Executive Director | Bangladesh Nature Foundation
Dr. Abu Hena Mustafa Kamal is a marine scientist, academic, researcher, and environmental professional with more than two decades of experience in higher education, research, marine and coastal ecology, fisheries, aquaculture, biodiversity, and environmental management. He has extensive experience in teaching and postgraduate research supervision and has contributed to research on marine and coastal ecosystems, seagrass, mangroves, estuaries, blue carbon, climate change, sea-level rise, and sustainable coastal resource management.
Academic and Professional Qualifications
Dr. Abu Hena holds a PhD in Aquatic Biology (Aquaculture) from Universiti Putra Malaysia, with research focusing on mariculture pond ecology, environmental quality, and shrimp production. He also holds an MS in Environmental Physiology with specialization in seagrass ecology and biology from Universiti Putra Malaysia, an MSc in Marine Sciences (Ecology) from the University of Chittagong, and a BSc (Hons) in Marine Sciences from the University of Chittagong.
Professional Experience
He has served in academic positions at Universiti Malaysia Terengganu, Universiti Putra Malaysia, and the University of Chittagong, including Associate Professor, Senior Lecturer/Assistant Professor, and Lecturer. His professional responsibilities have included university teaching, research, postgraduate supervision, academic administration, research project management, scientific consultancy, and environmental assessment.
Areas of Expertise
His principal areas of expertise include marine biology and ecology, coastal and estuarine ecosystems, fisheries and aquaculture, marine biodiversity, seagrass and mangrove ecosystems, aquatic ecology, ecosystem services, climate change, sea-level rise, blue carbon, coastal resource management, and environmental sustainability.
Research and Scientific Contributions
Dr. Abu Hena has led and contributed to multidisciplinary research projects supported by national and international funding agencies. His research has addressed coastal and marine ecosystem assessment, mangrove–seagrass systems, fisheries resources, ecological productivity, climate-change impacts, biodiversity, and sustainable coastal resource use. He has published more than 110 peer-reviewed scientific papers and has contributed to international scientific networks and research initiatives.
Teaching, Supervision and Capacity Development
Throughout his academic career, he has taught undergraduate and postgraduate courses in marine biology, ecology, fisheries, aquaculture, aquatic botany, biodiversity and conservation, coastal processes, water-quality management, and sustainable fisheries and livelihoods. He has supervised and examined numerous undergraduate, MSc, and PhD researchers and has contributed to academic and professional capacity development.
Conservation and Environmental Engagement
Dr. Abu Hena has been actively involved in marine and coastal conservation, environmental awareness, and community-oriented activities. His work has included coastal and mangrove fishery management, seagrass conservation, marine biodiversity assessment, climate-change awareness, ecosystem research, and engagement with coastal communities. He has also collaborated with national and international organizations on environmental and conservation-related initiatives.
Professional and International Engagement
He has participated in and contributed to numerous international conferences, workshops, research programs, scientific reviews, and professional networks. He is a member of the IUCN Species Survival Commission and has maintained professional collaborations with universities and research institutions in Bangladesh, Malaysia, Japan, Thailand, the Philippines, India, Vietnam, Saudi Arabia, and other countries.
Leadership and Management
Dr. Abu Hena has held a range of academic and administrative responsibilities, including laboratory and program coordination, acting departmental and institutional leadership roles, academic examination and evaluation, research proposal assessment, curriculum-related activities, and scientific event coordination. These experiences support his role in providing strategic, scientific, and organizational leadership to Bangladesh Nature Foundation.
Role at Bangladesh Nature Foundation
As Executive Director of the Bangladesh Nature Foundation, Dr. Abu Hena provides scientific and strategic leadership for the Foundation’s work in biodiversity conservation, ecosystem protection, sustainable natural-resource management, environmental education, climate resilience, and community-centered conservation. His academic and research experience provides a strong scientific foundation for developing evidence-based conservation programs and strengthening collaboration among researchers, communities, institutions, and development partners.
Professional Recognition
His academic and professional contributions have been recognized through research, service, conference, and professional awards and grants, including the Best Service Award from Universiti Malaysia Terengganu and recognition through research and innovation programs at Universiti Putra Malaysia. He has also received international travel and research support from organizations and programs associated with climate change, marine science, seagrass conservation, coastal management, and environmental research.
