The UK government has appointed Ruth Davis as the first special representative for nature, and will begin her role at the end of this month.

She will attend COP16 in her current role as an advocate for nature, working alongside the UK delegation led by environment secretary, Steve Reed.   

Davis is one of the country’s leading environmental policy experts, with over 25 years’ experience working on issues of nature recovery and climate change.    

“The government has recognised that the nature crisis is of equal gravity to the climate crisis; and that we cannot tackle one without addressing the other,” says Davis. 

“Ecosystems and the species they support are essential to maintain food security, reduce health risks and manage the impacts of rising global temperatures. 

“I am delighted to be working with colleagues across government, and with partners around the world, to take on this urgent challenge; in particular, ensuring that the rules and incentives that govern the global economy work to protect and restore nature; and that we invest in the commitment, knowledge and passion of local people, who are critical to safeguarding the places where they live.” 

The announcement comes on the first formal day of the UN Convention on Biological Diversity COP16 meeting in Colombia. 

She previously advised the government when it hosted COP26, including helping secure an international pledge to end deforestation, which was signed by 145 countries.  

She has also previously worked with some of the UK’s leading nature organisations including RSPB and Plantlife.  

She holds an MSc from Reading University in Plant Sciences and a diploma in Botanical Horticulture from Kew.   

This is a joint role between the FCDO and Defra and Ms Davis will report to both the Environment Secretary and the Foreign Secretary. 

The announcement of the special representative for nature follows confirmation that Rachel Kyte will take up the role of the UK’s special representative for climate, announced last month. 

The special representatives will support ministers to raise global ambition on nature recovery and climate change. 

They will drive engagement with international leaders and build influence on the global stage to meet the UK’s strategic objectives.