The 2020 training course of the “Blue Pioneers” program commenced recently. In the context of the 15th Conference of the Parties (COP15) of the Convention on Biological Diversity (CBD), this year’s “Blue Pioneers” training course will focus more on marine biodiversity. Systematic training will be carried out in the areas of marine science, marine biodiversity and conservation, as well as NGO capability building and training, among others.

From September 24 to 27, the 20 students who were selected for this session of the “Blue Pioneers” program successfully completed the first training module. The content of this training included lectures and seminars as well as field work related to marine biodiversity, sharing of experiences in sustainable fishery, boat operating skills training, as well as combating marine debris by diving.

The “Blue Pioneers” program, initiated in 2016 by Yintai Foundation, PIF and the David and Lucile Packard Foundation, aims to nurture and sponsor young local Chinese frontline public interest talent who are passionate about marine conservation. This program, of which four sessions have been held to date, has sponsored and trained about 80 marine conservationists.