What Alums Say about Beahrs ELP

The beauty of the Beahrs ELP is that it not only afforded us the opportunity to learn new skills and tools to better our work, but it likewise gave us the occasion to exchange views with a diverse and dynamic group of international environmental leaders, full of passion and commitment to improving our environment. An enriching and inspirational experience, it is made more memorable by the friendships and camaraderie formed during the three weeks. Something to treasure for years to come. - Angela Ibay, Philippines

It was a very enriching experience to interact with environmental leaders from all over the world. The skills and knowledge gained from the course will come in handy as I develop my career in environmental conservation / leadership. With the ELP certificate in my hands, I feel the sky will be the only limit to my achievements in the struggle to save mother nature! - Aventino Kasangaki, Uganda

The ELP was such a wonderful learning experience, both academically and practically. I was enriched and inspired by an excellent & talented group of lecturers, development practitioners, and more importantly, environmental leaders from different corners of the world. I do hope that many of my colleagues from Vietnam will have the same opportunity. I have been so fortunate to have extended my circle of friends and networks of experienced leaders and experts in the field of environment. - An Nguyen, Vietnam

The Bearhs ELP gives to its participants the opportunity to access the knowledge of outstanding academic professionals; in this way, the program is a shortcut to get “the state of the art” in environmental and leadership issues. Moreover, the program permits the interchange of experiences among its participants in a way that increases their awareness and imagination. Supporting this kind of program helps to reinforce positive North-South and South-South linkages in order to strengthen capacity building around the globe.-Valdemar Diaz, Mexico

Two brains are better than a single brain. Then you can guess 34 brains of ELP 2004 from different geographical areas of the world with variety of disciplines. It was a golden opportunity to learn and share what you have. -Suman Bhattarai, Nepal

For me it was the most productive and encouraging experience to take part in the training. It went so smooth that the managerial part was a great learning in itself. The great thing for me was not only the course but also to know the people from around the world who have similar interest and worries about how to save this world by taking care of social justice and equity. Berkeley is really a fantastic place for such debates. - Dinesh Paudel, Bangladesh

The word "experience" means: 1.the knowledge or practical wisdom gained from what one has observed, encountered or undergone; 2.the totality of the cognitions given by perception; 3.all that is perceived, understood and remembered. Therefore, going through an experience implies being affected by what one meets with. Having taken part of the ELP2004 meant it all to me since I am convinced I have gained something I will never forget. The days spent in Berkeley during that summer were full of joy and wisdom. I was affected by an invigorating sensation that my home is everywhere, for the friends I have made and the indubitable perception of finding true human wealth behind all those smiles. What can one expect more? - Marcelo Arantes, Brazil

Thanks to Beahrs ELP for an opportunity to study within a hospitable and friendly multicultural atmosphere. I always remember our respected professors, who exchange with us their best knowledge and experience. It was a unique experience for me to meet international environmental leaders from different nations and study their way of thinking, managerial skills and approaches to problem solving. The time I spent in Berkeley is one of the best remembrances in my professional career, because besides the exchange of experiences I made many friends … a team of leaders working together for a common healthy environment. - Keti Samadashvili, Georgia

Beahrs ELP was one of my best experiences. The training was good combination of career related skill and knowledge on environment and people issues. It provided a unique experience to improve confidence and to grow as an entire person. Also it encouraged us to be reminded that we can make difference to ourselves and the environment. On behalf of CIFOR I would like to thank you all and looking forward for long term relation with the Beahrs ELP Alumnus Network. - Purabi Bose, Indonesia (Native of India)

Beahrs ELP inspired me! It was a timely opportunity for me to meet my fellow environmentalists from around the world. Their stories of success have re-ignited my glooming spirits. And the knowledge that we face the same challenges and struggles gives me the much-needed assurance that there's still hope as long as we keep on fighting for this noble and practical cause. - Nelia Lagura, Philippines

Currently I am involved in several research programs related to fisheries and other marine resource management and also several research programs for next fiscal year. Absolutely I will use all relevant lessons learned from the summer course…with… sustainable marine environment management; as research goals.
…we got invaluable lessons and experiences from the course. Our daily work is directly linked to maintaining sustainable environmental management. So the lessons gained from the course will become a very important basic concept to be used in our day-to-day working environment. - Vita Kusuma, Indonesia

The best thing about the course is its use of a mixture of techniques, which is how adults learn best. There was classroom instruction and participatory discussion of the issues, panels, group work, exercises and field trips. The course has equipped me with the necessary tools to do - much better, whatever my future challenges will be. It has also provided me with the requisite sensitivity. I believe that the people who make the right decisions are not necessarily those with the right credentials, but those with the right concerns. And I've got the right concerns from this course. - Kazim Niaz, Pakistan

The course offers top level academic insights and through multiple case studies and a high level of interaction offers hands on testing of these theories in distinct contexts…At the same time the course manages to offer an almost complete selection of the critical areas of discussion within the environmental management field in a balanced manner. - Olav Lundstol, Malaysia (Norwegian National)

I've been wary of words such as “holistic' and “integrated” because they hold so much promise but hardly every deliver. This course was different. Everything fell into place about a whole range of issues that must be considered for sustainable development…The firm friendships forged are so valuable to me… a meeting of minds with people from diverse nationalities and professions but with a common goal… to improve the lot of fellow men, visionaries with feet firmly on the ground. I hope to make the African Chapter (of the Alumni Network) really vibrant. - Simon Thuo, Kenya

The Beahrs Environmental Leadership Programme is an excellent initiative in terms of capacity building at the global level. By promoting interchange of experiences, generation of new ideas, analyses of alternatives, and development of an informal network between participants from different parts of the world, it achieves what is urgently needed by the world: human resources development at the very highest level. The potential of this programme is immense. - Enrique Castelán, México.

The most precious thing that came out of this summer session was the links established of colleagues all over the world with the same passion of saving the world from environmental disaster. What is quite wonderful is that the links are more than just professional, but personal and full of warmth, camaraderie, and sincerity of friendship. - Anges Rola, Philippines

I am back home. The more I think about the knowledge I have gained, new people, new impressions, about everything that I have seen, heard, and felt, the more impressed and thankful I become. It is probably the first time I came home from a trip absolutely not tired, but full of strength and energy and desire for work. - Vera Dmitrieva, Russia

Having participated in the ELP Leadership Program, my views on many aspects of development were sharpened and I can confidently say that most of us are on the "cutting edge" of developmental analysis, implementation and the general holistic management of complex environmental issues. Following my participation I have established an organisation that promotes Community Tourism Initiatives in Kenya, Nepal and Costa Rica, developing ethical tourism products and services with very remote communities. Together with other Alumni members, we are in the process of registering an International Foundation in Kenya working on Ecology, Information and Resource Management. Definitely the Beahrs ELP is a program that plants intellectual seeds that sow many fruits! - Peter Kuria, Kenya/Zimbabwe/Caribbean

The summer course has been a very informative and stimulating experience for me. I want to stress that the diversity of the participants' background has added to this course an outstanding element of cross-cultural and knowledge exchange that can seldom be found in any other international course. I think that this is a very unique and unrivaled course, and I have truly enjoyed every single moment in it. - Sami Kamel, Denmark (Egyptian national).

This program has been a great learning experience for me. As an Environmental Economist, I have learned the importance of integration of interdisciplinary dimensions of environmental and cross cutting issues into the jargon of Economics, for better understanding of the complexities and comprehensive nature of environmental management. I have also learned very interesting and thought provoking ideas from various instructors and faculty members which have certainly broadened my vision about the resource management and global nature of environmental management and sustainable development. - Samina Khalil, Pakistan

…I've learned that I need to be more of a leader in trying to get my ideas out there, and this course has provided me that opportunity. After presenting to a wide-ranging audience with such varied experiences, I now have the confidence to present my issues and beliefs in any context, anywhere in the world. - Justin Ram, England (National of Trinidad & Tobago)

I have attended several environmental trainings for mid-career people over the last 10 years, but the Beahrs Environmental Leadership Program is by far the most comprehensive and integrated one, with outstanding students and lecturers. Actually, it goes beyond just environment to also address most of the burning sustainable development issues all over the world. I would recommend it to all people working in the field of development who want to have a global picture of the interactions that exist between the three pillars of SD and who really want to make a difference in their job, to go for it. Be careful, it will change you! - Abou Bamba, Ivory Coast

One of my fears on leaving Berkeley was that there would be so few opportunities in the short term to apply what we learned. I have found in fact that this has not been the case. Instead, I find myself re-visiting discussion and lessons learned in the ELP at least on a weekly basis. Sometimes it relates to economics, sometimes stream ecology, sometimes climate change and much more often than I imagined, conflict resolution. My new confidence in the value of 'joined up thinking' in processes for environmental management has lead me many times in the last three months to question the received wisdom about how things are done here. …. I had two main goals in wanting to participate in the ELP. The first was to consolidate bits of inter-disciplinary experience, thinking and learning. I very much feel that I achieved this goal…. The second goal was to join the ongoing Beahrs network. Above all I found the group of people at the course to be pretty inspirational. In research and academia, we get caught up so easily in the long-winded intricacies of what we are doing, so it was just brilliant to be with such a diverse group, among whom were many who are testament to the value of sticking it out on the basis of your convictions and making things happen. I want to try and do more of that myself. - Mark Smith, Australia

At times there are points in your life that make you change. For me Berkeley is such a milestone. I am very inspired by you, your energy, your knowledge, your skills, your humor and your ideas!! You have taught me that questions can never be too many and that you can be small and do great things. I am now a different person thanks to you. - Katrin Lervik, Tanzania (Norwegian National)

It was a wonderful surprise for me: that from the first minutes of our interactions, people from different parts of the world felt a common space. Now I know we can reach our mutual goals together, people from different countries, with different cultures, positions and viewpoints. .It was terrific time. I feel a grand potential from this partnership. And I feel a great sense of gratitude to the directors of this program for an opportunity to have this unique experience. -Svetlana Chernikova, Russia

With the knowledge and skills obtained from the Beahrs ELP, I am confident and determined to catalyze policy change and institutional transformation towards restoration of clean air in our city. The approach of "willingness to pay" is challenging in our environment accustomed to "polluter pays principle". Nevertheless, we were encouraged to be tough and stand firm if we believe that what we are doing is positive and right. - Patrick Karani, Nairobi, Kenya

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