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Sheila's "Mountain to Sea" for Conservation International!

Sheila Jeya Balan is raising money for CI

Team: Her Planet Earth Japan Expedition 2026 Team

“Personal Challenge 2026”
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We know that human beings are totally dependent on nature — and that by saving nature, we’re saving ourselves. To that end, CI is helping to build a healthier, more prosperous and more productive planet. We do this through science, policy, and partnerships with countries, communities and companies. Over the years, CI has helped support 1,200 protected areas and interventions across 77 countries, safeguarding more than 601 million hectares of land, marine and coastal areas.​​ Our work is moving entire societies toward a healthier, more sustainable development path — so that we don’t use up today what we’re going to need tomorrow. At CI, we don’t focus on one sector or one issue. And we’re not interested in short-term fixes. Instead, building upon a foundation of science, partnership and field work, we find global solutions to global problems.​​ We measure success in human terms. Our ultimate goal is to protect the most fundamental things that nature provides to all of us: our food, our fresh water, our livelihoods and a stable climate. Nature doesn’t need people - people need nature.

Story

Dear Tribe -

This is my first hiking expedition. My first fundraising journey. And perhaps, the first time I am truly learning that courage is not about being fearless — it is about being willing to begin.

This year, I am trading in my Diors and Jimmy Choos for Lululemon and Salomon — personally, to rebuild my health & functional nutrition and in tandem to support a wider women-led climate initiative since these are no longer optional if women are going to continue to lead, thrive and ensure future generations continue to raise the bar on women and their role in climate resilience.

So, I’m stepping outside my comfort zone to join 12 incredible women across the globe in the “Mountain to Sea” expedition across Japan. Together, we will hike almost 80km across Kyoto’s remote valleys, forests and ancient merchant trails, ending at Amanohashidate by the Sea of Japan.

We’ll walk through bamboo forests, mountain villages and historic paths once used by traders carrying crafts into Kyoto, while staying in small traditional inns that directly support local communities - all the while supporting a tangible, women-led grassroot project(s) in the Pacific which is closely connected to Japan geographically and environmentally. Via this Japan expedition, we are raising funds for Conservation International’s work in seaweed projects in Fiji, supporting coastal communities and protecting vital seaweed ecosystems.

Seaweed - a prized superfood, is the very reason science discovered the "fifth taste" (umami) and is a staple especially in Asian cooking. Its deep cultural significance connects food, family, culture and nature across generations and heavily impacts both carbon regulations and marine life survival. It deserves preserving!

I am personally aiming to raise USD5,000 for this expedition (alongside with my other teammates who are also fundraising) with the support of my tribe and those connected to my values and conservation effort for women. Every dollar goes directly to Conservation International Fiji. From training in East Coast and MacRitchie parks in Singapore all the way to strength training and 'Buddha' hikes in Koh Samui, Thailand, I’m learning that our body is capable of far more than we think and the forest has become a form of meditation — a quiet place to reconnect with God, resilience and myself.

Please join me in this journey of self-endurance and to make a difference in one of the most under-recognised forces in climate resilience: women! Thank you and I believe you will cherish your gift each time you savour the wonders of seaweed! For more details behind this amazing expedition and mission - please see https://www.herplanetearth.com/news/pearls-purpose-and-the-power-of-women-her-planet-earth-unveils-landmark-2026-japan-expedition.

Love,

Sheila

Donation summary

Total
US$200.00
Online
US$200.00
Offline
US$0.00

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