We are delighted to announce two of our keynote speakers for the UKELA Conference 2026: Monica Feria-Tinta, barrister at Twenty Essex and a leading figure in international climate litigation, and Craig Bennett OBE, Chief Executive of The Wildlife Trusts and one of the UK’s foremost environmental campaigners.

Monica Feria-Tinta has been at the forefront of groundbreaking climate and environmental cases worldwide, including the landmark Los Cedros Rights of Nature case and the first international case holding a state accountable for climate inaction. She has appeared as counsel in all advisory proceedings on climate change before international courts, and has played a pivotal role in advancing legal approaches to nature protection. She is also the author of the acclaimed A Barrister for the Earth, described as “a vital book for our times.”

Craig Bennett OBE brings decades of leadership in environmental advocacy, currently heading The Wildlife Trusts. Formerly CEO of Friends of the Earth, he led major campaign successes on issues including bees, fracking and against airport expansion. He is a Commissioner on the UK Government’s Clean Power 2030 Advisory Commission and was awarded an OBE in the 2026 New Year Honours for services to the environment.

Further details about the conference can be found in the section below. You can book your tickets here.