On the International Day for Biological Diversity 2026: Faculty of Science at Sana’a University Hosts a Distinguished Scientific and Awareness Event

Sunday, May 24, 2026

7 Dhu al-Hijjah 1447 AH

Under the patronages of Prof. Dr. Mohammad Al-Bukhaiti, Rector of Sana’a University, and under the direct supervision of Prof. Dr. Mohammad Saleh Qassilah, Dean of the Faculty of Science, the Faculty—represented by the Department of Biological Sciences—organized a major scientific and awareness celebration yesterday, Sunday, May 24, 2026, marking the International Day for Biological Diversity 2026. The event was held under the theme: “Biodiversity: The Foundation of Life and Sustainability for the Future.”

The event took place at the late Prof. Dr. Thabet Al-Humaidi Hall in the Faculty of Science Deanship building. It witnessed a remarkable academic attendance of faculty members, researchers, and students interested in the environment and wildlife conservation in Yemen.

Official Opening and Rich Scientific Sessions

The event was opened by the Dean of the Faculty, Prof. Dr. Mohammad Saleh Qassilah, who delivered a welcoming address emphasizing the importance of commemorating this international day to raise community and academic awareness regarding environmental issues and challenges facing ecosystems in Yemen. He highly commended the Department of Biological Sciences for organizing such fruitful activities.

The event’s program featured a series of valuable scientific lectures covering diverse themes:

• The First Lecture: Delivered by Dr. Hassan Ibrahim, Professor of Taxonomy, who discussed in detail “Biological Diversity and the Yemeni Flora.” He highlighted the unique plants and rich vegetation that characterize the Yemeni environment, emphasizing the importance of preserving it as a national and global heritage (such as the Dragon’s Blood tree and the Adenium/Desert Rose plant).

• The Second Lecture: Presented by Dr. Qais, focusing on the dimensions of “Biological Diversity,” environmental changes, challenges, and proposed solutions to counter the threats facing wildlife.

• The Third Lecture: Delivered by Mr. Saad Al-Arnout, who connected “Biodiversity and Antibiotic Resistance,” reviewing an important scientific angle of high relevance to both the environmental and health sectors.

Distinguished Contributions and Environmental Presentations

The event was further enriched by outstanding scientific contributions from Mr. Ibrahim Al-Maamari and Ms. Ithmar Riad, which enhanced the discussions and opened new horizons for scientific research in biodiversity fields.

Concluding the event, Ms. Shaima Ahmed Nasser delivered a comprehensive and remarkable presentation reviewing “Environmental Diversity in Various Yemeni Habitats.” Supported by photographs and data, she showcased Yemen’s unique flora and fauna (such as the Arabian Leopard, the Yemeni Ibex, the Hoopoe bird, and the Owl), drawing great interaction and high praise from the audience.

This event represents a pioneering step by the Faculty of Science to foster environmental awareness, underscoring the vital need for combined academic and community efforts to protect the unique environmental climate and biodiversity that the land of Yemen treasures, ensuring a sustainable future for generations to come.