WWF’s Russell E. Train Education for Nature Program (EFN) would like to congratulate the recipients of the 2015 Russell E. Train Fellowship. For over 20 years, EFN has supported inspiring individuals from across the globe to earn advanced degrees in conservation-related fields. Train Fellows attend top universities around the world, work closely with leading conservation specialists, and research topics critical to WWF and the conservation community.

For over 20 years, Ghislain Somba Byombo has risked his life to protect wildlife in the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC). His reason for doing so is simple: he wants to save the animals he loves so dearly and keep the natural beauty of his country intact.

Each year, WWF provides support to proven and potential conservation leaders in Africa, Asia, and Latin America so they may pursue graduate studies in WWF priority places. This year, WWF’s Russell E. Train Education for Nature Program (EFN) selected 26 outstanding individuals from around the world to receive Russell E. Train Fellowships.

EFN grantee Jim Nyamu is working to raise awareness of threats to elephants by walking more than 650 miles from Massai Mara to Nairobi on a campaign called Ivory Belongs to Elephants.

Since the beginning of his career, Maharjan has always worked to stop wildlife crime. Today, he organizes anti-poaching surveillance missions using intelligence gathered from a wide network of local informants.

WWF’s Russell E. Train Education for Nature Program (EFN) would like to congratulate the recipients of the 2016 Russell E. Train Fellowship.