How It Started
From a coastal town to a coastal movement
SEAS was founded by ambitious young people from El Quseir, a coastal city on Egypt's Red Sea, who were deeply connected to their community and concerned about the future of its environment and natural heritage.
They began by working to protect local biodiversity, raise environmental awareness, and engage people in caring for the places they call home. Over time, this work grew into a broader community-led approach connecting environmental protection with local livelihoods, women's empowerment, cultural heritage, and the knowledge and traditions of Red Sea communities.
Who We Are
A social enterprise rooted in the Red Sea
SEAS is a community-based social enterprise founded by young people from the local communities of El Quseir, a historic coastal city in Egypt's Red Sea Governorate.
Rooted in the communities of the Red Sea, SEAS works to support and empower local people, with a particular focus on women and girls, while protecting the environment, biodiversity, cultural heritage, and the knowledge and livelihoods connected to the coast.
SEAS's headquarters is located in a more than 150-year-old heritage building in El Quseir. Once part of the city's historic civic landscape, the building is now more than an office — it is a living space for storytelling, gathering, learning, and creating safe spaces for women and girls. It reflects our connection to the history, identity, and memory of the city.
The people who belong to a place should have a central role in shaping its future.
Mission & Vision
Mission
To empower coastal communities along the Red Sea through environmental and heritage conservation, inclusive education, and gender equality, fostering sustainable livelihoods and cultural pride for present and future generations.
Vision
A thriving Red Sea region where people and nature coexist in balance, local heritage is preserved and celebrated, and all individuals—regardless of gender—have the opportunity to lead, protect, and shape a sustainable future.
Our Core Values
- 1Community Empowerment – Local voices lead local solutions
- 2Sustainability – Long-term impact for people and planet
- 3Respect for Heritage – Safeguarding cultural identity and traditions
- 4Gender Equality – Inclusion and leadership for women and girls
- 5Collaboration – Working together for greater impact
- 6Integrity – Transparency and accountability in all we do
Our Team
The people behind SEAS
A small team from the communities we work with, leading programs, operations, and communications.
Omnia Abd El Malek
Projects Manager & Co-founder
Omnia is a co-founder of SEAS and leads project development and implementation, with a strong focus on community engagement, women's empowerment, heritage, and environmental initiatives. Her work connects local knowledge and community needs with creative and sustainable approaches.
Ali Sayed Yousef
Executive Director & Co-founder
Ali is a co-founder and Executive Director of SEAS, bringing extensive experience in community development and local environmental action. As a local Red Sea community leader, he works to strengthen community-led solutions, partnerships, and sustainable development across the region.
Ahmed Saad Mahmoud
Finance & Administration
Ahmed supports SEAS's financial and administrative management, contributing to the organization's financial systems, budgeting, documentation, and day-to-day operational processes.
Ahmed Nasr Malek
Communications & Environmental Projects Manager
Ahmed is a Communications and Environmental Projects Manager, leading communication strategies, digital and social media, and project coordination across environmental and community-based initiatives. His work connects strategic communication with environmental action, focusing on marine life conservation, climate awareness, and community engagement, particularly within coastal communities.