"Nature Is A Sucker For My Soul' -Andrew Zaloumis 158, CEO Prince Mohammed bin Salman Royal Reserve

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

PMBSR

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The Mo Show

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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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