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 Message from Robin
We are excited about plans for celebrating the 10th
anniversary of the Beahrs Environmental Leadership Program at UC Berkeley. This special newsletter "launches" the
anniversary with the voices of some of the many ELP
alumni, 2001-2009, who responded to our google survey. Your voices will also be featured on posters
at the July 8th anniversary panel and reception, to which you are
all invited! Joy has sent out the "save
the date" invitation and we understand that several of you will be making a
special effort to be here. We are
delighted that the Asia Foundation is sponsoring eight ELP
alumni to join us from July 14 - 16. We
look forward to interacting and learning from all of you.
The July 8th panel is called, "Environmental Leadership: a Force that
Persists", featuring four ELP
alumni - Mohamed Bakarr from Global
Environment Facility, ELP 2006,
Rizwana Hasan from Bangladesh Environmental Lawyers Association and Goldman
Environmental Prize winner, ELP
2003, Celia Harvey from Conservation International, ELP
2006, and Jean-Solo Ratsisompatrarivo from DAI - RESPOND in the Congo Basin, ELP 2006. It
looks like ELP 2006 will enjoy a
mini-reunion here in Berkeley! Also, Tony Barclay, President, Development
Practitioners Forum will speak, as well as Vince Resh, David Zilberman and
myself. We are also honored that Carl Pope, Chairman of the Sierra Club, will open the panel as a keynote speaker. After the panel we make our way
over to Giannini Hall for festivities with Chancellor Birgeneau, Dick Beahrs
and many friends of the ELP.
During the 10th anniversary panel and on other
occasions throughout ELP 2010 we
will take time to reflect on the successes and impacts of the ELP over the last ten years, and on ways to improve
the Program and provide critical training and networking for environmental
leaders over the next ten years. We will
need your input throughout our strategic planning process. Stay tuned!
Finally, as many of you know, UC Berkeley was recently
awarded a grant from the MacArthur Foundation to develop a new master's degree
program in development practice (MDP). David Zilberman spearheaded this initiative,
together with several ELP faculty
such as Dan Kammen, Isha Ray, Vince Resh, Claire Kremen, Sebastian Teunissen, Alain
de Janvry and Robin Marsh. MDP students will receive rigorous
cross-disciplinary professional training in sustainable development - including
the necessary managerial and leadership skills for complex environmental
problem-solving at local, national and global levels. MDP
students and faculty will be seeking collaboration with many ELP alumni institutions for workshops, internships,
mentoring and knowledge exchange. In
sum, we expect very strong MDP - ELP collaboration and hope you will join to make
this happen!.
Warm regards,
Robin
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 Message from David
People say
that"time flies when you are having fun". I have had immense pleasure watching the
growth of the ELP and the ELPers. The reality of the ELP has exceeded my dreams
and expectations. The success of the ELP is due to a sound concept and good execution. The basic idea is simple
-bring future leaders to Berkeley for three weeks, introduce them to
enlightened faculty and encourage
dialogue and cooperation, and they will grow as individuals and form a powerful
network. The challenge is in the implementation: selecting the right
participants and faculty, building a program that combines excellence and
relevance, balancing advanced planning with spontaneity. I believe that we met
this challenge- due to Dick's and Carolyn's initial contribution and
enthusiastic support, Robin's ingenuity and leadership, Elna's and Leslie's dedication, the Berkeley campus's infinite capacity to invent
and collaborate, and the great group of alumni we have had. But the ELP is far from perfect, it is a work
in progress that can be improved and must adapt to the changing world. Here I point out three rules we must follow
as we move forward., and discuss a related initiative that will enrich our Program.
First, we
have to be ahead of the curve in terms of concepts, ideas and material covered
in classes. I am very proud that we started talking about payment for
environmental services, soil carbon sequestration, food and fuel conflicts,
renewable energy and other topics-
before they were in the headlines. While our program must concentrate on
practical solutions, it should emphasize cutting edge thinking and novel
approaches. Otherwise, why come to Berkeley?
Second, we
must present diverse perspectives. As a professor in Berkeley I believe that we
are much better teaching how to think rather than what to think. We need ongoing feedback and ideas on how to balance
methods vs. topics. The emphasis in
topical workshops should be on comparisons among perspectives rather than on
providing the "right" answer. I am a
supporter of agricultural biotechnology, while others are critical of it. The
best we can do is to expose people to our differences.
Speaking
about diversity, the private sector is under represented in our program, as
well as North America and Europe. Programs like ours are the ones where we can
establish cross-sectoral dialogues to solve environmental problems. One avenue
to address this issue is to expand the program. Perhaps to have two sessions
every summer with some overlap- may be an annual conference.
Third, we
have to further integrate the ELP into the Berkeley campus. Participants join
the ELP because of its Berkeley affilition and we need to strive to engage more
Berkeley faculty and students in our activities. We need to consider opening
some of our programs and lectures to Berkeley students and alumni. May be even
have a small number of Berkeley students
as de-facto participants . The integration with Berkeley also means further
integration of our alumni network with the UC Berkeley alumni association.
Some of you have heard that UC Berkeley won a
MacArthur foundation grant to start a
master in development practice program. If everything goes well the first class
of 25 students will start in mid July 2011. Some view the MDP as a MBA in sustainable development- with emphasis on
multidisciplinary and practical training. Students will be required to go
through two internships- and we believe that the ELP alumni will provide some
of the internship opportunities to these students. The ELP and MDP share common educational
philosophy, they are likely to have joint activities and eventually, they will
share some administrative functions. The Berkeley MDP is part of a global network of MDP programs and I
expect us to be active in this network and help other organizations launch
their MDPs and ELPs programs.
I am always
looking forward to your feedback and advice. We are all partners in this joint
effort, and we need all the help we can get to improve it. I am looking forward
to continue to be a co-director of the ELP for a while. But I hope that someone
else will replace me when we celebrate the Beahrs ELP 20th
anniversary. Our biggest challenge and true test of sustainability is to pass
the baton to a new generation. I am certain we will succeed.
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A Look into the Past...
"Describe the impact of the ELP on your work and leadership capacity"
 Anu Hassinen, Consultant, Green Net
ELP'01, Finland
The greatest contribution of ELP to my career has been twofold: 1) The demonstration of the power of interdisciplinary thinking; 2) Reinforcing my appreciation of the capacity of my fellow ELP alumni, especially in developing countries, to make change happen in their own environments.
 Hans Burger, former Head of the Division of
Agriculture,
Canton Aargau, Department of Finance
ELP'01, Switzerland
I got impacts on two sides:1. I got a good overview of sustainable
development worldwide. This was a valuable asset for my work in the
field of agricultural education and training as well as in policy design
and implementation in a developed country (Switzerland).
2. ELP
knowledge and personnel relations were and still are a good basis for
professional assignments in developing countries and in Eastern Europe. I
gained knowledge from the course, and still take profit from the Alumni
network as well as from your reports and information about ongoing ELP
activities. After retirement I am now preparing an assignment as senior
expert for a big apple farm in Ukraine, where I hope to contribute to
sustainable development of the farm. Samina Khalil, Senior Research Economist, Applied Economics Research Center
ELP'02, PakistanI would say ELP had been a great inspirational and learning experience for me. My interest in environmental issues and sustainable development was boosted manifolds since I participated in the ELP of 2002. I went on to earn a PhD in Environmental Economics and Environmental Management in 2009 from the University of York, UK. The leadership capacity building is an ongoing process and I intend to undertake projects for this purpose. James Rubakisibo, Legal Representative/Volunteer Coordinator
Rwandese Health Environment Project Initiative(RHEPI)
ELP'03, RwandaAfter participating at the ELP leadership course in 2003, I was able to establish my own local NGO that focuses on the health of the environment., called Rwandese Health Environment Protection Initiative (RHEPI). This organization benefits greatly from networks like the ELP and many others to improve the environment at a grass roots level.Many environmentally friendly and appropriate technologies have been learned through these networks and shared with poor communities who often suffer most from the consequences of environment degradation.RHEPI has been supported by many umbrella organizations in the country such as : Rwanda Water, Sanitation and Environment Forum (RWASEF),GEF/NOF(Global Environment Fund/National Organizations Forum), local NGOs partnering with UNDP/GEF on Environment,LandNet Rwanda Chapter and many more. RHEPI is on the steering committees for these forums and networks because of experience and capacity I gained from the ELP. Sayed Hashmat, Regional Director, Local Governance & Community Development, DAI [currently running for Parliament]
ELP '04, Afghanistan Participating in the ELP had really positive impact on my career and on my work performance. I learned from other participants and our instructors but in addition I learned more from the successes and failures of the US society. If I compare the environment in both societies and both countries [Afghanistan & the USA] I find that we [in Afghanistan] are at the beginning of our journey. "Environment" is an unknown word for majority of our people.When I arrived back to Afghanistan after my ELP training I established an organization to work for environmental protection and awareness. We trained youth, conducted short training sessions and had meetings.I established a green park close to my house and many students and children enjoy the clean environment there.Siddique Siddiqui, PhD Candidate
Rural Planning and Development,
School of Environmental Design and Rural Dev
Studies, University of Guelph
ELP'05, Pakistan (in Canada)
I have applied the concepts of sustainable development [that I learned in the ELP] in the development of project proposals aimed at sustainable rehabilitation of livelihoods in the Siran Valley of Pakistan following the disaster earthquake of October 2005. I successfully secured funding from various international donors and implemented projects. Learning from ELP had a significant impact on projects' management. Community resilience to disasters in relation to environment was one of the major learning from ELP which was translated through completion of many projects. Martine Ngobo, Senior Research Manager, Farm Radio International
ELP'06, CameroonWhat stands out in any training are those "ah-ha" moments such as when we let go of the baggage (personal, academic and professional) that each of us carries. The ELP training was a chance to be with others and to shape our potential future and gain a greater sense of how we can apply our potential to make a difference. One of the great things about the format of the training is that it is participatory and experiential. I really gained a lot from talking with other people and from exercises.Leadership training was an incredibly valuable experience for me. It provided just-in-time learning, which enabled me to successfully meet the day-to-day responsibilities of my current position (Director of Research). I often go back to the course materials (provided on CDs) and use these as a tutorial with my job and my life. Through leadership training I experienced measurable improvements in my ability to achieve goals for my unique responsibilities, for the work of my employee organization, and for my life in general. It formed the basis of my current work in which I engage on a regular basis as a thinking partner with leadership teams of agricultural research and development communications institutions to continually improve collaboration, learning, and relationships.The training has given me a way to shine a light on the parts of my leadership skills that haven't been illuminated and then put them into practice. I now have a heightened awareness of my leadership and my leadership ability. David Jensen, Policy and Planning
Coordinator
Post-Conflict and Disaster Management Branch, UNEP
ELP'07, Canada (in Switzerland)Above all, ELP taught me one critical lesson: Leadership is not about being the most vocal in the room, and not needing to constantly display your intellectual capacity or status. Rather, it is about knowing exactly when and how much to speak, how to inspire and empower others, and how to get what you want within complex institutional structures. Mimi N. Damwyk, former Community Participation
Coordinator
Putri Naga Komodo
ELP'08, IndonesiaELP was a boost to my spirit in working on what I believe is right to do for the environment and the people. It has broaden my perspective and made me see the world from different angle. Meeting and sharing experiences with people from all over the world have made me realize that we are not fighting alone for greater good of our environment. It has given me hope and confidence that together we can make the world much better place to live for children and our grandchildren. Sigrid Vasconez
Environmental Policy Area
Director
Grupo FARO
ELP'08, Ecuador
Being part of the ELP network has provided me with a number of
learning and working opportunities. The course helped me to update my
knowledge and skills in regards to environmental management and
contributed to the reaffirmation of my commitment towards a sustainable future. Ramon Correa, Engineering Manager
MYP Intermex S de RL de CV
ELP'09, MexicoThe ELP was a milestone in my personal development. I had many expectations prior to my travel to Berkeley and of course some questions. Without doubt my environmental awareness is better now and the ELP helped me a lot in improving my performance in sustainable development topics. Participants and UC Berkeley collaborators are simply unforgettable: it changed my life. The ELP is part of my life that will always be with me. |
A look to the Future...
"What are your suggestions to help the
ELP effectively address the challenges of future environmental leaders?"
 Alvin Chandra, (MESPOM)
School of Earth, Atmospheric and Environmental Sciences
The University of Manchester
ELP'08, Fiji Islands
My message is to continue to seed leadership ideas and to consciously act on those ideas by giving promising young professionals opportunity to be part of the ELP. The elderly have lived their generations and pursued efforts that made obstacles entirely difficult to end. Let us now continue to build ELP in the next decade with the belief that young people can help lead efforts to solve the environmental crisis we are challenged with today. This will give the up and coming generation a chance to organize and exchange ideas with other professionals who have had their fair share in mending the bridges of environmental crisis. Perhaps most importantly, ELP was an initiative inspired by this thought of shaping leadership vision that is guided by inclusive and unique viewpoints of present and coming generations - a concept that is deeply rooted within sustainable development. GO ELP and CONGRATULATIONS on your 10th Anniversary!
S. Pi Burhanuddin, Researcher
Center
for Coastal and Marine Resources Studies,
Bogor Agricultural University
ELP'02, Indonesia
I hope the ELP could work to develop a programs for smallholders and to address long-standing issues and constraints relating to agricultural production and rural poverty.
 Dulce Elazegui, Researcher
Institute of Strategic Planning & Policy Studies, University of the Philippines
ELP'03, Philippines
ELP should maintain its network with ELP alumni and provide opportunities for cross-country research collaboration on existing and emerging environmental issues. On a regular basis, it should also provide a venue (e.g., forum) where the ELP alumni could share experiences and ideas.
 Ross Hagan, Head of Water Resource Activities,
USAID, Jordan
ELP'04, USA (in Jordan)
It would be useful to pull together a collection of outreach materials, about the environment at large, used by different countries.
 Monica Castro, Manager
Global Consulting, Sustainable Development
ELP'05, Bolivia
We need to have an aggressive space for an exchange and to share experiences, visions and practices that can address the challenges; a forum in the year that can be held on each continent, a virtual space where we can share experiences, practices, methodologies and information about the news in environmental issues in the world.
 Sara Mateo, Biodiversity Management Specialist
BIODAMAZ Project, Amazonian Research Institute of Peru
ELP'06, Peru
The ELP needs to focus on the solutions! It is good to use problems as a background but we need to focus on the solutions as well. This way we avoid making the same mistakes from the past. We must empower people from developing countries and raise awareness in the developed world.  Pradeep Kumar, Head, Land Use &
Environment Division, Divisional Forest Officer
Dept. of Forests, Environment
& Wildlife Management,
Government of Sikkim
ELP'06, India
During ELP the applicants can be paired with some UC, Berkeley faculty for a few days to work on some projects of their choice. This will allow the participants to focus on some topic of their choice in addition to broad issues the ELP focuses. At the same time the participants would be able to see and analyze the topic of their interest in the context of broader environmental issues.
 Tahir Rasheed, National Project Manager
Habitat & Species Conservation Project
SUSG-C Asia
ELP'07, Pakistan
A representative committee of the fellows should be constituted to review the course contents and give certain concrete recommendations to further improve it accordingly. Different E-discussion groups should be established while talks of the experts should be arranged accordingly. ELP leaders should be involved as resource persons and should be encouraged/sponsored to participate in different international forum. Options of joint project or research initiative should be further strengthened and the exchange programs of regional ELP leaders should be arranged. Emphasis should be to further the efforts at regional level by at least agreeing on a discussion group for a regular backstopping, sharing of expertise, knowledge and deliberation on emerging issues as a regular feature. Possibilities of internship opportunities should also be expedited to benefit the wealth of practical and innovative knowledge of the LEADERS.  Roberto Rivas Herman,
ELP'08, Nicaragua Many participants seek opportunities to create stronger links with
fellow participants: to launch joint ventures in research, projects,
etc. Although there exists the SGI, the ELP board may provide other
alternatives to encourage such joint ventures. For example, with a SGI
scheme that does not require strictly participation from Scholars from
Berkeley, but for example support from alumni-practitioners/ experts in a
particular field. ELP should include the topic of innovation
in their list of subjects, in my opinion this is something is becoming
increasingly important, and leaders in the future must be aware of the
discourses surrounding environmental innovation in particular, and
innovation in general.
 George Owoyesigire, Wildllife Officer
Ministry of Tourism, Trade & Industry
ELP'09, UgandaELP should incorporate a module on project identification, planning and management. There could also be a moduel on relevant international environmental conventions i.e. CITES, CBD, FAO operations, etc.
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