We kick off season six with the CEO of the Prince Mohammed bin Salman Royal Reserve Development Authority, internationally recognized for his pioneering work in conservation and community-driven environmental management.
A visionary conservation leader and human rights advocate known for his pioneering work in sustainable, people-centered environmental management. He rose to prominence as the founding CEO of the iSimangaliso Wetland Park Authority, South Africa’s first UNESCO World Heritage Site.
On this episode, Andrew and I explore the PMSBR at Wadi Al-Disah, home to 15 ecosystems and an ambitious re-wilding program bringing back locally extinct species like the Persian onager and sand cat. They discuss why the reserve remains unfenced, forming a vital wildlife corridor linking NEOM, the Red Sea, and AlUla. The conversation dives into how tech and AI satellite collars, camera traps, vulture and turtle tracking translate into real conservation impact.
Andrew also reflects on leadership lessons from working with Nelson Mandela and highlights community-first initiatives, including a pioneering team of female rangers driving change on the ground. We touch on public access (camping, guided experiences over gate fees), education to combat litter, and the reserve’s aspirations for UNESCO recognition.
00:00 Intro
03:50 Wild Childhood
05:56 Mandela & Leadership
11:39 15-Ecosystems Revealed
14:15 Rare Species & Juniper Trees
16:39 Re-wilding Explained
21:30 Conservation Tech & AI
24:06 Open Corridors & Access
28:23 Rangers, Women & Beddouins
33:25 Protection, Education & Vision
43:57 UNESCO Bid & Climate
55:34 MBS Leadership And Closing
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Credits
Andrew Zaloumis | Guest
Mo Islam | Host Founder
Ryan Ismail | COO
Gregoris Kalai | Head of Strategy
Fares Saied | Executive Producer
Mahmoud Taha | DOP
Adnan Alkhateeb | Gaffer
Omar El-Faroug | BTS Photographer Production Assistant
Tito | Creative Director
Youssef Hamieh | Show Manager
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