Salem Hamdiah, the founder of Socotra Planet Tours, boasts an impressive academic and professional background in environmental conservation and sustainable land management. He holds a Master of Science degree in Forestry from Mendel University in Brno, Czech Republic, and is currently finalizing his PhD studies at the University of Ljubljana, Slovenia. His doctoral research is focused on the Frankincense trees of the Socotra Archipelago, specifically investigating their spatial distribution, seed germination, and conservation status.

Salem’s expertise in sustainable land management is well established. From 2016 to 2017, he served as a local expert on Socotra Island for a United Nations Environment Programme (UNEP) project. In this role, he collaborated with international experts and local communities to conserve native plant species and rehabilitate endangered species within home gardens and forests.

Since December 2019, Salem has been the Scientific Coordinator for the Foundation Franklinia project, leading a team of local experts dedicated to conserving the endangered endemic Boswellia trees on Socotra Island. His responsibilities encompass monitoring Boswellia and Commiphora species, as well as conducting community awareness initiatives to promote environmental protection and mitigate the effects of overgrazing.

In addition to his scientific endeavors, Salem is also the Chairperson of the Socotra Society for the Conservation of Endangered Flora. This role underscores his unwavering commitment to preserving the unique and endangered plant species of Socotra. Through his work, Salem continues to make significant contributions to the conservation and sustainable management of Socotra’s natural heritage.