GVI, Ethical Impact: Marine Conservation Volunteering

I’ve always been interested in conservation, but thought I’d never have the time to really explore what was available. Due to redundancy, I decided to act on this desire finally do something for me.

I am passionate about all wildlife and its conservation, but especially turtles due to their long life and the huge impact short sighted actions have on the population. I have been reading books on their history and work being carried out for them. The biggest impact for me is that the work you do now isn’t realised for up to 35 years, so what you do if for long term, not short term reward. Their beauty, grace and endurance being affected by their outright vulnerability in and out of the water gives me a heartfelt desire to do something to give them and their future a chance, even if that is only a few weeks to help a small amount on their, hopefully, long journey.

One of the first websites I looked at was GVI. They have many many hubs around the world with a diverse range of projects. After several informative and guidance emails and chats, it was clear that the time of year and my dates gave me 2x locations to look deeper into. I struggled to get the correct dates and thought another opportunity would pass me by. However looking at other sites convinced me further that GVI was the right one to go for. I changed my dates based on my research and the enthusiasm and support I was given from the GVI team, signing up for GVI Thailand - Ban Nam Khem.

I contacted GVI direct from their website. Sending the first email was scary and exciting at the same time. I didn't really know what to expect and hoped that I'd made the right choice. The email response, information location guidance and their request to call me were very welcome. The call back I had really set the picture and even offered other programmes to consider to ensure I was getting what I wanted. Further research and GVI help reassured me that I was with the right people, going to the right place for me.

Before I signed up, I checked the flight and accommodation availability. Once all looked good, I signed up and started booking! The guidance for applying for the visa was spot on, I had to travel to London to apply and collect my Visa, but Visa support companies will do this for you. I booked the flight direct with Qatar, I also booked the first night hotel via Booking.com which was quick and easy to do. That was it, I was set to go.

What is your favorite travel memory?

My favourite travel memory is one that was quite unexpected. I spent the evening (and early hours of the morning), with some of my filmmaker friends exploring San Francisco's amazing downtown. The decision to take the hour and half drive up was a very spontaneous one but one that I am so grateful happened. It wasn't the most action-packed evening/morning but there was something so serene and beautiful about walking around a usually crowded city with a camera in hand, your best friends beside you and nowhere to be. It was definitely my favourite way to see such an amazing city!

How have you changed/grown since working for your current company?

I have come to really appreciate the fact that I have travelled and seen different parts of the world. Interacting with people of varying nationalities and experiences has shown me how important it is to experience life outside of what is your 'everyday normal'. It allows you to see the world from other people's perspectives and even influence your own. It has also given me a serious travel bug so hoping to add more stamps to my passport as soon as possible.

What is the best story you've heard from a return student?

My favourite stories to hear are always the ones that end in "I loved it so much that I decided to extend my stay". The fact that students/participants feel that they are making an impact on the community they are working in and want to continue to do so is so inspiring. This is actually quite a common response that we get and it makes me smile every time.

If you could go on any program that your company offers, which one would you choose and why?

Tough question but I think I would choose a marine conservation program - maybe in the Seychelles or Belize. I love being close to the ocean and would love to try something that I have not yet had the chance to try before, while also making an ethical impact. If the opportunity ever does present itself, I'll be sure to grab it with both hands.

What makes your company unique? When were you especially proud of your team?

GVI is unique because it is so clear that every single employee cares about their job and wants to make an impact - whether that's on the people they interact with, participants, or even the communities they are involved with. Everyone is on the same page and that makes me proud to be a part of such an organisation.

What do you believe to be the biggest factor in being a successful company?

I believe that the biggest factor in being a successful company is having a goal or goals that are ethical and impactful, along with a drive to achieve that goal, that is shared by the employees. Having everyone in the company on the same page is an important aspect of a company's success, in my opinion.