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The wildlife photographer has devoted the last ten years to gathering donations for wildlife protection globally, but now she expresses concern about the future outlook. "It seems like we've taken a backward step," she stated.

Through her Remembering Wildlife series—an yearly, not-for-profit photo collection showcasing images from the leading nature photographers—she has raised 1.2 million pounds over the past 10 years. The inaugural volume was released in 2015, during the time of the drafting of the Paris climate agreement, but in the years following, initiatives to tackle the environmental emergency have faced setbacks.

Compared to a recent past, there was a push for renewables rather than fossil fuel extraction across the world. I think the importance of the natural world is something for us all to hold onto.

Despite this, she holds some optimism. "I'm nervous but equally I'm heartened by the fact that there are numerous individuals that continue to show concern. I'll make every effort to fulfill my commitment and keep fighting. And I know there's many others who share this view, so time will tell, but we must not be complacent."

An Unsettling Visual Reminder of Potential Futures

This latest publication, called Ten Years of Remembering Wildlife, includes original and modified pictures of animals such as arctic bears, cheetahs, and scaled mammals shown within and then scrubbed out of their natural habitats.

Raggett stated these images were designed to be "provocative" and to offer a glimpse of the what lies ahead if we remain on our current track. "The pace of wildlife decline is alarmingly fast across the world and there's a significant effort to be done to turn it around. We really could be looking at a future where these landscapes would be devoid of these wild animals," she said. "That's why we created it, to cause reflection and realise what may occur if we fail to act."

Worries Close to Home

While much of her professional work has taken her to far-off places like East Africa, Tanzania, and the Himalayas, she also has apprehensions about situations in her home country. The government has committed to build 1.5 million houses by the end of its first term in parliament.

In support of this, ministers have instructed the Environment Agency to approve planning applications in England with minimal resistance, a decision that has dismayed environmental campaigners. Earlier recently, it was revealed that a senior official spoke proudly of unblocking a development of 20,000 homes that was being held up by "some snails on the site."

Raggett urged a "significant halt" on the government's "short-sighted" plans for accelerated housebuilding. "It's crucial to recognise is that we are all intertwined with the environment," she stated. "It's simple in a built-up country like ours to not grasp the role every animal plays in our ecosystem, how they keep our trees growing and the impact that has on clearing carbon from the atmosphere.

"I feel like, in this country, there are enough brownfield sites that ought to be repurposed before you lose any more rural areas. We've already sacrificed plenty. I think there should be a massive pause."

Inspiration from Heartbreak

Raggett was inspired to establish the Remembering Wildlife project after coming across an elephant that had been a victim of poaching in Kenya. "He had a toxic projectile in him and then he began to be consumed by hyenas. I was so horrified and I felt so impotent… so I was resolved to try and take action," she recalled.

She noted that attempts to clamp down on wildlife crime have been varied. "The impact of illegally hunting rhinoceroses for their horns in South Africa continues to be devastating. I have acquaintances who are based out there and the frequency of illegal killing is shocking but there have been some wins too. China outlawing ivory a recently has certainly made an impact but then it resurfaces in the illegal trade elsewhere in Asia," she explained.

Addressing demand, particularly in Asia where illegal wildlife items are used in traditional medicines, is one of the key ways to reduce the issue, Raggett emphasized. "Illegal hunting is still a massive criminal industry and it's here to stay. It's still very much widespread."

Remembering a Legendary Primatologist

Earlier in October, the world-renowned primate expert Jane Goodall passed away at the age of 91. Raggett had met her in 2018. "I was blown away by her dedication and determination. She had just arrived from a overnight trip from Tanzania. At my age, I'd be having a nap the next morning and yet she had a line of people eager to have appointments with her. She was completely inspirational and supportive and had real humility in how she communicated," she recalled. "She leaves behind a remarkable heritage full of insight, and wit as well."