South Africa National Parks, (SANParks)
is one of the world’s leading conservation and scientific research bodies and a leading proponent of maintaining the indigenous natural environment.
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 Costa Rican Ministry of Environment Energy and Telecommunications, (MINAET)
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.
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.
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.
Kenya Wildlife Service, (KWS)
conserves and manages Kenya’s wildlife for the Kenyan people and the world. It is a state corporation established by an Act of Parliament Cap 376 with the mandate to conserve and manage wildlife in Kenya, and to enforce related laws and regulations.
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.
Karongwe Ecological Research Institute, (KERI)
is a small, non-profit research organsisation 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.
Museo Ecuatoriano de Ciencias Naturale, (MECN)
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 volunteers both in the field, and at workshops 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.
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.
The Seychelles Fishing Authority, (SFA)
was created in August 1984 to develop the fishing industry to its fullest potential and to safeguard the resource base for sustainable development. Its objectives are; to promote, organise and develop fishing, fishing industries and fishing resources in Seychelles; to assist in the formulation of the national policy with respect to fishing, fishing industries and fishing resources and in the implementation of that policy; to conduct negotiations, or engage in meetings, seminars or discussions, with regard to fishing or fisheries or the establishment or operation of fishing industries whether at a national or international level, on behalf of the Republic or otherwise; and, to identify the manpower training requirements of Seychelles with regard to fishing and fishing industries
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
Year Out Group
is a not for profit organisation that is an association of UK registered organisations that specialise in organising years out or careers breaks abroad. It was formed in 1998 to promote the concept and benefits of well-structured year out programs, to promote models of good practice and to help young people and their advisers in selecting suitable and worthwhile projects. GVI is a member of the Year Out Group. All the member organisations are carefully vetted on joining and provide annual confirmation that they continue to abide by the Group’s Code of Practice and Operating Guidelines. The suggestions and guidelines included on this website have been produced by Year Out Group and are intended both for students and their advisers. Please see the code of conduct which GVI complies with here: http://www.yearoutgroup.org/why-year-out-group/code-of-practice/3