Mohammed Sameh Email & Phone Number

Dr. Mohamed Antar is a renowned vertebrate paleontologist, natural heritage consultant, and expert in protected area management with over 23 years of experience. As Egypt's National Focal Point for UNESCO's Natural World Heritage and an active member of the IUCN World Commission on Protected Areas (WCPA), Dr. Antar has played a pivotal role in advancing conservation efforts in the Arab world. He is the founder and former manager of Egypt’s Wadi Al-Hitan World Heritage Site, where he led pioneering initiatives in fossil preservation and environmental education, including the creation of Egypt’s first fossil and climate change museum.A dedicated educator, Dr. Antar developed the region’s first Intensive Course on Leadership in Geological Heritage Conservation (UNESCO, 2021) and has conducted training in Saudi Arabia and Egypt to cultivate future leaders in geological heritage conservation. He also co-founded the Mansoura University Vertebrate Paleontology Center to support the development of Egyptian vertebrate paleontologists.Currently, as an environmental consultant at KEARNY, Dr. Antar is instrumental in designing comprehensive management plans for Saudi Arabia's King Khalid and Imam Abdulaziz Royal Reserves, integrating environmental goals with sustainable management practices. His expertise extends to biodiversity conservation, habitat restoration, environmental impact assessments, and strategic planning, making him a highly regarded consultant in regional and international conservation projects.His portfolio includes high-profile international projects across Iraq, Jordan, Mauritania, and Morocco, providing expertise in areas ranging from salinization mitigation to heritage site evaluation and capacity-building for local conservation teams. Dr. Antar’s technical skills encompass project management, GIS, policy development, and habitat delineation, and he was awarded the Propagators’ Grant in 2007 for his contributions to fossil conservation at Wadi El-Hitan. His work exemplifies a commitment to safeguarding natural heritage for future generations through scientific research, education, and sustainable tourism development. Currently, Dr. Antar is also serving as a Senior National Park Advisor for the UNDP, further contributing his expertise to the development and management of protected areas. His commitment to natural heritage and conservation remains at the forefront of his work across the Arab world.