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Monica Medina was recently appointed as the United States Special Envoy for Biodiversity and Water Resources. Medina will aid the Biden-Harris administration in upholding its commitment to repairing the global biodiversity and water crises. This is the first time in history that the U.S. has appointed a diplomat for nature and wildlife.
Monica Medina has led a distinguished career in the conservation sector and has prospered in each role she has taken on thus far. She currently serves as the State Department’s assistant secretary for oceans and international environmental and scientific affairs. Under the Obama administration, Medina worked as principal deputy undersecretary for NOAA. Under the Clinton administration, Medina was a senior council to the U.S. Senate Committee on Environmental and Public works. She also served as a general council member of the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA), where she represented the U.S. in transnational negotiations and won noteworthy cases before the U.S. Courts of Appeals. Medina’s successful career in politics and conservation is an exemplary preview of the outstanding work we are confident she will accomplish in her new role!
“There’s a direct connection between biodiversity loss and instability in a lot of parts of the world…It’s not just about nature for nature’s sake. I think it is about people.”
Monica Medina, U.S. Special Envoy for Biodiversity and Water Resources
The Washington Post
In this role, Medina will coordinate a whole-of-government approach to address, suspend, and reverse biodiversity loss and facilitate water security. As these two crises are linked, this provides an opportunity to address other environmental issues such as climate change, food insecurity, economic development, and more. Medina’s work as special envoy will amplify the U.S. State Department’s function in executing the White House Water Security Action Plan and Global Water Strategy.
OneNature is thrilled to see a respected friend earn recognition for her continued efforts for the conservation of our planet. We believe Medina will excel in this position as she has done in each of her roles prior. Governments and political actors can play an influential role in prioritizing nature which is why the appointment of Monica Medina as the special envoy for Biodiversity and Water Resources is a meaningful step in the right direction.