Josh Kempinski: A Global Leader in Wildlife Conservation and Natural Heritage

Josh Kempinski is a globally recognized conservationist with extensive experience in species protection, biodiversity management, climate adaptation, and protected area governance. Currently serving as the Wildlife and Natural Heritage Advisor at the Royal Commission for AlUla (RCU) in Saudi Arabia, he plays a pivotal role in one of the world’s largest ecological restoration and rewilding programs. With nearly two decades of international fieldwork spanning Asia, Africa, and beyond, Kempinski’s expertise and leadership are helping shape the future of global environmental preservation.

Introduction

When we think of conservation, it often brings to mind the image of scientists in forests or activists fighting for endangered species. Yet, at the heart of effective conservation lies the combination of vision, strategy, and experience. Few individuals embody these qualities as clearly as Josh Kempinski. His career has placed him in some of the most critical regions for biodiversity protection, from the dense forests of Vietnam to the vast desert landscapes of Saudi Arabia.

Kempinski’s work is not only about saving species but also about reshaping ecosystems, restoring balance, and integrating local communities into long-term environmental goals. Today, his role at the Royal Commission for AlUla makes him one of the key figures driving forward one of the most ambitious environmental restoration initiatives on the planet.

Early Education and Foundations in Conservation

Josh Kempinski’s foundation in conservation was built on solid academic training. He completed a Master’s degree in Ecological Management from Imperial College London in 2004. This program prepared him to approach conservation not only as a science but also as a discipline requiring leadership, adaptability, and collaboration.

From the very beginning, Kempinski understood that biodiversity protection requires more than just knowledge—it requires cross-border experience and cultural understanding. This realization led him to pursue roles across multiple continents, gaining insight into how different ecosystems and societies approach conservation.

Global Career Path and Conservation Footprint

Work Across Continents

Over the course of nearly two decades, Kempinski has worked in Vietnam, Cambodia, Mozambique, Liberia, Belize, the Philippines, Tanzania, Greece, and Saudi Arabia, among other countries. His projects spanned areas such as protected area management, REDD+ (Reducing Emissions from Deforestation and Forest Degradation), mangrove conservation, hydro-dam policies, and species protection.

This global footprint not only expanded his expertise but also gave him a rare perspective—how local conservation challenges tie into global environmental goals.

Leadership at Fauna & Flora International

Perhaps one of the most defining chapters of his career was his role as Country Director for Fauna & Flora International (FFI) Vietnam. In this position, Kempinski led critical projects focused on primate conservation and biodiversity management. Vietnam, known for its rich but threatened ecosystems, provided a testing ground for innovative approaches to conservation.

Under his leadership, FFI’s Vietnam program became a benchmark for how international organizations can collaborate with local governments, researchers, and communities to address biodiversity crises.

Transition to the Middle East: AlUla’s Bold Vision

In recent years, Josh Kempinski’s career took a new direction with his appointment as the Wildlife and Natural Heritage Advisor at the Royal Commission for AlUla (RCU) in Saudi Arabia. AlUla, an ancient region of cultural and natural significance, has been undergoing a transformation into one of the world’s most ambitious conservation and eco-tourism projects.

The RCU’s vision is not just about protecting what exists but about restoring ecosystems on a massive scale. This includes bringing back native species, combating desertification, and ensuring that conservation efforts align with cultural preservation and sustainable tourism. Kempinski plays a central role in ensuring these goals are achieved.

AlUla’s Restoration and Rewilding Program

Large-Scale Habitat Restoration

One of the RCU’s most ambitious undertakings has been the creation of protected areas covering more than 12,000 km². Within this network, ecosystems are being carefully restored through replanting efforts, seed banks, and nurseries. Nearly 200 species of native plants have been cultivated, and hundreds of thousands of seedlings—particularly acacias—are being planted to combat desertification.

Reintroduction of Native Species

AlUla is also home to one of the largest wildlife reintroduction programs in the Middle East. Under Kempinski’s advisory role, species such as Arabian oryx, sand gazelles, Arabian gazelles, and Nubian ibex are being reintroduced into reserves. Nearly 1,500 animals have been released, signaling the return of balance to ecosystems that had lost their keystone species.

The Arabian Leopard Project

Perhaps the most inspiring aspect of the AlUla conservation program is the Arabian Leopard Initiative. The Arabian leopard, a critically endangered species, is considered a national treasure of Saudi Arabia. Through dedicated breeding programs, the population has grown significantly, with rare litters such as triplets born in captivity.

The ultimate goal is to reintroduce Arabian leopards into the wild by 2030, creating a sustainable population within restored habitats. Kempinski’s expertise in protected area management and species reintroduction is vital in guiding this ambitious plan.

Integrating Climate and Nature

Josh Kempinski’s career has always emphasized the intersection of climate change and biodiversity. In AlUla, this philosophy is evident in projects designed to address both desertification and climate resilience. By restoring mangroves, replanting acacias, and managing water systems, these initiatives not only preserve biodiversity but also strengthen ecosystems against climate shocks.

His earlier work with REDD+ projects in Asia and Africa further reflects his commitment to linking climate adaptation with conservation. This integrated approach ensures that efforts in AlUla are not isolated but contribute to global climate goals.

Community Engagement and Sustainable Development

One of Kempinski’s guiding principles is that conservation cannot succeed without community involvement. In Vietnam, he worked closely with local communities to reduce pressures on forests and wildlife. In Saudi Arabia, the vision is similar—conservation and eco-tourism are designed to provide economic opportunities for local people, creating a sense of ownership and responsibility for the land and its wildlife.

By involving communities, AlUla’s conservation projects gain local legitimacy and long-term sustainability, ensuring they are not just government-driven but also socially embedded.

Academic Contributions and Thought Leadership

Josh Kempinski’s influence extends beyond field projects. He has contributed to academic research, including co-authoring papers such as “Life after COP21: what does the Paris Agreement mean for forests and biodiversity conservation?” His thought leadership bridges the gap between science, policy, and practice, making him an important voice in global environmental discussions.

Vision for the Future

Looking ahead, Kempinski’s role in AlUla represents a model for integrated conservation: restoring ecosystems, protecting species, combating climate change, and engaging communities—all under one strategic vision. If successful, the AlUla project could become a global benchmark for large-scale rewilding and biodiversity restoration.

His work demonstrates that conservation is not just about preventing extinction but about building resilient ecosystems that benefit both people and nature.

Conclusion

Josh Kempinski stands as a powerful example of how individual expertise, when combined with global vision, can transform the future of conservation. From Vietnam’s forests to Saudi Arabia’s deserts, his work has consistently focused on creating long-lasting solutions to biodiversity loss and climate challenges.

As the world faces a biodiversity crisis, leaders like Kempinski provide hope and direction. His efforts in AlUla, particularly in restoring ecosystems and reintroducing the Arabian leopard, show that with determination and collaboration, even the most ambitious conservation goals can be achieved.

Josh Kempinski is not just working on conservation projects—he is shaping the future of environmental restoration on a global scale.