The Mo Show "Nature Is A Sucker For My Soul' -Andrew Zaloumis 158, CEO Prince Mohammed bin Salman Royal Reserve
Sep 11, 2025
Andrew Zaloumis, CEO of the Prince Mohammed bin Salman Royal Reserve Development Authority, shares his journey from childhood explorer to conservation leader. He discusses ambitious rewilding programs, including the return of locally extinct species and the importance of unfenced reserves as wildlife corridors. Zaloumis emphasizes the impact of technology in conservation, such as AI satellite collars and community-led initiatives, especially by female rangers. He also reflects on leadership lessons from Nelson Mandela and advocates for sustainable tourism and local engagement.
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Nature As A Life Compass
- Andrew Zaloumis says nature "brings me alive" and framed his life around conservation from childhood.
- His upbringing and early experiences in wild places shaped a lifelong dedication to protecting ecosystems.
Working With Mandela On Conservation
- Andrew recounts working under Nelson Mandela during post-apartheid conservation and land-restoration efforts.
- Mandela personally led decisions like halting mining to protect Isimangaliso, setting a conservation precedent.
Fifteen Ecosystems, One Reserve
- Wadi Al-Disah contains 15 intact ecosystems from mountains to deep ocean, a unique regional tapestry.
- That ecosystem diversity creates leverage for broad conservation and restoration interventions.