Josh Kempinski: Award-Winning Wildlife Photographer & Global Conservation Leader (2026)

Introduction

Josh Kempinski is a trusted and highly accomplished British conservationist, wildlife photographer and environmental strategist with over 20 years experience in Africa, Asia and across the Middle East. He is renowned for his science, his conservation policy and his compelling wildlife photography and has been at the forefront of the worldwide biodiversity crisis. In 2026, he is the Wildlife and Natural Heritage Advisor to the Royal Commission for AlUla in Saudi Arabia where he contributes to the development of conservation strategies that ensure balanced conservation and sustainable development.

So, just who is Josh Kempinski? Early Career and Education

Josh Kempinski’s love for animals has been a lifelong passion that has transitioned into an illustrious international career. In 2004 he graduated from Imperial College London with an MSc in Environmental Technology – Conservation, Natural Resource Management, Environmental Policy, Economics and Law.

He has worked in several continents such as Liberia, Mozambique, Greece, Belize, the Philippines, Cambodia and Vietnam. In this period he worked as a Field Conservation Advisor, Protected Area Management Specialist and Senior REDD+ Specialist, accumulating a wealth of experience in biodiversity conservation and sustainable resource management.

Leadership at Fauna & Flora International Vietnam.

Josh Kempinski spent 7 years (2016-2022) as Director of the Vietnam Programme for Fauna & Flora International (FFI). He is based in Hanoi, and has spearheaded large conservation projects that protect some of the most threatened wildlife species in Vietnam.

His responsibilities included:

• Primate conservation programs
• Engagement with Government and donors
• Field conservation management
• Creating and implementing policy.
• Conservation impact assessment

Additionally, in 2022 he was named Senior Technical Advisor – Conservation Impact and Risk. During his tenure, effective protection was put in place and maintained and several significant species recovery success stories were realised, which showed that long-term conservation commitment is valuable.

Current Role: Wildlife and Natural Heritage Advisor at AlUla

Josh Kempinski is the Wildlife and Natural Heritage Advisor with the Royal Commission for AlUla (RCU) in Saudi Arabia since 2022. He is responsible for contributing to the integration of the conservation of biodiversity with cultural heritage management and sustainable development in this strategic position.

His job involves protecting AlUla’s special ecosystems while helping to work on national development projects. The role represents his shift from field-based conservation leadership to high-level environmental advisory services where science-based conservation planning can align both ecological and economic goals.

Kempinski’s work towards natural heritage protection remains a part of a legacy that will benefit future generations through sustainable environmental stewardship in 2026.

Award-Winning Wildlife Photography

Josh Kempinski is also an award-winning wildlife photographer. His photographs focus on species and ecosystems that are not commonly photographed, especially in Vietnam’s rare primates and biodiversity hotspots.

His photographs for science are also pictures for the public, designed to tap into the public’s emotions when communicating conservation issues.

Josh Kempinski’s Conservation Philosophy

A key tenet of Josh Kempinski’s philosophy of conservation is that:

The good news is global trends are depressing and the only way to achieve sustainability is to think global, but act local, and if we can measure success at a local level, then we know we are making a difference. The only way we’ll turn the tide on the global biodiversity crisis is via a lot more local success!

This view recognizes that the issue is global, and effective solutions can start at the local level. Kempinski believes that measurable results in the conservation of communities and ecosystems set the stage for environmental progress.

He also says that today’s conservationist leaders need to be “a Jack of all trades,” dealing with fundraising, fieldwork, policy and discussion, scientific research and analysis, and day-to-day management of the organization.

Research Contributions and Expertise

Josh Kempinski has been involved in research and knowledge sharing efforts throughout his career in various environmental fields.

He has expertise in the following areas:

He has often written on community-based conservation, links between climate change and biodiversity, wildlife crime analysis and environmental effects of international agreements like the Paris Agreement.

Conclusion

Josh Kempinski is a unique field scientist, conservation strategist, policy advisor, and award-winning wildlife photographer in 2026. His work spans from Vietnam’s primate conservation initiatives to his advisory roles on biodiversity and heritage protection in AlUla, highlighting the impact of science, local action, and public engagement. His dedication to the “think globally, act locally” approach is making a measurable difference in conservation efforts in a rapidly changing world of unprecedented biodiversity threats.