Josh Kempinski: Leading Wildlife Conservation and Natural Heritage at The Royal Commission for AlUla
Josh Kempinski has emerged as a significant figure in the world of wildlife conservation and natural heritage, working on some of the most ambitious environmental and conservation projects globally. With his extensive experience in species conservation, protected area management, climate change adaptation, and biodiversity initiatives, Kempinski’s work is shaping the future of environmental preservation in critical regions of the world. His current role as a Wildlife and Natural Heritage Advisor at The Royal Commission for AlUla (RCU) in Saudi Arabia places him at the forefront of one of the largest restoration and rewilding programs globally.
Early Education and Career Beginnings
Kempinski’s journey into conservation began with a solid academic foundation. In 2004, he completed his Master of Science in Ecological Management at Imperial College London. His education covered a broad spectrum of environmental fields, including conservation, natural resource management (NRM), environmental policy, economics, and law. This diverse academic background laid the groundwork for Kempinski’s future roles in the conservation and environmental sectors.
Upon completing his degree, Kempinski moved to Vietnam, where he began working with Fauna & Flora International (FFI). This marked the beginning of his career in species conservation and protected area management. His early work in Vietnam would lead to his deep involvement in ecological restoration and forest-based mitigation strategies. His work in Southeast Asia, particularly with protected area management, focused on ensuring the conservation of biodiversity in challenging and often remote ecosystems.
Career Progression in Conservation and Climate Change Adaptation
Kempinski’s career rapidly expanded as he took on more responsibilities in the conservation field. Around 2011, he began combining traditional conservation approaches with emerging fields such as ecosystem-based climate change adaptation. One of his notable contributions was co-authoring the Vietnam R-PIN under the World Bank’s Forest Carbon Partnership Facility (FCPF) mechanism. His involvement with the FCPF further showcased his expertise in forest-based mitigation strategies that directly address climate change while preserving biodiversity.
Kempinski’s role in climate change initiatives and REDD+ (Reducing Emissions from Deforestation and Forest Degradation) was pivotal in the establishment of high-biodiversity REDD+ projects. He served as a Senior REDD+ Specialist at FFI, where he designed and implemented projects aimed at reducing carbon emissions through forest conservation. His work in countries such as Liberia, Indonesia, Cambodia, Australia, Tanzania, and Mozambique helped bring attention to the importance of sustainable forest management as a tool for climate change mitigation.
Additionally, Kempinski co-chaired both the Climate Change Working Group and the Sub-technical Working Group on Local REDD+ Implementation in Vietnam. His work with these groups ensured that Vietnam’s approach to REDD+ projects incorporated local communities, leading to more sustainable and effective outcomes.
Leading Large-Scale Conservation Programs
In 2016, Kempinski took on a new challenge as the Director of FFI’s Vietnam Programme. Over the next five years, he was responsible for managing a large and diverse program covering 10 protected areas and numerous species conservation projects. Under his leadership, the program saw significant growth, with an annual budget of over $2 million and a staff of around 35 individuals.
During this period, Kempinski’s strategic oversight helped drive impactful conservation initiatives across a range of ecosystems, including tropical forests, wetlands, and marine environments. His ability to combine technical expertise with financial and logistical management ensured that FFI’s Vietnam Programme achieved its objectives while promoting community involvement and local stewardship of natural resources.
Return to the UK and Further Contributions to Global Conservation
After five successful years in Vietnam, Kempinski returned to the UK in 2022 and became FFI’s Senior Technical Advisor for Conservation Design, Impact, and Risk. In this capacity, he was responsible for overseeing conservation strategies and risk management for FFI’s entire Asia-Pacific Programme. His role involved shaping the long-term vision of conservation projects and ensuring that they were impactful and sustainable.
Kempinski’s expertise in biodiversity and conservation design made him a valuable asset to FFI’s global conservation efforts. He continued to work on major conservation initiatives around the world, collaborating with stakeholders across the public and private sectors to design strategies that would enhance conservation outcomes while managing the risks associated with biodiversity loss and environmental degradation.
Joining The Royal Commission for AlUla: A New Chapter in Conservation Leadership
In October 2022, Kempinski took on an exciting new challenge as the full-time Wildlife and Natural Heritage Advisor at The Royal Commission for AlUla (RCU) in Saudi Arabia. The Royal Commission for AlUla is tasked with preserving and developing one of the world’s most important archaeological and cultural destinations. Located in northwest Saudi Arabia, AlUla is home to a rich natural and cultural heritage, making it an ideal location for Kempinski’s expertise in wildlife conservation and natural heritage preservation.
RCU’s ambitious plans include one of the world’s largest restoration and rewilding programs. As an advisor to the Wildlife & Natural Heritage department, Kempinski plays a crucial role in guiding the development of protected areas and supporting biodiversity conservation efforts. In the medium term, he is involved in the development of six new national parks and reserves, covering an area the size of Belgium. By 2030, RCU aims to reintroduce Arabian leopards into the wild, which will be a monumental achievement in the region’s conservation efforts.
Kempinski’s expertise is instrumental in ensuring that the region’s ecological and cultural heritage is preserved for future generations. He works closely with local communities, stakeholders, and international experts to implement conservation strategies that support biodiversity and sustainable land management. His work aligns with Saudi Arabia’s Vision 2030, which seeks to transform the country into a global hub for sustainable tourism, culture, and heritage.
Josh Kempinski’s Legacy and Impact on Global Conservation
Josh Kempinski’s career has been defined by his passion for protecting biodiversity and his ability to adapt traditional conservation methods to modern challenges such as climate change and ecosystem degradation. His work in Vietnam, across Africa and Southeast Asia, and now in Saudi Arabia exemplifies his commitment to environmental sustainability and global biodiversity.
At The Royal Commission for AlUla, Kempinski’s leadership will continue to shape the future of wildlife conservation and natural heritage in the region. His efforts are contributing to a broader global movement aimed at protecting the world’s most critical ecosystems and species from the threats posed by climate change, habitat destruction, and poaching.
Through his work, Josh Kempinski demonstrates the importance of combining scientific expertise with community engagement and sustainable development. His leadership in conservation not only impacts the areas where he works but also sets a powerful example for future generations of conservationists committed to preserving the planet’s natural heritage.
As he continues to lead efforts at RCU, Kempinski’s influence will extend beyond AlUla, creating a ripple effect of conservation successes that will inspire others to take action in safeguarding the world’s precious wildlife and natural resources.
