Suaad AL HARTHI

Suaad Al Harthi is a conservation scientist, National Geographic Explorer and the Executive Director of the Environment Society of Oman (ESO), Oman’s first and only environmental non-government organization dedicated to conserving Oman’s natural heritage. With 20 years of environmental conservation experience, Suaad’s role involves the development of programs to promote environmental awareness and innovation in schools, to advocate for conservation through community engagement initiatives, and to facilitate scientific research to inform conservation action. Suaad promotes the conservation of key species such the Arabian Sea humpback whale, North-West Indian Ocean loggerhead sea turtle, Egyptian and lappet-faced vulture, and frankincense trees in Oman. Suaad advocates for the implementation of conservation management plans for the critically endangered loggerhead sea turtles which have faced population decline and the endangered Arabian Sea humpback whale which is considered the smallest and most isolated population of humpback whales in the world with a very low population size. Previously, Suaad served as a Coastal Zone Manager at the Environment Agency - Abu Dhabi, where she focused on coral reef monitoring and coastal zone management. Suaad is a 2024 National Geographic Wayfinder Award Recipient, a TEDx speaker and was awarded Oman Women of the Year in 2019 in the category of Environment for her significant contributions to conservation. Suaad holds a Master’s Degree in Coastal Environmental Management from Duke University and a Bachelor’s degree in Environmental Studies from the University of San Diego.