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big cats in africa, panda's in china, dive in fiji, marine conservation in the Caribbean, learn spanish in the amazon, red cRoss in the andes, sport, sharks and work placements - it is all here...
MARINE CONSERVATION PROJECTS
The inspiration for Greenforce's conservation projects came from the Earth Summit held in Rio de Janeiro in 1992. This was the first global recognition of the urgent need to preserve the diversity of life on earth, culminating in a resolve by 168 countries present to undertake biodiversity surveys of their 'at threat' regions. Many countries committing to this pledge needed assistance with funding and personnel to complete these surveys. Greenforce is invited in by the host country to provide this assistance.
Coral reefs are widely known as the rainforests of the sea, being home to such a massive diversity of species. Not many people appreciate the crucial role that coral reefs play, on various levels, to sustain human life along coral coastlines, and as fertile ground for medicinal discoveries yet to be made. The fact is that without the coral reefs to protect fragile coastlines many islands and coastal areas would simply disappear beneath the ocean waves. Add to this the role they play as a nursery ground for young fish, and as an abundant food source for coastal communities and you begin to realise that these reefs are more than just a pretty underwater garden for divers to enjoy.
Unfortunately these benevolent features are not sufficient to save the reefs and their resident fish communities from the threat of destruction - through over fishing, blasting, pollution and other human impacts, including climate change. It is estimated that 27% of the world's reefs are now irreparably damaged and a further 32% are facing severe difficulties.
However, all is not lost. On the positive side reefs respond well to conservation measures aimed at rebuilding, and fish communities can regenerate effectively when sustainable fisheries policies are employed. This is where Greenforce projects can make a real difference. Our data can be used to identify areas requiring protection, and monitor recovery rates. Our teams can also play a valuable role in educating coastal communities about their reefs and investigating methods of alleviating pressure on fish stocks.
"Greenforce teams are working on the front line: gathering important information for scientists and managers; communicating directly to local people who depend on coral reefs; and, of course, learning a great deal themselves - about marine biology and conservation, and about living with the sea."
Dr. Mark Spalding, marine scientific consultant
WILDLIFE CONSERVATION PROJECTS
Locations: Tanzania, Ecuador, South Africa, China.
On land the competition for living space and resources is pushing wildlife into ever shrinking zones. The challenge for conservationists is to resist the pressure to deforest and reap resources in favour of creating protected areas for wildlife and drawing up management plans for sustainable use. Long term survival for humans on earth depends on protecting the diversity of organisms, each of which plays a part in maintaining the planet's critical functions. As the pressure mounts to prioritise human needs above those of wildlife, conservationists have to find new strategies to protect the dwindling resources under their control.
Current thinking includes the creation of wildlife corridors linking protected areas and allowing the passage of animals from one to another. This gives the animals freedom to roam greater distances and allows them access to a larger gene pool from which to procreate.
The development of eco tourism and the creation of controlled hunting quotas means that animals are worth more to the local community alive than dead, thereby encouraging wildlife protection. These strategies both require adequate research into populations and home ranges before they can be successfully implemented. They are just two examples of the way in which Greenforce data can assist with wildlife conservation on a practical level.
COMMUNITY PROJECTS
Locations: Tanzania, Nepal & Tibet, India,
Ecuador (10
week expedition & english
teaching), China.
A huge part of the work that Greenforce does is also to contribute to improving the lives of fragile and sometimes threatened communities. Although certain groups may be well known to us, and are symbolic to a certain part of the world, it doesn't mean that their long term survival is guaranteed in a fast developing world.
The Maasai
Covering parts of both Kenya and Tanzania, the Maasai lands have long been home to this extraordinary east African tribe. Living purely from their land and goat livestock the Maasai still live a very simple lifestyle. However, as tourism is increasingly developed by the national governments the Maasai are keen to see that they become a part of what the future holds for their lands. As they are not naturally speakers of Swahili it is important to them that they can speak English, so they can play host to international tourism. In Eluai we are running an ongoing wildlife survey program for the WWF as well as helping teach the Maasai English.
The Quichua Indians
With a population of around 2.5 million, the Quichua communities of South American Indians are the largest of any American Indian group in the world. However, with their home deep in the Amazon jungle, any threat to the jungle, is a threat to the Quichua. Not only do they live from the fruits of the forest, but they also create their income using natural resources found there. Not unlike the Maasai they do not speak the predominate language of their country, and are therefore at risk of losing out with the development of tourism in their region. As well as our conservation work, Greenforce adventurers teach English in the communities.
SPORTS
Locations: USA (ski, tennis, golf).
Sport is increasingly being used as a way to gain the trust and support of the young people of a region. As long as sport is correctly integrated within a greater aid programme, constructive sports programs can provide a welcome release for not only the young people of an area but also for their teachers and assistant aid workers.
ADVENTURE SPORTS
Activities: Ice
Climbing (Ecuador),
PADI Dive Instructor Training (Thailand),
Learn to Dive (Red Sea), Adrenaline (USA). Film School (Hollywood).
All of our projects require a certain sense of adventure, but for some people, they need more. We have developed adventures that aim to provide opportunities for our adventurers to take themselves on a journey of adrenalin, that could even end up as a career.
Short Adventures
Adventures:
Overland Africa,
Ice Climbing (Ecuador),
Learn to Dive (Red Sea), USA.
Not everyone has the time to go on a long expedition. Our short expeditions take into account the affect that tourism has on the area environmentally, economically and socially, so you can have an adventure with a clear conscience, without the time commitment.
Internships
Locations: Australia, Spain, Ecuador.
By working in a country you can really begin to understand it's people and way of life. An internship is an ideal way to not only get to understand a country better, but to extend your time away without incurring a huge cost. Many organisations today value staff who have not only had the get up and go to work abroad, but have experience of working in an international environment. An internship is a great way to turn your time away into a real step ahead for your career.
