Kamel Mageed

Kamel Mageed - Yemeni, West Asia

2017 Winner | | Yemeni

My idea of producing biodiesel stems from the pressing need to protect the environment from used cooking oil that is improperly disposed of and the excessive use of fossil diesel fuel, which is very harmful to the environment. There is also a need to provide employment opportunities for youths. The aim is to transform the project into an environmental investment that serves both the community and the environment. I have set up a modest, local factory with US$5,000 of funding from the United Nations Development Programme plus $1,000 of my own money. The factory was set up in compliance with international specifications and I successfully produced a 1,000-litre test batch. I hired five employees and sold the test batch, which won consumer approval. Unfortunately, the project could not be sustained due to a lack of funding. I have also set up a small biodiesel lab that yielded excellent results.

I hold a Bachelor of Science degree in mechanical engineering from the Faculty of Engineering at Aden University. I have worked in a number of supervisory positions, including in the fields of residential maintenance and renovation, quality inspection and logistics.

I am the type of person who is keen to change their country for the better and protect people’s rights. I have worked with a number of rights movements and support contemporary trends based on equality.
I speak three languages — English, Urdu and Arabic — and enjoy diving and fishing.
I am an excellent team leader, competent in maths and physics; I love travelling, getting to know people and forming new relationships.

I have also participated in a number of radio and television interviews.

Disclaimer: NOTE: This content was shared online for the 2019 cycle of the Young Champions of the Earth programme and has not been updated. This listing does not constitute any endorsement by nor status with the UN Environment Programme.

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