Duarte Figueiredo

Chief Operating Officer | King Salman Bin Abdulaziz Royal Reserve | Strategic Leadership in Nature Conservation and Protected Areas Management

Riyadh, Saudi Arabia

About

Experienced conservation leader with a strong background in biodiversity management, protected area governance, and public administration. Currently serving as Chief Operating Officer at the King Salman Bin Abdulaziz Royal Reserve Development Authority (KSRNR) in Saudi Arabia, I lead large-scale conservation efforts in one of the region’s most significant natural reserves. My career spans over two decades of implementing evidence-based strategies for ecosystem restoration, wildlife reintroduction, and sustainable development — both in Europe and the Middle East. I am passionate about building inclusive, community-driven conservation models that deliver measurable environmental impact and long-term resilience. Known for strategic thinking, cross-sector collaboration, and a results-oriented mindset, I have built partnerships with governments, NGOs, and local communities to safeguard biodiversity and natural capital in complex and challenging contexts. Always open to connecting with fellow professionals, institutions, and initiatives working toward a more sustainable future.

Experience

  • Chief Operating Officer at King Salman Bin Abdulaziz Royal Reserve Development Authority
    Dec 2021 - Present · 4 yrs 7 mos

    Providing strategic guidance and direction to the King Salman bin Abdulaziz Royal Reserve under the leadership of the CEO. Responsible for the Reserve’s establishment and growth, with a focus on nature conservation, land planning, protection, sustainable tourism, business development, education, and local community engagement. Overseeing daily operations while ensuring all initiatives align with the vision set by the CEO and the Board of Directors.

  • Instituto da Conservação da Natureza e das Florestas, I.P. (17 yrs 6 mos)
    • Nature Conservation & Biodiversity Department Director
      Jun 2019 - Dec 2021 · 2 yrs 7 mos

      ▪ Protected Areas Management; ▪ Environmental Assessment (environmental impact assessment, strategic environmental assessment); ▪ Preparation of management plans for the conservation and recovery of species and habitats; ▪ Development of biodiversity monitoring plans; ▪ Nature conservation and biodiversity objectives definition; ▪ Monitoring the regional implementation of financial instruments to support development; ▪ Member of the Man and Biosphere Board – Transboundary Reserve Gerês-Xures; ▪ Management of fauna recovery centers; ▪ Promotion of nature tourism, development of touristic activities in protected areas, development of partnerships with local businesses, promotion of volunteer activities and environmental education. ▪ Submission of EU funding applications

    • Head of the Operational Unit
      Dec 2012 - May 2019 · 6 yrs 6 mos

      ▪Management of the following protected areas: Peneda-Geres National Park, Montesinho Natural Park, Douro International Natural Park, Alvão Natural Park, Littoral Norte Natural Park; ▪Member of the Man and Biosphere Board – Gerês-Xures. ▪Manager of the Forest Nursery at Amarante. ▪Manager of Aquaculture Farms at Torno and Castrelos. ▪Coordinator of the Park Rangers. ▪Promotion of nature tourism, development of touristic activities in protected areas, partnerships with local businesses, volunteer activities and environmental education. ▪Coordinator of Plant Health Inspections in the north region ▪Submission of EU funding applications ▪Technical and scientific monitoring of the projects developed ▪Coordinator of rehabilitation projects of coastal areas on the North Coast Natural Park and Natura 2000 Network ▪Partner of the Transatlantic Marine Protected Area Network - Resilience Twinning Project ( https://transatlanticmpanetwork.eu)

    • Deputy Director at North's Region Classified Areas Management Department
      Jun 2007 - Dec 2012 · 5 yrs 7 mos

      ▪Management of the following protected areas: Peneda-Geres National Park, Montesinho Natural Park, Douro International Natural Park, Alvão Natural Park, Litoral Norte Natural Park. ▪Portuguese’s Presidency of the European Union Council Team member. Nature Conservation - Business & Biodiversity Project ▪Coordinator of the team responsible for the certification of Peneda-Geres National Park as PAN Parks; ▪Coordinator of the teams responsible for the European Sustainable Tourism Charters certification of Peneda-Geres National Park, Montesinho Natural Park, Douro Internacional Natural Park and Alvão Natural Park; ▪Coordinator of the team responsible for UNESCO Man and Biosphere Reserve of the Transboundary Park Gerês-Xurés certification; ▪Member of the Board of the Transboundary Biosphere Reserve Gerês Xurés; ▪Chairman of the Local PAN Parks Group ▪Management of the recovery and stabilization of the dunes on the North Coast Natural Park and Natura 2000 Network operation; ▪Member of the Advisory Council Task Group for the Douro Valley Region ; ▪Board Member of the North River Basin Council ; ▪Member of the Joint Committee on Coordination of the preparation of Regional Spatial Plan of the Northern Territory ; ▪Implementation of a regional model for management of Protected Areas ; ▪Achieve various international certifications of excellence in environmental management for Protected Areas in the North of Portugal ; ▪Submission of EU funding applications

  • CEO of the Cooperation Committee at UNESCO - Gerês-Xurés Transboundary Biosphere Reserve
    Jan 2015 - Dec 2021 · 7 yrs

    •Build up the annual and multi-annual activity plans of the Reserve; •Development of joint programs for visitors, including a publication policy and availability of these publications in the information centers of the Transboundary Park; •Development of applications for regional funding of biodiversity conservation activities and cultural heritage programs; •Driving a joint website of the Reserve; •Development of an integrated program of monitoring and management of the reserve’s biodiversity

  • Member of the Management Committee at Albufeira do Azibo Protected Landscape
    Apr 2014 - Dec 2021 · 7 yrs 9 mos

    ▪Management of the Protected Area ▪Technical and scientific monitoring of the projects developed ▪Submission of EU funding applications

  • Member of the Board of Directors at Polis Litoral Norte, Sociedade para a Requalificação e valorização do Litoral Norte, S.A
    Oct 2008 - Dec 2021 · 13 yrs 3 mos

    ▪The Polis North Littoral mission is the management, coordination and execution of investment to be held in the municipalities of Esposende, Viana do Castelo and Caminha. The total planned investment is about € 80 million. This project is a major public investment in the Portuguese coastal zone. It includes coastal erosion management; ecosystem active management, beach use management. ▪Management of the entire operation ▪Technical supervision