Global Vision International (GVI) is a volunteer sourcing organization that provides support and services to international charities, non-profit organizations, and various governmental agencies world wide.

Since they formed in 1998 they have provided over 1500 volunteers to over 20 countries to support critical conservation and humanitarian efforts across the globe. Their mission is to offer both financial and volunteer support to pre-qualified agencies, and the ultimate goal is to create a self sustaining community.

Their mission is to offer both financial and volunteer support to pre-qualified agencies, and the ultimate goal is to create a self sustaining community. This enables them to connect with ways to create long term income and ability rather then depleting all of the local resources over a short period of time.

Based out of the U.K. , Global Vision International has been here in the Playa del Carmen area for the past 1 and a half years, and they are off to an incredible start in their conservation and community efforts. By supporting local preexisting agencies they are helping build local capacity and expand on local programs which in turn create independence and long term solutions for facilitating a self sustaining community.

GVI helps support 2 local agencies, Amigos de Sian Ka’an, a non governmental organization set up by the Sian Ka’an Biosphere Reserve, and CONANP (Comision Nacional de Areas Naturales Protegidas) a local government agency. GVI has helped supply these 2 agencies with both volunteers and equipment to enable them to implement a variety of programs designed to control and sustain long term development in the Sian Ka’an Biosphere Reserve. The primary goal for the Sian Ka’an Biosphere Reserve is to use it as a positive example of what sustainable development can accomplish, and the benefits it can bring to the local area and community.

There are four main programs that are being focused on, which are all interlinked and interdependent.

Community- English language programs, from children to adult, have been developed in 4 different locations: Tulum, Punta Allen, Muyil, and Majahual. These programs create more access and avenues for working within the local economy. By offering local education programs to Mexican Nationals it creates long term solutions for sustainable income and development. The long term goal of these programs is to educate both locals and tourist alike. By expanding community awareness and encouraging global education they can provide an extra attraction to the local area and economy. Not anti-tourism, but pro education.

Coral Reef Program- There are plans for small scale development in the Northern part of the Sian Ka’an Biosphere reserve. The goal is to develop an 800 room hotel in a sustainable fashion. Baselines of a healthy reef are invaluable, in the pure fact that when development begins, biologists and developers can tell where and when the reef is being affected. This is the first time that this has been done in Mexico, and the hope is that this will be a positive example for future sustainable development throughout Mexico and beyond.

Turtle Program- The already existing turtle program is going to be expanded on to check how development directly affects living and mating habits.

Crocodile Program- A dietary study is being developed to track what crocodiles eat and what their growth rates are. The results will establish whether or not there is a strong enough crocodile program to use them as a sustainable resource.

All 4 of these programs have been put in place to facilitate both long term growth and income opportunities without depleting the natural resources of the area. Through awareness and education comes reason and drive to sustain and preserve local area ecosystems. If development is planned and managed in a conscientious way, we will all be enjoying this beautiful area for years to come.

How you can help:

Volunteer: GVI is a paid volunteer program, if you would like more information contact their International Program Manager Steve Gwenin at: This email address is being protected from spam bots, you need Javascript enabled to view it , or visit their website at: http://www.gvi.co.uk/

Work with them: Divers are needed for paid positions- Dive Master with Marine Biology back ground, contact Steve Gwenin at: This email address is being protected from spam bots, you need Javascript enabled to view it

Donate money: Funds are always needed to expand existing programs as well as continue programs that are already in place, contact Steve Gwenin if you are interested in making a cash donation at: This email address is being protected from spam bots, you need Javascript enabled to view it

Apply for a national scholarship: If you are a Mexican National you may be eligible for a scholarship. This program allows you to go on an expedition for up to 10 weeks free of charge! Contact Steve Gwenin for details and information at This email address is being protected from spam bots, you need Javascript enabled to view it

Educate yourself: Get involved with these local area organizations and find out more ways to help and learn what you can do:

Amigos de Sian Ka’an- http://www.amigosdesiankaan.org/

Comision Nacional de Areas Haturales Protegidas- http://www.conanp.gob.mx/

Sian Ka’an Biosphere Reserve- http://www.cesiak.org/

Comments (0)

Show/Hide comment form

Name

Email

Comment

Write the displayed characters

Add Comment