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.

Course graduates Marco Bustamente (2014), Sara Mateo (2013), Sofia Vargas (2015), Maria Pia Diaz (2015), and Dora Samaneigo (2014) enjoying the alumni gathering in Lima. Photo credit: Niki Gribi

Recreational anglers in the United States collectively spend millions of days and millions of dollars per year fishing in coastal and ocean waters. The state of California ranks second in the nation for recreational saltwater fishing, second only to Florida. The California halibut, Paralichthys californicus, is one of the most highly sought-after fish for recreational anglers due to its large size, delicious taste and challenging fishing behavior. Over 60,000 trips are taken per year by boat anglers targeting this species. California halibut. Photo credit: Ed Bierman.

Participants Ximena Villagrán from Guatemala and Rianti Pangastuti from Indonesia enjoying the sunshine during a class break

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