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.