Dr. Salem Hamdiah
Environmental Scientist | Biodiversity Advocate | Socotra Native, Founder
Salem is an environmental scientist and academic from the Socotra Archipelago (Yemen), internationally recognized for his work in biodiversity conservation, sustainable land management, and community-led environmental protection.
As the first Socotri to earn a degree in English Language, Dr. Hamdiah has dedicated his life to bridging local knowledge with global science. His academic journey led him from Hadhramout University in Yemen to Europe, where he earned a Master’s in Forest Botany and a PhD in Environmental Protection. His doctoral research focused on the conservation of Socotra’s endangered Frankincense trees (Boswellia spp), an emblem of the island’s natural and cultural heritage.
For over 15 years, Dr. Hamdiah has worked at the intersection of education, science, and policy. He has managed protected areas, led national biodiversity initiatives, and collaborated with international institutions including the United Nations Environment Programme (UNEP/GEF), the Franklinia Foundation, and the International Union for Conservation of Nature (IUCN). From 2012 to 2022, he served as Manager of Biodiversity Management for the Socotra Archipelago, appointed by Yemen’s Ministry of Water and Environment.
Through his work, Dr. Hamdiah has brought global attention to the environmental challenges facing Socotra—cyclones, droughts, overgrazing, and habitat loss—while championing the role of indigenous communities in protecting the island’s unique ecosystems. He continues to lead research, education, and conservation initiatives aimed at ensuring a resilient future for Socotra’s people and its extraordinary biodiversity.
“My mission is to protect Socotra’s natural heritage not only through science, but by empowering the communities who have safeguarded it for generations.” — Dr. Salem Hamdiah
