MonkeySide Chat: Giving Nature a Voice in Politics: The Nature Champions Model
Monkey Rock: A Species Corner for Nature at Climate Hub Davos is a temporary public art installation presented during World Economic Forum week in Davos.
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This session marks the global unveiling of Nature Champions Worldwide - an initiative designed to help public leaders, governments and civic institutions around the world embed nature into everyday decision-making.
Building on the proven Nature Champions model pioneered in Scotland - where more than 80% of parliamentarians now champion a native species or habitat - the project connects elected representatives with threatened species and conservation experts. Through site visits, shared learning and cross-party collaboration, champions develop a deeper, practical understanding of biodiversity loss and the leadership needed to address it.
Nature Champions Worldwide aims to take this model global, supporting public institutions in different countries to launch their own programmes and maximise political impact for nature where it matters most: inside policy, governance and public leadership.
Speakers
James Byrne - Head of Business Development, Plantlife International
Cora Taylor - Research Impact Fellow, Nature & Climate Impact Team, University of Exeter
Core Partner
Scottish Environment LINK
Launch Focus
Introducing Nature Champions Worldwide and why it’s needed now
How the model works for public leaders in practice
Why personal connection to species can unlock political action
The opportunity for governments and institutions worldwide to get involved
Recording Notice
These events may be recorded. By participating in the event, you consent to audio and possible video capture. These recordings may be used for various purposes including research, promotional and documentation. If you have any concerns, please reach out to us at [email protected]
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The installation was conceived by Joep van Lieshout and Prof. Gail Whiteman.
Climate Basecamp, Atelier Van Lieshout and Cats Do Climate are thankful to Minderoo Foundation, GreenUp, Climate Hub Davos, Arctic Basecamp, and the Nature and Climate Impact Team at the University of Exeter for their support, contributions and tireless work to bring the Monkey to Davos. Thank you.