Education is one of the most powerful drivers of change. For 24 years, the Russell E. Train Education for Nature Program (EFN) has played a pivotal role in preserving and restoring Earth’s epicenters of biodiversity by supporting conservationists across Africa, Asia, and Latin America. Through scholarships, fellowships, and small grants, EFN enables individuals to pursue degrees and attend trainings, and provides funding for local organizations to train communities in WWF priority places.

In 2019, EFN will celebrate its 25th anniversary. This milestone reminds us of the important legacy of Russell E. Train and the impact this program has had on 2,684 individuals and organizations worldwide. With over $21 million invested in education and training, EFN has helped transform students, researchers, and faculty into recognized experts, decision-makers, and role models. It has also enabled local organizations to build awareness, transfer skills, and empower tens of thousands of community members.

There are few investments more powerful or permanent than education. At WWF, we see firsthand how education can improve and accelerate the ability of individuals, communities, and societies to plan and implement conservation action. Thanks to the continued commitment, EFN grants to 2,529 individuals and organizations around the world have helped thousands of people gain the education and skills necessary to take action for the planet.

This year marks the 20th anniversary of the Russell E. Train Education for Nature Program (EFN). In this year’s annual report, we invite you to look back on the program’s outstanding accomplishments and to remember Russ Train, a conservation champion whose vision continues to inspire us all. EFN supported more than 150 individuals and organizations this year – an investment in capacity building that has helped improve conservation outcomes in more than 60 countries around the world. The release of the annual report is not only a great time to look back at successes throughout the past year, but also an opportunity to look ahead at the great work to come. Thanks to an extremely generous donation, EFN launched a new faculty fellowship program to improve graduate-level education in Africa, Asia and Latin America. EFN also plans to award more than 200 grants and fellowships in the coming year and maximize our impact in places such as Myanmar and Mozambique.