Mehak Khadija Shahid Sangani

Mehak is a marine ecologist and conservation practitioner based in Sri Lanka. She currently serves as the Marine Programmes Manager at the Lanka Environment Fund, where she manages and supports locally led marine conservation initiatives, including coral reef protection, mangrove restoration and sustainable coastal livelihoods. Her role involves coordinating with local NGOs, researchers and government partners to support high-impact, community-rooted initiatives, as well as contributing to LEF’s broader strategy and fundraising efforts.

She holds a BSc in Biology with a concentration in Environmental Studies from New York University Abu Dhabi and an International Master’s in Marine Biological Resources (IMBRSea). She is also pursuing a second Master’s in Environmental Management at the University of Colombo to build a stronger foundation in national environmental policy and governance.

Outside of her work at LEF, she co-created and co-hosts All About That Reef, a podcast that explores marine conservation topics in Sri Lanka. Her work spans science, policy and advocacy, with a focus on supporting long-term conservation solutions grounded in the local context.