The Biden administration has created a new diplomatic position: a plant and animal ambassador.
Yes, you read that right.
Earlier this week, Secretary of State Antony Blinken announced Monica Medina, current Assistant Secretary of State for Oceans and International Environmental and Scientific Affairs at the State Department, as the department’s new Special Envoy for Biodiversity and Water Resources.
The press release reads, “Special Envoy Medina will coordinate an all-of-government effort to address these crises comprehensively – leveraging talent and expertise in the Bureau of Oceans and International Environmental and Scientific Affairs with resources from across federal government departments and agencies. Moreover, her designation as special envoy will strengthen the Department’s role in the implementation of the White House Water Security Action Plan and the Global Water Strategy, as well as provide high-level leadership ahead of the 2023 UN Conference on Water.”
The newly-minted diplomat tweeted, “I’m deeply honored. I can’t wait to take our #US diplomacy to the next level to conserve our incredible planet and its rich but at-risk biodiversity — and to help all the communities across the world that depend on nature.”
When the Washington Post published a glowing piece about her selection, the paper wrote her appointment “underscores the Biden administration’s desire to protect land and waters not just at home but to also conserve habitats abroad.”
Conveniently omitted from their reporting, however, was Medina’s connection to current White House Chief-of-Staff Ron Klain—her husband.