The Pacific Islands Forum Fisheries Agency (FFA) and the Office of the Pacific Ocean Commissioner (OPOC), in partnership with Conservation Strategy Fund, the Conservation Finance Alliance (CFA) and the Wildlife Conservation Society (WCS), launched the Pacific Ocean Finance Fellowship Program earlier this year.

Fifteen professionals from 12 different countries in Africa, Asia, and South, Central, and North America gathered in northern California for two weeks of new inspiration, strategies, networks, and tools to confront the most pressing environmental challenges of our time. Below are some participant reflections on the powerful experience and insights they received.

Pilón Lajas Biosphere Reserve. Photo credit: Ceci Simon 

CSF alumni Sutra Anjani. Photo credit: Anonymous 

The project team in front of the project stand at the Agrotins fair. From left to right: Maria Garcia (CI), Iamily Cunha (CI), Camila Jericó-Daminello (CSF), Paulo Seifer (Imaflora) and Karine Barcelos (CI). Photo credit: Anonymous 

Workshop participants in Sintang. Photo credit: Sopian Hidayat 

Workshop participants in the Real Beni community. Photo Credit: Lilian Apaza 

CSF Training Director Kim Bonine and course participants working together in Bali. Photo Credit: Imanda Pradana 

Sangeeta participating in CSF's Economic Tools for Marine Conservation course in Palau in 2014. Photo Credit: Dr. Dean Miller

Public Hearing at the City Hall Auditorium of Novo Horizonte do Norte, Mato GrossoPhoto Credit: CSF-Brazil