Our Partners

Thailand’s Non-Formal Education Commission works in extension with Thailand’s Ministry of education to promote lifelong learning opportunities among non-traditional students to enable them to search for knowledge and to apply it in their real life. The commission also extends its services to those underprivileged who lack the opportunity in basic education. The Ao Luk Non-Formal Education Center serves to provide learning opportunities for members of the community who are unable to complete a traditional education due to poverty, work obligations, or family. The center serves as a learning center as well as an office for teachers who travel to remote communities to provide educational opportunities for all.

KESCOM represents a national integrated approach to sea turtle conservation promoting community participation in various conservation activities that include research and monitoring, public awareness and advocacy.

Rainforest Concern was established as a registered charity in 1993 to protect the world's tropical rainforests and the incredible biodiversity they contain, together with the indigenous people who still depend on them for their survival.

Founded by Dian Fossey in 1978 to save the Gorillas. Dedicated to the conservation of gorillas and their habitats in Africa through anti-poaching, regular monitoring, research, education and support of local communities, DFGFI uniquely continues to promote the ideals and vision of Dr. Dian Fossey.

Founded in 1977, the Jane Goodall Institute continues Dr. Goodall’s pioneering research of chimpanzee behavior -- research which transformed scientific perceptions of the relationship between humans and animals. Today, the Institute is a global leader in the effort to protect chimpanzees and their habitats. It also is widely recognized for establishing innovative community-centered conservation and development programs in Africa, and the Roots & Shoots education program, which has groups in more than 90 countries.

SANParks is one of the world's leading conservation and scientific research bodies and a leading proponent of maintaining the indigenous natural environment.

Karongwe Ecological Research Institute (KERI) is a small, non-profit research organization best known for its research and conservation of wildlife on small-enclosed ecosystems, working to protect endangered species through research and education ensuring their survival in the future.

The mission of the Canadian Organization for Tropical Education & Rainforest Conservation is to provide leadership in education, research, conservation, and the educated use of natural resources in the tropics. See www.coterc.org for more information.

GVI invites Museum technicians to collect data and specimens for their collections and specific research on Ecuadorian flora and fauna. The museum offers expertise in field species identification and distribution of most animal groups and plants, survey techniques, and sampling methods. They also help train GVI staff and Expedition Members both in the field, and at work shops in the museum.

Amigos de Sian Ka'an (ASK) were established in 1986 and are a Mexican non-profit NGO which channels funding from the private sector into projects that support the conservation of biodiversity and maintenance of ecological processes for the well being of present and future generations. It works within the state of Quintana Roo as well as collaborating with regional and international partners throughout the Mesoamerican region.

Comisión Nacional de Áreas Naturales Protegidas (National Commission of Protected Natural Areas) CONANP, is a governmental body that manages 150 areas of federal property (17.8 million hectares) in Mexico with the aim of regional sustainable development for the conservation of their ecosystems and biodiversities.

The Seychelles Centre for Marine Research and Technology (SCMRT) was merged with the Marine Parks Authority in 2003 (forming SCMRT-MPA). The focus of the organization is a sustainable ocean through research, conservation and management with overall management by the Ministry of Environment. SCMRT is the research wing of the organization and is involved in numerous areas of marine research. The amalgamated MPA is responsible for the management of the 7 Marine National Parks of the Seychelles. SCMRT-MPA is our main partner in the Seychelles and our extensive coral reef research program is undertaken on their behalf. GVI’s Seychelles Expedition is also based at their research center, within the Baie Ternay Marine National Park.

The Marine Conservation Society of the Seychelles (MCSS) is an NGO that focuses on marine conservation topics implemented through research, management and training. It undertakes research into various aspects of the marine environment and currently focuses on whale sharks and marine turtle research, with an extensive seasonal program of monitoring. MCSS also run an environmentally protective mooring program, reducing the risk of anchor damage to the reefs. They were also involved in the formation of the Seychelles Marine Mammal Observatory. GVI has been working with MCSS since our start in the Seychelles and now undertake several projects on their behalf: plankton sampling, in-water turtle monitoring, seasonal beach patrols (for nesting turtles) and other smaller ventures as required. They are also part of GVI’s Career Opportunities program, so volunteer placements with MCSS may be possible after completion of the GVI Expedition.

The Marine Conservation Society of the Seychelles (MCSS) is an NGO that focuses on marine conservation topics implemented through research, management and training. It undertakes research into various aspects of the marine environment and currently focuses on whale sharks and marine turtle research, with an extensive seasonal program of monitoring. MCSS also run an environmentally protective mooring program, reducing the risk of anchor damage to the reefs. They were also involved in the formation of the Seychelles Marine Mammal Observatory. GVI has been working with MCSS since our start in the Seychelles and now undertake several projects on their behalf: plankton sampling, in-water turtle monitoring, seasonal beach patrols (for nesting turtles) and other smaller ventures as required. They are also part of GVI’s Career Opportunities program, so volunteer placements with MCSS may be possible after completion of the GVI Expedition.

The Nature Protection Trust of the Seychelles is a non-profit NGO based on Silhouette Island (where we have our satellite camp). The NPTS works to conserve the biodiversity of the Seychelles through conservation and research and has been involved in a diverse range of research projects. It’s activities range from giant tortoise and terrapin captive breeding programmes to the conservation of endemic invertebrate and plant species. On behalf of the NPTS we have conducted continuous monitoring of the nesting hawksbill turtles at Grande Barbe beach on Silhouette, throughout a complete nesting season. We are now moving our attentions to the nesting season of the green turtle, together with terrapin monitoring and other terrestrial projects.

The SZP were instrumental in the formation of the Seychelles Marine Mammal Observatory (SMMO). They have been involved in developing cetacean monitoring in Seychelles waters for the last two years in co-ordination with MCSS, SFA and SCMRT-MPA. Their website provides identification guides for marine mammals of the Seychelles and additional information in French. As participants of the SMMO, GVI document all cetacean sightings made during the course of our research program, the data from which is submit to the SMMO to help build a better picture of marine mammal activity in Seychelles waters.

The Costa Rican Ministry of Environment and Energy (MINAE) has divided the country up into 11 Conservation Areas. The GVI Costa Rica expedition is based outside Tortuguero and comes under the jurisdiction of ACTo – Tortuguero Conservation Area. MINAE and ACTo are responsible for the overall management, conservation and law enforcement of the Tortuguero National Park and neighboring Barra Colorado Wildlife Refuge and GVI works closely with them on three various projects; 1) Jaguar predation of sea turtles, 2) Tourist Impact Assessment of aquatic canals and terrestrial trails and 3) Tourist Feedback study on visits to the National Park.

In 1903 the explorer Perito Moreno donated land to the Argentine state in order for it to be protected. This became the first ever National Park in Argentina: the origins of Parque Nacional Nahuel Huapi. There are now 34 protected areas (3,584 414 hectares) within Argentina and the Administración de Parques Nacionales Argentina is the governmental body responsible for managing these lands. It aims to preserve national heritage through the protection of species, the education of man and the sustainable use of resources.

Parque Nacional Lanín was founded in 1937 in order to provide protection for the ecosystems and species within its boundaries, some of which are found in no other part of Argentina. The Park covers 412,000 hectares of land, containing diverse habitats from cane to coniferous forests. The 7 native communities that still live in the Park are strongly involved in the management of the land. Located in the province of Neuquén, northern Patagonia, the Lanín volcano dominates the view from all aspects, reaching 3776m.

ReefBase is the world's premier online information system on coral reefs, and provides information services to coral reef professionals involved in management, research, monitoring, conservation and education. Their goal is to facilitate sustainable management of coral reefs and related coastal/marine environments, in order to benefit poor people in developing countries whose livelihoods depend on these natural resources.

Project AWARE Foundation is the dive industry’s leading non-profit organisation committed to conserving underwater environments through education, advocacy and action. Project AWARE accomplishes its mission by involving divers and volunteers in environmental activities like International Cleanup Day, Dive In To Earth Day and the International Whale Shark Project.

Kruger2Canyons.com is a comprehensive guide to the Central Lowveld area of South Africa, encompassing the Blyde River Canyon (the third largest in the world) and the Kruger National Park. The site describes the rationale behind the region's protection as a UN Biosphere, and offers resources on its ecology, history and social development.

The Whole Planet Foundation's mission is to create economic partnerships with the poor in those developing-world communities that supply Whole Foods Market stores with product. The mission is achieved through innovative assistance for entrepreneurship, including direct micro-credit loans and tangible support for other community partnership projects. The Whole Planet Foundation represents a significant expansion of Whole Foods Market’s mission to actively participate in our communities. With more than 175 stores, we now have the scale and scope to give back to the global community. The creation of this foundation directly connects Whole Foods Market customers and Team Members to the villages in developing countries that supply us with products. Establishing these community partnerships will contribute to the economic well being of everyone involved. From the beginning, entrepreneurial spirit has been a driving force behind Whole Foods Market's success. In keeping with that spirit, the Whole Planet Foundation is dedicated to helping families escape poverty by providing them with access to capital which they can use to start their own small businesses.

Matador is a meeting place. It’s a place for you to express yourself, tell others about your adventures, get meaningful travel advice, and take inspiration from the beautiful and remarkable things others like you have discovered all across the globe.

The Marine Stewardship Council is an independent, not for profit organization that promotes responsible fishing practices. The MSC's eco-label demonstrates that the seafood contained in this product is from a well-managed and sustainable fishery which is not being overfished or harvested in ways that harm the ocean ecosystem.

Juniper GIS Services - Helping organizations succeed with GIS through hands-on computer training and GIS consulting services. ESRI-authorized classes and custom classes. Click here for details of GVI's collaboration with Juniper GIS.

Passionate, irreverent, positive, fun New Consumer Magazine exists to champion fair trade and ethical living throughout the world, and to ultimately change consumer and business behavior by illustrating the ethical alternative.

An ex-volunteer and talented photographer and film-maker, Nathan Golon continues to work closely with our indigenous projects in Guatemala.

The Sisal Multidisciplinary Teaching and Investigation Unit (or Unidad Multidisciplinaria de Docencia e Investigación, UMDI-Sisal), a branch of the Universidad Nacional Autónoma de México's (UNAM) Faculty of Science, is located in the fishing port of Sisal, in the north of Yucatan State, Mexico. UMDI-Sisal aims to nurture students in the diverse fields of ecology and biology of coastal zone organisms, develop high level scientific research that can contribute knowledge as a base for management of coastal zones, support regional development through transferring that knowledge to social, governmental and private sectors, and initiate appropriate strategies for the management and conservation of coastal resources

Sustainable Travel International (STI) is a global leader in sustainable tourism development. The 501(c)(3) non-profit organization’s mission is to promote sustainable development and responsible travel by providing programs that enable consumers, businesses and travel-related organizations to contribute to the environmental, socio-cultural and economic values of the places they visit, and the planet at large.

GVI have teamed up with Climate Care to help repair the biggest environmental impact of our trips - greenhouse gases emissions from air travel. Climate Care is an organization which funds projects with the specific aim of making reductions in carbon dioxide and other greenhouse gas concentrations, in order to reduce climate change. Whenever GVI staff take a flight, the emissions from the travel will be 'offset' through Climate Care - making our air travel climate neutral. This is done by funding projects across the world that reduce greenhouse gases through green energy or rainforest restoration.

GVI is a member of IATEFL (International Association of Teachers of English as a Foreign Language). IATEFL link, develop and support English Language Teaching professionals throughout the world.

Responsible travel is an on-line travel agent launched in 2001 for travelers who want more real and authentic holidays that also benefit the environment and local people. We market carefully pre-screened holidays from over 270 leading worldwide tourism brands and businesses. We do not act as a middleman - you can use the site to contact the experts who run the trips and hotels directly to make a booking

TIES promotes responsible travel to natural areas that conserves the environment and improves the well-being of local people by creating an international network of individuals, institutions and the tourism industry, educating tourists and tourism professionals, and influencing the tourism industry, public institutions and donors to integrate the principles of ecotourism into their operations and policies.

The World Association of Non-Governmental Organizations (WANGO) is an international organization uniting NGOs worldwide in the cause of advancing peace and global well being.

Divers Alert Network (DAN) is a non-profit medical & research organization dedicated to the safety and health of recreational scuba divers and is associated with Duke University Medical Center. Global Vision International are affiliate members of DAN and work in partnership to promote safe diving through research, education, products and services.

Divers Alert Network (DAN) is a non-profit medical & research organization dedicated to the safety and health of recreational scuba divers and is associated with Duke University Medical Center. Global Vision International are affiliate members of DAN and work in partnership to promote safe diving through research, education, products and services.

Publish over 650 guidebooks in 14 different languages. Lonely Planet covers every corner of the planet. and also offer a range of services to aid and inspire travelers at home or on the road.

Fly for Good is a volunteer travel flight specialist, working with 12 international airlines, to offer humanitarian discounts and cheaper airfare to volunteers. Fly for Good has been in the travel industry for the last 20 years and now specializes in helping volunteers find the cheapest flights.