and has many photo publications for False Killer Whales record in Egypt.

Nadia Sherif is a Conservation Officer at Nature Conservation Egypt, she graduated from the University of Sheffield with a B.Sc. degree in Ecology and Conservation Biology. After graduating, Nadia came back to Egypt hoping she could help protect and conserve her country's nature. Nadia's passion for preserving the biodiversity and ecological balance of life stems from living by the sea in Alexandria and a lot of nights watching Steve Irwin on Animal Planet.

Egypt with her parents. She grew up fascinated with natural science in relation to socio-political decisions. Qamar holds an excellence with honors dual degree in Language and Communications. She further dedicated a year to Liberal Arts and Social Sciences with a focus on historical consciousness, African urbanism, critical urbanism and globalization, and political economy. Throughout, Qamar was still deepening her roots in environmental discussions and conferences until she found herself immersed in eco-education with a focus on avian conservation and biodiversity. Qamar joined NCE as a Communications Officer and a Policy officer. Qamar believes we cannot but keep trying to connect, conserve, build, and protect as long as we are breathing.

Mohamed Daoud is NCE’s oldest team member, everyone always says that when they started working at NCE, Abo Daoud was there. Now, it’s time to spot the light on him and his story! Daoud says he was born in Nagaa Hammadi, Qena, but his family moved to Cairo when he was only two months old where he was raised and continued to study and work. Abou Daoud started working in the construction business, in all its fields until he learned everything to then drop it a while after. Abo Daoud said he didn't feel he belonged until he found NCE.” Abo Daoud fell in love with nature in general , and birds in particular especially after he started going on birdwatching trips. “The team made me love the place. I found them like birds, with light hearts, just like sparrows. They treated me like a brother, not just a mere coworker, and that made me want to stay here till the end of my life. I feel that this is my home and where I belong.” In general, Abo Daoud’s most special animal is the Camel. For him, he is a symbol of patience and endurance. But, as a bird lover, he told us that his favorite bird is the White Wagtail. He always sees it in his neighborhood and he finds it playful. “The Wagtail isn’t easy, it keeps jumping around which gives off the impression it feels safe, but once you approach it, it quickly flies away.” Next to the Camel and the White Wagtail, and probably prior to them, Abo Daoud’s love for his coworkers is the biggest thing in his heart. We love you too Abo Daoud!

Mohamed will lead NCE's initiatives to promote sustainable practices in Egypt’s energy sector with a focus on preserving biodiversity and natural habitats. This includes managing specific projects such as the biodiversity offset strategies in the wind farms, advocating for national conservation strategies, and leading efforts to minimize the environmental impact of renewable energy projects.

Ashraf holds a Bachelor’s degree in Agricultural Sciences, Botany Department, Aswan University. He has worked in multiple desert gardens and have learnt how to preserve rare species and benefit from them. Throughout his work, he joined the Red Sea Project and learnt more about marine life through theoretical and practical studies. We are happy to have Ashraf join our team and help us grow our first Native Tree Nursery.