Isla Biodiversity Conservation, Inc.

It's not a feat that would rival the achievements of aviators like Steve Fossett or Charles Lindbergh, but would have perhaps get both entertained.

This "journey around the world" was staged by representatives from winning teams of the British Petroleum (BP)-sponsored 2007 Conservation Leadership Awards in a performance during a cultural night held last 26 June 2007 in Port Elizabeth, South Africa. Performers, including the Calayan Rail Project's Cynthia Layusa, captivated their audience by taking them on a trip to about a dozen countries in 4 continents, treating them to a dazzling and sometimes hilarious presentation in each nation.

The visit to Port Elizabeth was not all about shows and celebrations, though. Award winners from 19 countries converged in this coastal city from 24 June 2007 - 6 July 2007 to participate in conservation skills training, attend the 21st Annual Society for Conservation Biology meeting and take a GIS training course. The activities are part of support services provided by the Conservation Leadership Programme to its winning project teams.

The one-week training was held at the Thomas Baines Nature Reserve while the SCB Meeting and GIS training course both took place at the Nelson Mandela University.

Participants also had the chance to witness the spectacular fauna of the region, including elephants, penguins, deer, ipanas, primates, humpback whales and a wide variety of birds.

For Cynthia, "it was not only an opportunity to get training in project management, communication, education, facilitation and GIS but also a chance to interact with other conservationists from around the world."