The Emerging Wildlife Conservation Leaders (EWCL) training program helps jump-start early career conservation professionals through a combination of skills training, networking opportunities and the completion of a global wildlife conservation initiative. EWCL training addresses a long-standing need for capable leaders in the conservation field who are equipped with a full arsenal of skills to launch well-rounded and successful conservation campaigns and careers in the field.
The Emerging Wildlife Conservation Leaders program simultaneously addresses two serious challenges facing the natural resource profession. The first is the potential drain of talent as baby boomers begin retiring in upcoming years. The second is the difficulty early career professionals encounter entering the wildlife conservation field.
EWCL is designed to help jump-start professional conservation careers through networking with peers and established practitioners, structured and experiential learning in basic conservation skills, personal growth lessons and cultural sensitivity training, and through teamwork in conducting an international wildlife conservation project. EWCL provides the knowledge and resources necessary for participants to succeed in the program and in their careers.
The goal of EWCL is to facilitate cross-organizational networking and mentoring for emerging wildlife conservation leaders while conducting training and guiding concrete innovative conservation projects on a bi-annual basis. Through the EWCL training program, Fellows refine their leadership skills while building a community of conversation leaders who will be more effective in their chosen profession of increasing global bio-diversity through the protection of endangered species.