Ruth Davis OBE
Biography
Ruth Davis OBE was appointed UK Special Representative for Nature on 15 November 2024.
Ruth studied English Language and Literature at Oxford University. She later received a Masters degree in Plant Sciences from Reading University, and a diploma in Horticulture Science from Kew Gardens.
Ruth is an Environment Specialist and Advisor. She has more than 20 years’ experience of high-level influencing on nature and climate change, in the public and private sector,
Ruth was previously Deputy Director for Policy and Advocacy at the Royal Society for the Protection of Birds. Prior to that, she was Political Director at Greenpeace UK, leading campaigns on climate and energy, fair and sustainable fishing, and the protection of the Arctic.
She has also advised the UK Government in several roles, including its COP26 Nature Campaign. She writes extensively about the philosophy, politics and practice of environmentalism
UK Special Representative for Nature
The Special Representative for Nature supports Ministers to increase senior international diplomatic engagement on nature. The Special Representative reports to the Foreign Secretary and the Secretary of State for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs.
The Special Representative’s objectives are to support HMG to:
- build the UK’s profile as a progressive nature leader, building bridges between developed countries and emerging markets/developing economies with the intent to deliver nature action
- deepen and progress international nature partnerships with priority countries and stakeholders
- promote the role of nature in green and inclusive growth
- drive efforts to mobilise nature finance
- engage with the scientific community to accelerate innovation and new partnerships on nature
- increase the strategic impact of UK international nature programmes and interventions
Foreign, Commonwealth & Development Office and Department for Environment, Food & Rural Affairs