A press release publish today by the Department for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs (DEFRA) has revealed Ruth Davis as the 'UK's special representative for nature' as COP16 begins in Colombia. Her appointment follows that of Rachel Kyte as 'climate representative last month, a position that was previously scrapped by the conservative government.

Who is Ruth Davis?

Davis is writer, campaign leader, conservationist and political advisor who has worked in the sector for over twenty five years. She has obtained an English degree at Oxford University and a Msc in plant sciences at Reading University and Kew Gardens.

She has worked in senior positions for Plantlife and the RSPB in the past and was political director at Greenpeace UK until 2015. Her previous job roles have involved leading and executing political campaigns and advising the government on decisions concerning the environment.

Ruth played her part in previous conferences including COP26, which kickstarted the pledge signed by 145 countries to reduce deforestation and protect threatened habitats.

What does the 'nature envoy' do?

Davis' role as Nature representative is vital in our war against the climate crisis but more importantly provides a voice for UK wildlife that cannot fight its own corner. Working alongside

DEFRA and FCDO, she will represent nature as a key stakeholder by reporting to the foreign and environment secretaries.

She will drive international leaders in decision-making, where nature is of concern, and advocate for increasing biodiversity, protecting the climate and preventing species decline as a solution rather than a burden to economic and social stability.

She will attend COP16 this month in her new role, to advise ministers on the implementation and significance of environmental policies with the Environment Secretary, Steve Reed. Davis is equipped with the experience and expertise to provide conservation insights that will increase the integrity of the global biodiversity framework (GBF).

Why do we need one?

The UK has made a commitment to protect 30% of global land and sea by 2030, alongside 195 other countries and halt the decline of species. It is essential that conservation and habitat restoration is prioritised in order to meet these targets.

As we wait for the outcomes of COP16, we must put nature restoration at the forefront of our mitigation strategies because preserving ecosystems will provide insurance for a sustainable future. Political leaders need informants that have worked in the conservation sector and understand the resources needed to achieve green results.

Whilst Rachel Kyte is helping to ensure we cut emissions to meet our net zero targets, biodiversity must be addressed as a separate entity. Both reducing emissions and protecting the environment are fundamental aspects in preventing the impacts of the climate crisis but require people from different skillsets to be achieved.

While many of us were ambivalent about the changes in environmental policies to be orchestrated by a labour government, it seems they are heading in the right direction. Although, the UK has a long way to go before being on track to meet the goals set out by the GBF.