Ahmed Bahaaeldin

Egyptian ornithologist who pioneered conservation efforts protecting migratory birds in the Nile Delta.

Dr. Ahmed Bahaaeldin (born 1955) is an Egyptian biologist whose work has safeguarded one of the world's most critical bird migration routes. As director of the Nile Delta Wetlands Program, he identified the region as a critical stopover for 400+ bird species migrating between Europe and Africa. His research led to the 1995 establishment of the BirdLife International partnership in Egypt, creating protected zones that now cover 15% of the Nile Delta. Bahaaeldin's advocacy halted proposed oil drilling projects threatening the Manzala Lake wetlands, a Ramsar site. He developed community-based ecotourism programs, training local guides and creating income streams for 3,000+ families. His work was profiled in National Geographic Magazine and the BBC documentary 《Wings Over the Nile》. Author of 《Migratory Birds of the Eastern Mediterranean》, Bahaaeldin's research has been cited in over 200 peer-reviewed papers. He currently chairs the African Birdlife Network, expanding conservation efforts across 12 countries.