Marine, Island and Coastal Conservation Exploration in Fiji and Thailand
Contribute to marine, coastal, and island conservation in Fiji and Thailand.
Program Code: FJYW0439MOur Impact
Location
Program Information
- Overview
- Dates & Costs
- What's It like?
- Training
- Arrivals
- Our Ethics
- Parent Info
- Support & Safety
- What's Included?
Overview
Tropical marine, coastal, and island environments, like those in Fiji and Thailand, are known for their natural beauty and attract thousands of visitors every year. This provides economic support to nations like Fiji and Thailand. In addition, these habitats are the source of an important food source for these nations. However, both tourism and fishing need to be managed effectively to ensure that these activities do not negatively affect marine, coastal, or island habitats. By volunteering with GVI in both Fiji and Thailand, you can assist with conserving these important environments.The program starts in Fiji with dive training. Volunteers looking to join must be PADI Open Water certified. In Fiji, volunteers will first complete species identification, and survey techniques training before going on to conducting underwater surveys that will assist local organisations with making decisions about which marine areas require additional protection. On the second part of the program, volunteers will live in a small village in Phang Nga, working at endangered green sea turtle nurseries and conducting butterfly and bird surveys. Depending on the time of year you visit, you might also assist with monitoring elusive species on nearby tropical islands using camera traps or conducting coral surveys while snorkeling. On both programs there will also be opportunities to participate in other marine conservation initiatives like beach cleanups and conducting environmental education workshops in local communities. During the weekends, volunteers can explore the many beautiful sites Fiji and Thailand have to offer.
HIGHLIGHTS
- Contribute to United Nations Sustainable Development Goals, #14, Life Below Water, and #15, Life on Land.
- Earn your PADI Advanced Open Water and Coral Reef Research Speciality certificates.
- Work to conserve precious tropical marine, coastal and island habitats.
- Live on a secluded Fijian island while learning how to dive in the surrounding tropical waters.
- Travel of the coast of Southern Thailand, a location popular among film-makers, due to its dramatic limestone cliffs rising out of turquoise blue waters.
Program Details
Further Program Details
During the first part of this program, volunteers will live on the tiny tropical island of Caqalai, part of Fiji’s Lomaiviti island group, a true island paradise, only 14 acres in size. Volunteers on this program will first receive dive training before going on to learn about underwater species identification and survey methods. Dive training at the GVI Caqalai base in Fiji will allow you to earn your PADI Advanced Open Water and Coral Reef Research Diver Speciality certificates. Afterwards, you will be trained in identifying underwater invertebrates. If you choose to stay longer, you can also learn to identify coral and fish species. Finally, volunteers will learn about the different studies currently being conducted at the dive sites around the island and the techniques necessary to complete a successful survey. Depending on the weather conditions, we usually go on one or two dives and snorkels per day, five days a week. This data is shared with the communities on nearby islands, national partners like, the Fiji Locally Management Marine Area Network (FLMMA), and international partners like the Institut de Recherche pour le Développement (IRD), the Ocean Conservancy, and the Great Fiji Shark Count.
Another important part of our marine conservation work in Fiji is minimising the amount of plastic pollution in the surrounding waters. Volunteers will help us with conducting beach cleans and those who are dive-trained will assist in ocean floor cleanups.
Volunteers might also assist other GVI staff and interns with conducting environmental awareness education programs at two schools on a nearby island, Moturiki. Depending on the needs of our partners on Monuriki at the time, volunteers might also be asked to help with water security projects like constructing rainwater harvesting infrastructure or compost toilets.
The weekends will be yours to experience some of the many activities that lure thousands of tourists across the Pacific each year. You might go on a recreational dive spotting incredible underwater species, go island hopping across Fiji’s over 300 islands, or visit a traditional Fijian community to learn more about the culture.
THAILAND
In Thailand, you will be living and working in Thailand’s coastal province of Phang Nga with other GVI volunteers, interns, and staff from all around the world. Here you will work at local turtle conservation centers noting the growth of sea turtles, applying antibacterial and antifungal ointment to those with wounds, and cleaning enclosures. After completing species identification training volunteers also assist us with bird and butterfly surveys in the region. Other common activities include conducting environmental education workshops and beach cleans. Once a month, our team also travels to two nearby islands to conduct biodiversity surveys and check on the camera traps they have set up in the past to track species. During the Thai dry season, from November to April, you can also assist the team with coral reef monitoring.
Scuba diving is not currently available in Thailand, and snorkeling surveys are only conducted from November to March. Please note that travel between Fiji and Thailand is not included. Speak to your enrolment manager about travel options.
What's It like?
If you’d like to find out what the experience of joining a GVI project is really like, simply contact us and we’ll put you in touch with one of our many Alumni.
We’ll try to match you to an Alum based on your location, nationality, age, stage of academic career, gender, and program interests. This allows you to gain insights into the experience that is most relevant to you.
Depending on your location you might be able to speak to an Alum over the phone or online, or meet up with them face-to-face at a coffee shop nearby. We also run a series of small events around the world where you can speak to GVI Alumni, Ambassadors and staff members.
Training
A GVI program is an investment in your career. No matter which you choose, you will be working toward improving your employability by mastering new social skills, gaining further technical expertise and earning qualifications in many cases. Most of our staff are, in fact, GVI Alumni, and we have helped many of our Alumni discover, move toward, and earn their own personal dream jobs. Each program includes introductory workshops, ongoing presentations, as well as on-the-ground professional support provided by our very own trained staff members. In addition, our training programs are critical for helping us to ensure the long-term impact of our sustainable development projects around the world.
For All GVI Participants
Welcome Presentation
Introduction to GVI as a whole and the work in your specific location. Learn about the short, mid, and long-term objectives of the sustainable development projects at your base, which United Nations Development Goals they impact most directly, and which local partners we work with.
Health and Safety Training
Learn about the Emergency Action Plans in place at your base, the full Risk Assessment, and best practices for personal safety.
Child and Vulnerable Adult Protection Training
Learn about the importance of child and vulnerable adult protection best practices and how to apply them while on project.
Your Program Specific Training
Introduction to GVI Thailand’s Conservation Programs
This includes a discussion of the conservation partners we work with, their objectives and how we assist them, as well as the details of the volunteer and intern activities.
Marine Turtle Biology and Conservation Training
Practical training involving best practices for handling turtles, applying treatments, and conducting turtle research.
Bird Survey Training
Learn methods for conducting surveys and how to identify birds in the field.
Marine Litter Awareness Training
Learn about the effects of plastic pollution and other substances on the marine environment and what is being done to tackle the issue.
Coral Reef Survey Methods and Fish Species Identification
This program is only available from November to April. If you are on the program during this time period you will learn about how to perform coral reef surveys and identify fish on the reef.
Camera Trapping Workshop
Once a month the GVI Phang Nga team travels to islands Koh Ra and Koh Prathong to install and maintain camera traps on the islands. This helps us assist the local governmental conservation organisation with studying elusive species on the island. If you are on the project at this time, you will learn about how cameras are installed as well as how the data is downloaded, recorded, and analysed.
DIVE TRAINING
The goal of GVI’s dive training program is to get you to master the dive skills you need to be competent research divers and ready to collect data as quickly and as safely as possible.
Arrivals
When it comes to support, we ensure that each participant is provided with unparalleled, 360 degree support, from your initial contact with the GVI Family, all the way through your program, and even after, as you become part of the GVI Alumni Team.
As part of this promise, we will ensure, whenever possible, that one of our dedicated staff will be available to meet you at the airport. In most locations, we also set up a Whatsapp group to help with managing airport arrivals. We will arrange with you prior to your departure that, should you arrive in the agreed upon pick up window, a member of our staff will be there to welcome you, easily identifiable in a GVI t-shirt or holding a GVI sign and wearing a friendly smile. This means there will be someone there to greet you as you land, and from there you will be transported to your GVI base to start your adventure and meet the rest of your team.
Our Ethics
Below is a list of core ethics and best practices we believe are essential to the operation of high quality, ethical volunteer and sustainable development programs. We believe that all responsible volunteer and sustainable development operations should focus upon these principles. If you are considering volunteering, these are some of the key considerations you should question, to ensure that your time and money contributes towards positive change.
We want to constantly develop our own understanding of ethical best practice. In so doing, we aim to provide an exemplary industry standard for other education institutions, international development organisations, and social enterprises. Our Badge of Ethics stands for the drive to always do good, better. Find out more, click on the Badge below.
Our 10 Ethical Commitments
Locally Driven, Collaborative Projects
We aim to design all our projects in collaboration with local organizations and communities and ensure that they are locally driven.
Clear Objectives & Sustainable Outcomes
We aim to clearly define short-, mid-, and long-term objectives with sustainable outcomes for all our projects.
Impact Reporting
We aim to track, record, and publish the impact of each of our projects.
Working Against Dependency
We aim to build in-country capacity by assisting local organizations in becoming self-sustaining.
Responsible Exit Strategies
For each local organization we work with, we aim to have a plan in place for withdrawing support responsibly.
Clear Roles & Specialized Training
We aim to ensure that ever participant is assigned a clear role and that they are fully trained and supported to carry out their work by specialized staff.
Respect for all
In all our actions we aim to respect the skills and efforts of all and seek to protect the rights, culture and dignity of everyone who engages with GVI.
Local Ownership
We work to ensure that credit for the results of any project, along with any data collected, research conducted, or Intellectual Property developed, remains the property of local organizations.
Transitioning from the Orphanage Model
We do not condone and aim to withdraw support of orphanages and residential care centers.
Child and Vulnerable adult policies
We will live by our Child Protection and Vulnerable Adult policies.
Continual Development
As an organization, GVI is committed to striving toward best practice, and to educating both our potential participants, our partners, and the world at large about them. Both the volunteering and sustainable development sectors are increasingly, and rightly, under scrutiny. Many recent local and global articles highlight poor practices and questionable ethics. GVI is widely recognized for striving to apply global best practice in the volunteering, education and sustainable development sectors throughout our operations by reputable organizations such as ChildSafe.
However, global best practice is always evolving and we dedicate both time and resources to engage with internationally respected experts and learn from the latest research to ensure our programs both fulfil their potential to create maximum positive impact, and minimise their potential to create unintentional negative impact. Along with and as part of the sustainable development and volunteering community, we are constantly learning and applying this learning to practice. We do not always get everything right, but we seek feedback from our community members, partners, participants and our staff, and react accordingly. We know are already doing a great job, and feedback we have received confirms this, but we aim to do even better and are continuously refining our operations to improve upon our already excellent reputation.
Parent Info
‘If only every student could do this. It changes your life in all the right ways,’ says Chris Heritage, parent of Luke Heritage, one of our teen volunteers who has participated on two GVI programs, one in Costa Rica and another in South Africa.
We are a parent-run organisation that is incredibly serious about health and safety, and increasing the impact, as well as the long-term career benefits of our programs. Our programs help young people develop the skills to select a career path that is personally fulfilling, and live a life aligned to the well-being of our planet and the global community.
Ken and Linda Jeffrey, whose son Sam volunteered with GVI in Thailand, talk about how the experience affected Sam. He also went on to volunteer with GVI again in South Africa. ‘I know it sounds like a cliche but in a sense, he did go away as a boy and he came back as a young man. Both of us could recommend GVI without any hesitation to any other parent thinking about exploring an opportunity for their children to explore the world and to see different parts of it.’
Parent Info Pack
Download the Parent Pack and learn more about:
Our staff: All our projects are run by staff, selected, vetted, trained, and managed by our central office.
Health and safety: Our safety practices include a child and vulnerable adult protection policy and high participant ratios.
Staying in touch: See what’s happening on base, by following a hub’s dedicated Facebook page.
Free parent consultations: We would love to talk to you about exciting opportunities available for your child.
Support & Safety
We won’t sugarcoat it — traveling abroad is usually a complex process that carries an element of risk. But this is exactly why we’re passionate about providing extensive support throughout the process as well as the highest safety standards during the in-country phase. We believe that volunteering abroad should not only be impactful, but an enjoyable experience that carries as little risk as possible. This is exactly how we’ve been able to maintain our reputation as the most highly respected volunteering organisations in the sector over the past two decades.
Support
Once a participant books, they will be assigned a personal support coordinator who will oversee their pre-departure journey. The support coordinator helps to bridge the gap between program enrolment and arrival at one of our field bases. Your personal support coordinator will ensure that you are provided with all the necessary information required to apply for visas, background checks, and any other documentation.
Safety
Upon arrival at the airport, participants will be greeted by a GVI staff member. All GVI staff are our own and all our programs around the world are run by our staff. All GVI field staff are background checked, Emergency First Response and safety trained. The minimum staff to participant ratio on GVI’s programs is one to six, although on several bases we have a ratio of one to three. When finishing the experience, participants will provide feedback on all aspects of their program.
Health & Safety Case Studies
HOW GVI UPHOLDS HEALTH AND SAFETY
It takes courage to book a GVI program, get on a flight, and head off to somewhere new. Volunteering offers a level of cultural immersion that typical backpacking or holidays just can’t achieve. This is why thousands of people around the world participate in paid GVI programs.
GVI’S COMMITMENT TO SAFETY AND SECURITY
As the saying goes: ‘Expect the best, plan for the worst’. Cliched or not, we take it to heart. This tenet is at the core of how GVI operates when it comes to promoting the health and safety of our participants, staff, and local community members at all of our 20+ bases around the world.
HOW GVI REMAINS PREPARED FOR NATURAL DISASTERS
The weather isn’t just a topic for polite small-talk here at GVI. We have emergency action plans in place for all scenarios. So when the weather, or other natural forces, takes a nasty turn, we are prepared to respond to stormy situations.
HOW GVI MANAGES PARTICIPANTS EXPECTATIONS
Once GVI has matched a participant to a program that suits their passions and goals, our team aims to set the right expectations for them. In the event that false expectations around a program are created, the GVI team takes immediate action to ensure that the situation rectified.
What's Included
- 24-hour emergency phone
- 24-hour in-country support
- Access to Alumni Services and Discounts
- Airport pick-up (unless otherwise stated)
- All necessary project equipment and materials
- All necessary project training by experienced staff
- Community work workshop
- Coral reef ecology
- Diving compressor training workshop
- First Aid & CPR training
- Location orientation
- Long term experienced staff
- Meals while on project (except on work placements for long term internships)
- PADI Advanced Open Water
- PADI Coral Reef Research Diver Distinctive Specialty
- Safe and basic accommodations (usually shared)
- Transfer to base location
- Travel advice
- Use of O2 equipment workshop
- Welcome meeting
What's Not Included
- Additional drinks and gratuities
- Extra local excursions
- Flights
- International and domestic airport taxes
- Medical and travel insurance
- Personal dive kit, e.g. mask, fins, wetsuit, timer etc.
- Personal items and toiletries
- Police or background check
- Visa costs (where necessary)
- Life On Base
- Live Updates
- Meet The Team
- Your Impact
- Publications
- Training
- Exploration
- Cultural Immersion
Life On Base
Accommodation Tour
Rooms are shared with a maximum of 6 participants per room. Each room has a bathroom with showers and flushing toilets.
MEALS
This program gives participants the opportunity to experience authentic Southern Thai cuisine, while still having the chance to share some of their own favourite meals from back home. Breakfasts might include toast, cereal, and, of course, a wide arrange of Thailand’s tropical fruit. On some days participants can prepare eggs and pancakes. From Sunday to Thursday night lunches and dinners are prepared by local chefs, and on the weekends, participants can prepare their own meals.
COMMUNICATION
Wifi is available on base but bear in mind it might not be as reliable as you might be use to back home.
TRANSPORTATION
We will provide transportation to your project location, ensuring you arrive promptly to take part in your project work.
CULTURALLY APPROPRIATE DRESS AND BEHAVIOUR
When on project and in the local town participants will be expected to wear modest clothing and behave in ways in keeping with Thai customs.
CLIMATE
Thailand has a famously tropical climate, the perfect weather in which to enjoy Thailand’s many beaches. There are two main seasons, the dry and the wet season, although it is warm and humid most days of the year. The dry season runs from November to April, which is why Thailand is a great place to visit for December, and the wet season from May to October.
*Thailand has a lovely tropical climate which can make physical exertion tiring for those from cooler regions who are not yet use to the Thai climate. While on the project be sure to pace yourself for the first few days while you acclimate to tropical living.
Live Updates
Meet the team - Senior Field Management
Jill Walker
Deputy Director of Programs
Now she is based in Chaing Rai, Thailand. Jill's role involves providing support for all of our programs around the world. Working closing with each base, she looks to identify and manage any issues that occur so GVI are able to offer the best programs possible.
Molly Plexico
Regional Director for Southeast Asia
Her goal is to visit one country for every year she is alive. The most unusual place she has travelled to is Uzbekistan, on a trip beginning in Europe and ending in Southeast Asia. This is where she fell in love with Laos which began her journey with GVI. She started working for GVI back in 2012 and she is now based in Cambodia.
Vanessa
Program Manager
This is Vanessa. Vanessa is originally from the UK and joined GVI back in 2017, when she was completing an Education program in India. Since this volunteering expedition she has worked more closely with GVI and is now the Program Manager at our base in Phang Nga, Thailand.
Meet the team - In-Country Staff
Amelia Hart
Community Coordinator
Say hey to Amelia! She is from Hastings in the UK, and is our Community Coordinator in Phang Nga, Thailand. Like a lot of our staff Amelia began as a volunteer with GVI. She interned on a TEFL program for six months, before becoming a member of the Field Staff. Amelia is really excited to see how she can continue to help improve the program.
Gay
Community Liaison
Introducing Gay, who is our Community Liaison out in Phang Nga. Gay studied Business Management as a Master Degree before working with tefl interns and now with GVI!
Luis
Conservation Coordinator
This is Luis! Luis has a Masters in Conservation and Biodiversity and is a Conservation Coordinator here in Phang Nga. He has also been in similar roles while traveling all around the world.
Your Impact
All of our programs have short, mid and long-term objectives that fit with the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals or UN SDGs. This enables us to report on our collaborative impact across the world in a streamlined manner, measuring which UN SDGs we are making a substantial contribution to. Furthermore, this will help our local partners and communities measure and visualise their contribution to the UN SDGs.
Upon arrival to base, you will be educated about the history of the UN SDGs. You will learn about the specific goals of your location, the long-, mid- and short-term objectives, and also clarification of how your personal, shorter-term involvement contributes to these goals on a global level.
Our aim is to educate you on local and global issues, so that you continue to act as active global citizens after your program, helping to fulfil our mission of building a global network of people united by their passion to make a difference.
Please note: Both conservation- and community-focused programs are offered at this location.
Environmental Work
The environmental issues Thailand facing are many and varied. These include poor water, air and soil quality as well as biodiversity loss. Poaching, kidnapping of wild animals, deforestation, and unsustainable tourism threaten Thailand’s land and marine habitats and wildlife. The Thai government is constantly updating and improving environmental legislation and practices, and local and international non-governmental organisations and community groups can assist with achieving these conservation outcomes.
Sea Turtle Conservation
A large part of the environmental aspect of our project involves working alongside our partners at the Royal Thai Navy Sea Turtle Conservation Centre and the Phang Nga Coastal Fisheries Research and Development Centre. These are head-start centres, where turtle hatchlings are reared until they are between 6 and 9 months old before being released back into the wild. Turtle populations the world over are threatened, and it is estimated that only around 1 in 1000 hatchlings survive to reach adulthood naturally. These statistics are exacerbated by beach erosion as a result of tourism development. Head-start programs aim to increase the survival rate by protecting the hatchlings until they reach a size where they will face much less risk of predation. The work our participants carry out includes scrubbing the tanks to ensure that the turtles have a clean environment to live in, washing the turtles with an antibacterial solution to reduce levels of infection, and also applying antifungal and antibacterial treatments to any wounds the turtles have. We also conduct research at the centre, collecting data on turtle morphology and infection rates, as well as some behavioural research to monitor the effects of enclosure enrichment. We hope to use this data to gain further understanding of the best methods of turtle husbandry. This project runs year round and if you are lucky enough to be on the project during a release date, you will assist in releasing hundreds of young turtles into the ocean
Island Conservation
We also conduct biodiversity research on two nearby islands of Koh Ra and Koh Prathong year round to assist the Thai Department of National Parks in the effective management of these vital areas. We conduct surveys and run camera trapping research on the islands to build up a picture of the biodiversity there and we hope that this research will contribute to the islands falling under formal protection. We have already confirmed the presence of some critically endangered species on the islands so we know that they are of conservation value, and we hope through our continued and expanding research, we can learn more about the ecology of the islands and their importance in the region. Other activities include conducting research on mangroves and conducting further research on these plants.
*Please note that we only travel to Koh Ra and Koh Prathong once a month, so participants who only visit for two weeks might not get the opportunity to conduct island surveys.
Bird Conservation
Another element to our projects is carrying out weekly bird surveys in the local area year round. Birds are an important part of healthy ecosystems and as such, building species lists and monitoring populations and patterns of migration is a valuable way to build a picture of how well nature is doing in an area. Participants are provided with training on how to identify birds in the field. Currently our data is submitted to a citizen science project, e-Bird, but we are looking at developing this project to commence our own research plan.
Plastic Pollution Cleanups
Year round we carry out beach cleans in our local area in Phang Nga. Marine litter is one of the greatest environmental challenges conservationists are facing today. Through regular clean ups we hope to make a difference through removing litter, and also occasionally through engaging the local community to participate alongside us.
Coral Research
During the dry season, November to April, we carry out one to two snorkelling surveys a week on nearby coral reefs. We monitor the health of the coral, and we also look at the variety and abundance of fish species present. Coral reefs are incredibly important ecosystems which are vital to the health of our oceans, which in turn means that they are vital to humans as well. Globally coral reefs are being affected by overfishing, climate change and irresponsible tourism. We aim to monitor the reefs close to where we are based to look at how well they are doing and to establish if there are any actions that could be taken to improve or protect them further. We carry out our surveys in partnership with Green Fins Thailand and REEF, which are both organisations using citizen science to provide research and monitoring of the world’s coral reefs.
*Please note that you will not be doing any diving, while conducting these surveys, only snorkeling.
Environmental Education
Throughout the year, we also conduct environmental awareness workshops at local schools, hotels, tour or dive operators, and anywhere in the local community when an opportunity presents itself.
Community Work
Ban Nam Khem, meaning ‘Place of Salty Water’, became the epicentre of a tin mining boom in the 1950s. The population grew from a few families to approximately 5000 people at its height. However, when all the tin was eventually extracted from the surrounding mines, the mining bubble burst, so that all remains of the industry today are lakes dotted around the village, marking where mines were dug out yet never filled back in. Today most people here earn a living from fishing, but many look for new income in the nearby tourist hub of Khao Lak.
Thailand, like many countries in South East Asia, suffered greatly in the wake of the Indian Ocean Tsunami on 26th December 2004. Phang Nga, the province in which Ban Nam Khem is located, was one of the most severely affected in the country. Many villagers lost their homes, relatives, and friends. The need for community redevelopment and regeneration is still present.
The GVI Phang Nga hub was initiated in September 2013 with the aim of supporting the continued redevelopment of Ban Nam Khem and increased access to employment opportunities through capacity-building initiatives. The local community’s efforts to diversify employment markets remains central to its well-being. Ban Nam Khem is well located to take advantage of the tourism boom in the area, but the population needs a good level of conversational English to enable them access to the corresponding employment opportunities. Furthermore English language skills can assist students in the Thai workplace and in the international economy.
Ban Nam Khem boasts its own primary school with an enrolment of around 250 children and a Community Development Centre which offers free education during the day for around 150 children who live in the village, and free after-school classes open to everyone in the evening.
English Education Program
Throughout the year we assist local teaches with running classes to improve conversational English. This might include everything from training local teachers, assisting with lesson development and providing one-on-one tutoring sessions for learners requiring additional support. We also conduct English lessons for adult learners from the community.
Construction Projects
We also assist educational or community centers around Ban Nam Khem with infrastructure development, depending on if and when they have requested the support. We assist by conducting basic maintenance and renovation work like maintaining fences or installing bathrooms.
Our Partners In Phang Nga
Project Objectives
GVI Phang Nga Long-term Objectives:
1. To provide equal, quality education to children of all backgrounds.
2. To promote good health and wellbeing through education to all children.
3. Increase skills for local people to gain access to equal employment opportunities in our communities within Takuapa and Ban Nam Khem.
4. Increase awareness of local populations to environmental issues and facilitate change towards sustainability through scientific studies.
5. Increase our in-country capacity by providing environmental and conservation education and training.
6. To assist and develop local coastal conservation efforts through providing practical support to project partners, research, awareness raising and habitat restoration.
Publications
The best decisions in international development and conservation cannot be made without accurate and up-to-date data or informed research. Our many field teams around the world collaborate with local and international partners to analyse data and draw conclusions. In addition, many of our participants have used research they have collected on their various GVI projects to complete their Masters, Doctorate, or postdoctoral studies. We also run a fellowship program which connects postdoctoral researchers at globally-respected universities with our many sustainable development programs around the world to support their research and ensure continuous improvement of our best practices on base.
Tourism Magazine
‘GVI: Education, Conseration and Community Development in Ao Luk.’
2010
Krabi Magazine
Tourism Magazine
‘CBT: Community Based Tourism in Ao Luk.’
2010
Krabi Magazine
Training
For All Participants at Phang Nga
Introduction to Thai Culture
A Thai culture presentation to help you understand more about important cultural details, and to make you feel more comfortable with any cultural differences you may encounter.
Introduction to Thai Language
Learn some basic Thai words and phrases which will help you integrate further into the village community.
The Importance of Responsible Tourism in Thailand
This presentation highlights the environmental issues caused by tourism to Thailand and helps volunteers make responsible decisions when deciding whether or not to engage in a wildlife encounter.
Your Program Specific Training
Introduction to GVI Thailand’s Conservation Programs
This includes a discussion of the conservation partners we work with, their objectives and how we assist them, as well as the details of the volunteer and intern activities.
Marine Turtle Biology and Conservation Training
Practical training involving best practices for handling turtles, applying treatments, and conducting turtle research.
Bird Survey Training
Learn methods for conducting surveys and how to identify birds in the field.
Marine Litter Awareness Training
Learn about the effects of plastic pollution and other substances on the marine environment and what is being done to tackle the issue.
Coral Reef Survey Methods and Fish Species Identification
This program is only available from November to April. If you are on the program during this time period you will learn about how to perform coral reef surveys and identify fish on the reef.
Camera Trapping Workshop
Once a month the GVI Phang Nga team travels to islands Koh Ra and Koh Prathong to install and maintain camera traps on the islands. This helps us assist the local governmental conservation organisation with studying elusive species on the island. If you are on the project at this time, you will learn about how cameras are installed as well as how the data is downloaded, recorded, and analysed.
DIVE TRAINING
The goal of GVI’s dive training program is to get you to master the dive skills you need to be competent research divers and ready to collect data as quickly and as safely as possible.
Exploration
Joining a program not only allows participants to collaborate with communities or work toward preserving unique ecosystems but it also offers plenty of opportunities to explore the surrounding area or travel further to see what other parts of the region have to offer.
Long term field staff are a great source of advice, and have helped us put together the following information on local travel options. Many decide to travel before or after their experience (subject to immigration restrictions), solidifying the lifetime friendships established on program. Please note that the below suggestions are not included in the program fee, and are for the individual to organise at their own expense.
Weekend Trips
Krabi Province
The province is a treasure trove for intrepid travellers, from the crystal clear Emerald Pond to the epic 1,237-step climb up to the Buddha image and stunning views at the Tiger Temple Cave to the enchanted scenery and pools of Than Bok Khorani National Park. Experience the island life on one of the many Andaman islands in the region known for their dazzling marine life as well as their stunning terrestrial beauty.
Phuket Island and City
Phuket is a tourism hotspot, popular as much for its spectacular beaches, diving, and surfing sites, as it is for it’s cafes, boutiques, and hotels. You can also visit The Big Buddha, a massive statue of white marble, nearly 50 metres, depicting the Buddha in a seated position. Trips from Phuket to many of the surrounding islands like Ko Yao Yai, are widely available and popular.
Island Hopping
The Similan and Surin Island groups are both protected Marine National Parks. They are home to several diving and snorkelling spots renowned worldwide, but can only be visited during November and March, the Thai dry season. If you are looking for an island to visit year round, why not explore the Phi Phi islands, famous for its Viking Cave, a dramatic limestone cliff formation featuring rock painting of boats.
Beaches
Explore some of the top beach destinations around the world like Railay beach.
Khao Lak
This is a very popular tourist spot close by, with beautiful, seemingly endless beaches, so many dining options you will be spoilt for choice and hundreds of spas offering massages and treatments at reasonable rates. With a wide range of accommodation options, from luxury resorts to hostels, Khao Lak offers you the chance to spoil yourself for a few days, whether you are on a budget or looking to splurge a little.
Khao Sok National Park
This National Park is a 740km² rainforest reserve home to elephants, leopards, tigers, deer, monkeys, lizards, birds, and the Rafflesia, the largest flowers in the world. In the middle of the oldest evergreen rainforest in the world, at least 160-million-year old, lies Cheow Larn Lake. Here you can trek through the jungle, you could kayak through estuaries cutting through 200 meter foliaged limestone cliffs, mangrove channels and tidal lagoons while keeping your eyes open for local wildlife, or swim in idyllic waterfalls or just relax and see what you can spot. kayak around Cheow Larn lake visiting spectacular limestone caves, choose a day trip, or an overnight stays in one of the jungle tree houses, or even on a floating bungalow.
Further Travels
Phang Nga Bay
You can also explore the warm turquoise waters and limestone cliffs of Phang Nga by speedboat or sea kayak, stopping off at James Bond Island, made famous by the 1974 film ‘The Man With the Golden Gun’ before visiting the floating Sea Gypsy village. can also explore the warm turquoise waters and limestone cliffs of Phang Nga by speedboat or sea kayak, stopping off at James Bond Island, made famous by the 1974 film ‘The Man With the Golden Gun’ before visiting the floating Sea Gypsy village.
Mu Koh Chang National Park
This protected marine park covers an a huge area including over 50 islands. Visit the jungle island of Koh Chang to snorkel or scuba dive off the coast and experience the unique marine life.
Koh Tao Island
Turtle island is an excellent destination for relaxing on the beach, snorkeling and scuba diving.
Khao Yai National Park
Explore the picturesque waterfalls of Khao Yai in central Thailand. Here you can spot unique Thai wildlife like gibbon monkeys.
Nan Province
Explore the many natural sites of Nan, bordering Laos, like Doi Phu Kha National Park and Si Nan National Park. It is the perfect area to experience the dense natural forests Northern Thailand is known for.
Ayuthaya
Travel to the city complex ruins of Ayuthaya to learn more about Thailand’s heritage. This spectacular, but now abandoned city use to be the medieval capital of Siam.
Chiang Mai
Set in the verdant mountainsides of Northern Thailand, the golden city of Chiang Mai, is a breathtaking sight to behold. Visit historic temples and hunt for treasures at local markets.
Bangkok
There is a reason why the capital of Thailand is one of the most visited sites in the country. Featuring gorgeous temples, the spectacular grand palace, and many excellent shopping opportunities, including the famous floating market, it is a location you simply have to explore while on your trip to Thailand.
Cultural Immersion
Engaging intimately with a new context teaches not only global awareness but adaptability and critical thinking, skills highly valued in the modern marketplace. Local and cultural immersion is encouraged on all our programs around the world, and is also one of the most enjoyable aspects of your experience. Luckily, there are many activities you can get involved with in your free time, or before and after your program. On our community programs the focus is on cultural topics, while on marine or wildlife programs the emphasis is more on the environmental element. Use your evenings and weekends to explore diverse and eclectic topics like Theravada Buddhism in Laos or how plastic pollution and climate change affects Indian Ocean coral.
Festivals
February: Magha Puja is an important Buddhist holiday during which people make offerings at temples around the country.
April to May: Thailand’s New Year, also known as Songkran is on celebrated during April every year. It is a very family-centered holiday, and many travel to their home where they honour older members of their extended families. They also wash statues of the Buddha to represent dismissing the past and stepping freshly cleaned into the new year. Usually in April but also in May Thai people also celebrate Buddha’s birthday.
July to October: In July, many Buddhists celebrate Asalha Puja, which commemorates the Buddha’s first sermon to his disciples. This starts the annual three month retreat of the monks known as Vassa. The retreat ends with a celebration known as Wan Ok Phansa.
November: Loi Krathong, the festival of a thousand lights, is celebrated in November. Thousands of lanterns are set out on rivers and lake around the country. It is a spectacular site that draws many international visitors each year.
Spirituality and Religion
Most of the Thai people subscribe to Theravada Buddhism. There are many local Buddhist sites in the region of Phang Nga that you can visit to learn more about Buddhist customs. Travel to Wat Suwan Khuha to see the reclining Buddha or Wat Rat Upatham to see a massive painted statue of Kuan Yin and that of the Buddha rising out of the lush green countryside.
Dancing
The fluid movements and opulent gilded costumes of Thai traditional dancing are recognisable worldwide. Learn about the six types of Thai classical dance, watch a performance, or maybe even attend a class where you can learn some traditional movements.
Cooking
Thai cooking is famous the world over for its fragrant, tangy flavours. Learn how to cook some of these authentic Southern Thai dishes on your stay in Phang Nga.
Phang Nga
Phang Nga is a pocket of paradise in southern Thailand known for its amazing limestone rock formations, pristine beaches and rich culture. It’s many beaches and islands offer many opportunities for spotting unique marine and terrestrial species. The community here is also very traditional which means that immersing yourself fully in traditional Thai culture is also possible.
Languages
The Thai language is incredibly complex. It is tonal which means and there are 5 tones altogether which means you can say the same word 5 different ways and it may mean 5 different things. Learn more about Thai by mastering some basic conversational phrases and practices with locals throughout Phang Nga.
Thailand
Thailand is home to many threatened species like the Asian elephant, several species of sea turtle, sunda pangolin, the Asian Black Bear, the Malayan Sun Bear, and gibbon monkeys. Its many coastlines and islands mean that there are plenty of areas for unique coastal and island life to flourish. Underwater, corals thrive and the area is often visited by manta rays and tiger sharks.
The Thai culture is very closely tied to Buddhist beliefs and practices. Respect for others and those in authority are ingrained in Thai culture, as is emotional restraint. Family is at the center of most people’s lives and they are dedicated to practicing family values and compassion. The Thai Royal family are also highly respected in Thailand and a key part of national culture.
Life On Base
Accommodation Tour
Accomodation on our Caqalai base is just a few meters away from the water, providing participants with a once in a lifetime experience. Participants are traditionally housed in dorm rooms for the duration of their stay, with shared bathrooms facilities and communal relaxation and social areas.
MEALS
The core of Fijian cuisine consists of taro, rice, cassava, coconut and fish. Participants take it in turns to prepare meals for the group as a whole, which is all part of living on a GVI base. Food consists of primarily a vegetarian diet, though meat is provided on base roughly once per week. Breakfast varies, but could include porridge, fruit or toast, and lunch and dinner are a mixture of lentils, beans and vegetables with pasta, rice, noodles, roti, cassava or dalo.
COMMUNICATION
Considering the unique, remote base location, participants will have limited access to long-distance communications while on a program in Caqalai, so be sure to give your friends and family a heads up about how often they can expect to hear from you. Consider this your opportunity to take a well earned sabbatical from the hustle and bustle of the modern technological age. There is no general internet access on base, though it is possible to purchase a pay-as-you-go wifi modem, however internet signal remains intermittent in the area.
CLIMATE
Fiji is warm and sunny, providing you with a real island-living experience. April/May and October/November is a great time to visit Caqalai, given the pleasant air temperatures during the day, with cooler temperatures overnight. Depending on the season, there may be quite a bit of rain during your visit, so be sure to pack accordingly. During summer months (December to March), the water temperature rises to a very comfortable 27-30°C (75-80°F).
Live Updates
Meet the team - Senior Field Management
Claire Ogg
Program Manager
Meet Claire, the Program Manager at GVI’s base in Caqalai, Fiji. Claire is originally from the UK and has a degree in environmental sciences. Her line of work over the last ten years has included working with many different NGOs in marine conservation. Her work has taken her to variety of unique locations across the world. These include the Philippines and an island in the Caribbean. She is also a dive instructor. She loves diving and helping to train of the participants.
Dora Szabados
Country Director for Fiji
Meet the team - In-Country Staff
Ana Ciriyawa
Science and Engagement Officer
Your Impact
All of our programs have short, mid and long-term objectives that fit with the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals or UN SDGs. This enables us to report on our collaborative impact across the world in a streamlined manner, measuring which UN SDGs we are making a substantial contribution to. Furthermore, this will help our local partners and communities measure and visualise their contribution to the UN SDGs.
Upon arrival to base, you will be educated about the history of the UN SDGs. You will learn about the specific goals of your location, the long-, mid- and short-term objectives, and also clarification of how your personal, shorter-term involvement contributes to these goals on a global level.
Our aim is to educate you on local and global issues, so that you continue to act as active global citizens after your program, helping to fulfil our mission of building a global network of people united by their passion to make a difference.
While on a GVI program, participants will make an impact while assisting with the conservation of a staggering 1500 species of marine animals, all of which are found in the region. The communities we work with in Caqalai often do not have access to sufficient resources to carry out regular data collection in their fishing grounds. Access to data provides greater insight into how to address coral reef and fish stock related problems, which can be hampered by natural disasters and unsustainable fishing practice.
Data collected on our programs is provided to the local community and our local partners along with alternative livelihood methods and management strategies to help stakeholders make informed decisions with regards to their existing marine resources and long term food security.
Our Partners In Phang Nga
Project Objectives
GVI Caqalai, Fiji Long-term Objectives:
1. Protection and monitoring: Collect long-term data on the reefs around Caqalai and Moturiki, in order to inform the communities of Moturiki and support them in developing a sustainable resource management strategy.
2. Education: Provide the communities of Caqalai and Moturiki with information on their natural resources, including the threats and means of protection, to empower them to make the best-informed decisions when looking after their resources.
3. Livelihoods: Introduce methods of alternative livelihood to generate income for local communities to reduce dependence on damaged fisheries for income.
4. Moturiki Yaubula Management Support Team (MYMST): Support the continued development and training of the MYMST and their management strategy.
5. Waste Management: Conduct regular clean-ups of beaches and sea on and around Caqalai and Moturiki with the hope of further developing a more permanent solution for waste management.
6. Water Resource Management: Support the communities of Moturiki in securing access to water resources, which can be very scarce in dry season.
Training
For All Participants at Caqalai
Survey Training
The best way for the staff to improve and assess your fish, invertebrate and benthic life-form knowledge is to use multiple teaching methods. GVI’s teaching method in Fiji incorporates slideshow presentations, fun workshops (fish bingo anyone?) and most importantly, what we call “point out dives & snorkels.” Once basic dive training is completed at the beginning of the expedition, each diving day you will participate in 1-2 point out dives or snorkels.
GVI Fiji Species List
You will be assigned the responsibility to learn either fish, invertebrates or benthic life forms first based on the length of your stay. 1 month volunteers (who do not have their PADI Advanced Open Water or equivalent) learn invertebrates, 2 to 3 month volunteers either fish or benthic lifeforms depending on the needs of the survey team. The reason for this division of species is to get volunteers into the water collecting data as soon as possible and thereby maximising the effectiveness of the survey team. 1 month volunteers who are not already advanced open water divers are trained up for our more general surveys – Crown of Thorns, Coral bleaching and Nudibranchs.Survey Methods
The baseline method employed by GVI during the underwater surveys was designed to complement existing survey methods used in Fiji by the Department of Fisheries and the Fiji Locally Managed Marine Area Network (FLMMA). GVI uses three separate methods for our marine expedition, Point Intercept Transect (PIT), Invertebrate Belt Transect (IBT) and Underwater Visual Census (UVC), all conducted as a team along one transect.
Data Collection and Analysis
During your expedition you will help to enter raw data that you collected into the GVI database where it can be further analysed by our science team. There are 14 sites around Caqalai where we collect data once a year, of which seven will be surveyed for a second time, all at three different depths. Once a year a comprehensive annual report is produced detailing the analysis of the data collected and any conclusions that can be drawn. Data collected on crown of thorn surveys, dives against debris, beach cleans, coral bleaching surveys and The Great Fiji Shark count will be shared with relevant partners.
Your Program Specific Training
Introduction to GVI Thailand’s Conservation Programs
This includes a discussion of the conservation partners we work with, their objectives and how we assist them, as well as the details of the volunteer and intern activities.
Marine Turtle Biology and Conservation Training
Practical training involving best practices for handling turtles, applying treatments, and conducting turtle research.
Bird Survey Training
Learn methods for conducting surveys and how to identify birds in the field.
Marine Litter Awareness Training
Learn about the effects of plastic pollution and other substances on the marine environment and what is being done to tackle the issue.
Coral Reef Survey Methods and Fish Species Identification
This program is only available from November to April. If you are on the program during this time period you will learn about how to perform coral reef surveys and identify fish on the reef.
Camera Trapping Workshop
Once a month the GVI Phang Nga team travels to islands Koh Ra and Koh Prathong to install and maintain camera traps on the islands. This helps us assist the local governmental conservation organisation with studying elusive species on the island. If you are on the project at this time, you will learn about how cameras are installed as well as how the data is downloaded, recorded, and analysed.
DIVE TRAINING
The goal of GVI’s dive training program is to get you to master the dive skills you need to be competent research divers and ready to collect data as quickly and as safely as possible.
Exploration
Joining a program not only allows participants to collaborate with communities or work toward preserving unique ecosystems but it also offers plenty of opportunities to explore the surrounding area or travel further to see what other parts of the region have to offer.
Long term field staff are a great source of advice, and have helped us put together the following information on local travel options. Many decide to travel before or after their experience (subject to immigration restrictions), solidifying the lifetime friendships established on program. Please note that the below suggestions are not included in the program fee, and are for the individual to organise at their own expense.
Weekend Trips
Fiji Museum
Participants could also plan to visit the Fiji Museum, where they be able to see ancient tribal artefacts, one of the best exhibitions on tribal art in the Pacific, or read up on Fiji’s cannibal past.
Levuka
The old historical capital of Fiji, Levuka, which makes for an interesting day trip, is accessible by ferry and small boat and located on the nearby Ovalau Island.
Suva
Fiji’s capital city, Suva, is only a few hours from the GVI base, and known for its relaxed atmosphere, energetic nightlife, large farmers market and atmospheric port.
Forests and Waterfalls
Participants could also opt to hike into forests and swim in hidden waterfalls, or visit one of Fiji’s famous island resorts.
Moon Reef Dolphins
Starting locally, participants will be just a short boat ride away you from the famous pod of dolphins that reside year round on Moon Reef.
Regional Exploration
Fiji is a beautiful and exotic destination where you will find picturesque white sand beaches, world class dive sites, and Fiji’s famous culture of hospitality and warmth. As an island nation, many of your potential activities will be water based.
Further Travels
Dry Land Exploration
Staying on dry land, you might consider a trip to the Sigatoka National Park, where you’ll find a miniature desert of rolling sand dunes or a more relaxing option would be the Coral Coast and the Kula Eco Park, Fiji’s only wildlife park.
A visit to Nadi
A little further afield, the possibilities are endless. Explore the town of Nadi with its bustling market, nearby hot springs at Sabeto or get a feel for the local atmosphere at a rugby match.
Cultural Immersion
Engaging intimately with a new context teaches not only global awareness but adaptability and critical thinking, skills highly valued in the modern marketplace. Local and cultural immersion is encouraged on all our programs around the world, and is also one of the most enjoyable aspects of your experience. Luckily, there are many activities you can get involved with in your free time, or before and after your program. On our community programs the focus is on cultural topics, while on marine or wildlife programs the emphasis is more on the environmental element. Use your evenings and weekends to explore diverse and eclectic topics like Theravada Buddhism in Laos or how plastic pollution and climate change affects Indian Ocean coral.
Caqalai Immersion
Caqalai Island is a mystical, exquisite location, so mysterious that travelers often arrive without even knowing how to pronounce its name (say it with us now so you’re taken care of when you get there: “thang-gull-eye”). The island is a 14 acres big coral island south of Ovalau in a sea known as the Moturiki Passage. Caqalai is the perfect place for all those that want to get away from it all and experience real laidback Fiji Island life.
The Locals
Fijians are generally some of the friendliest people in the world, so provided you respect their traditions and customs, locals are typically warm and eager to welcome you as a guest into their villages and communities. Doing so provides you with fascinating insight into traditional Fijian lifestyles and will add another layer of depth to your time on a GVI program.
Flavors of Fiji
Traditional Fijian cuisine consists of sweet potatoes, taros, bananas, coconut, fish and leafy vegetables as primary ingredients, but it is the wonderful amalgamation of flavours that makes Fijian cuisine so interesting.
Culture
Fiji has had a rich and somewhat tumultuous history. It is made up of a diverse population varying from Indigenous Fijian, Indian, European and Chinese heritage. Its culture is predominantly informed by indigenous traditions and values.