As we continue to reminisce on EWCL’s incredible 20-year journey, we’re reflecting on each of our past classes. Class 2, which was comprised of 21 rising conservationists, including EWCL’s first international participants, started in 2007. The richness of this class’s skills and interests is reflected in the various impactful team projects they launched over the following 2 years. 🌿 The Pangolin Conservation Project sounded the alarm on the plight of the world’s most trafficked mammal long before they became a global conservation priority. 🌿 The Amphibian Conservation Project raised awareness on the global amphibian crisis, focusing on habitat preservation and disease prevention. 🌿 The Jaguar Conservation Project developed strategies to reduce human-wildlife conflict, secure critical habitats, and engage local communities in protecting this iconic species. 🌿 The Okapi Conservation Project collaborated with local communities and conservation groups to protect the rare and elusive Okapi in the dense rainforests of the Congo from poaching and habitat loss Class 2 exemplified the power of collaboration and innovation. Their projects not only raised awareness but also drove meaningful action on the ground, contributing to the survival of these species and setting the stage for future conservation efforts. The Pangolin Conservation Team Project’s efforts evolved into the nonprofit organization Save Pangolins, which is still active today. In fact, they were a EWCL partner of Class 9, which focused entirely on pangolins. Two Class 2 members, Nilanga Jayasinghe and Paul Thomson, now sit on the EWCL Advisory Council and play a critical role in carrying forward the program’s mission as mentors, advisors, and funders. As we celebrate two decades of empowering the next generation of wildlife conservation leaders, we honor the legacy of Class 2 and their unwavering commitment to safeguarding our planet’s most vulnerable wildlife. Find more about EWCL class 2 on this link: https://shorturl.at/JSZR7