Plastic pollution
The impact of plastics on animals, the environment and humans is under-researched and poorly understood. However, thanks to the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA), we know that at least 800 marine species are harmed by plastics.
Our teams around the world clear beaches, the ocean floor and other fragile natural habitats such as mangrove forests of plastics and other human-made materials. Collected items are categorised and information is delivered to local and international organisations that advance research and help design stronger regulations.
Our staff and participants also run workshops that help international visitors and local communities reduce their own contributions to plastic pollution. In addition, over the past decade, we’ve collaborated with Fiji’s Ministry of Health to implement recycling initiatives in remote communities.
Our teams around the world clear beaches, the ocean floor and other fragile natural habitats such as mangrove forests of plastics and other human-made materials. Collected items are categorised and information is delivered to local and international organisations that advance research and help design stronger regulations.
Our staff and participants also run workshops that help international visitors and local communities reduce their own contributions to plastic pollution. In addition, over the past decade, we’ve collaborated with Fiji’s Ministry of Health to implement recycling initiatives in remote communities.
Our Current Initiatives
- Ocean floor cleanups in Seychelles in collaboration with Project AWARE’s Dive Against Debris project
- Beach cleanups in Thailand in collaboration with Ocean Conservancy and Green FinsÂ
- Beach cleanups in Mexico in collaboration with Ocean Conservancy and Puerto Morelos National Park
- Beach cleanups in Costa Rica in collaboration with Tortuguero National Park
- Environmental education in South Africa in collaboration with local schools
- Environmental education and litter cleanups in Nepal in collaboration with local schools and other organisations
7039
kilograms of plastic collected by participants and community members in 2018
2744
Community members attended waste management awareness workshops
101
Waste management awareness workshops conducted various communities in 2018
Where you can contribute
Earn your PADI Open Water and volunteer to help conserve one of the world's wonders: the Belize Barrier Reef.
Start your diving and marine conservation career in one of the world's most beautiful places, Belize.
Earn your PADI Divemaster while experiencing the very best dives the Caribbean has to offer.
Live with other teens on Costa Rica’s Caribbean coast while learning about rainforest conservation.
Work to conserve green, hawksbill and leatherback sea turtles on Costa Rica’s Caribbean coast.
Assist in the protection and study of both marine and forest birds while living and working in a Costa Rican rainforest.
Conduct biodiversity research in rainforests along the vibrant and diverse Caribbean coast.
Work in the Costa Rican rainforest to spot, identify, and track a wide range of unique reptile and amphibian species.
Contribute to preserving the Mesoamerican Barrier Reef, the second largest coral reef in the world
Earn your PADI Coral Reef Restoration Diver (CRRD) Distinctive Speciality and gain work experience in marine conservation
Learn about ocean conservation and earn your PADI Open Water Diver in Mexico.
Earn your PADI Divemaster while gaining experience in marine conservation.
Start your career in professional diving by completing a PADI Divemaster internship at a dive centre in Mexico.
Earn your PADI Advanced Open Water Diver while learning about ocean conservation in Mexico.
Start your professional diving career by earning your PADI Divemaster while exploring the underwater worlds of both Fiji and Mexico.
Learn practical skills in marine conservation and contribute towards your career development, while doing your part to preserve coral reefs in the Mexican Caribbean.
Become a leader in PADI education specialising in creating awareness of the precious marine environment.
Contribute to whale and dolphin conservation while exploring the beautiful Spanish Canaries.
Help conserve dolphins and whales on this teen volunteer project based on the island paradise of Tenerife in the Canary Islands.
Join a marine biology and conservation internship based on the beautiful Spanish island of Tenerife.
Contribute to marine biology research and conservation while based on the idyllic island of Tenerife.
Gain experience in ethical and sustainable marine ecotourism in the turquoise waters off Africa's Atlantic coast.
Conserve turtles on this teen volunteer project in the historic coastal town of Giannitsochori, Greece.
Join our vital sea turtle conservation project on Greece’s Mediterranean coast.
On this instructive internship, you will spend time diving in the tropical waters in the Dawasamu District, while participating in local conservation efforts.
Contribute to marine, coastal, and island conservation in Fiji and Thailand.
Earn your PADI Divemaster certification while exploring the waters surrounding the islands of Fiji and Thailand.
Contribute to coral reef recovery research and other marine conservation initiatives in the Dawasamu District, Fiji.
Develop your professional and leadership skills while working on coral reef ecology and conservation initiatives in Dawasamu, Fiji.
Learn to dive in the beautiful waters of the Dawasamu District while supporting community efforts towards sustainable marine resources.
Enter the world of scuba diving by acquiring a professional diving qualification while gaining work experience in marine conservation.
Learn to dive in the warm waters of Dawasamu, while directly contributing to conservation efforts in the region.
Start your professional diving career by earning your PADI Divemaster while exploring the underwater worlds of both Fiji and Mexico.
Dive into the crystal blue waters of the South Pacific Ocean and contribute to coral reef preservation efforts in Fiji.
Contribute to marine and terrestrial conservation efforts and experience an unspoilt island paradise.
Scuba dive in the Indian Ocean on this critical conservation expedition.
Help to conserve three of the Seychelles' most important marine species, the sicklefin lemon shark, the hawksbill and the green turtle.
Enter the global scuba diving industry with a professional diving qualification combined with work experience and marine conservation training.
Scuba dive in the beautiful Indian Ocean and gain field work experience, all while contributing to vital marine conservation projects.
Learn techniques for surveying tropical flora, fauna, and habitats while contributing to the sustainable management of Curieuse island.
Collect data on coral reef health and recovery following climate-change-induced coral bleaching events while earning your PADI Advanced Open Water and PADI Reef Ecosystem Diver Specialty qualifications.
Contribute to the removal of invasive species on Curieuse Island to help native species recover.
Join us in contributing towards protecting the giant tortoises and the incredible island ecology of Seychelles.
Work on conservation initiatives on Mahe Island, boosting the rich and biodiverse ecosystem in the region, while also gaining formal qualifications for your own career advancement.
Make the most out of your time abroad and experience two amazing locations, while volunteering on critical terrestrial and marine conservation projects.
Develop your scuba diving skills on this Divemaster internship in the tropical waters of both the Seychelles and Thailand.
Work on conservation initiatives on Mahe Island, boosting the rich and biodiverse ecosystem in the region, while also gaining formal qualifications for your own career advancement.
Make the most out of your time abroad and experience two amazing locations, while volunteering on critical terrestrial and marine conservation projects.
Volunteer with sea turtles and renovate schools with other teens, while you explore Southern Thailand.
Assist in the conservation of Thailand’s natural environment on this all-encompassing expedition.
Take part in crucial conservation efforts by getting involved with turtle research in Phang Nga.
Contribute to the preservation of two endangered species, while exploring the coasts of Southern Thailand and the forested hillsides of the North.
Lead beach cleans, analyse data collected, conduct plastic awareness workshops in the local community, and assist with sea turtle conservation in Thailand.
Contribute to marine, coastal, and island conservation in Fiji and Thailand.
Earn your PADI Divemaster certification while exploring the waters surrounding the islands of Fiji and Thailand.
Contribute to coral reef conservation research in Southern Thailand.
Get a headstart on your career in conservation when completing this six month conservation internship in Southern Thailand.
Develop your scuba diving skills on this Divemaster internship in the tropical waters of both the Seychelles and Thailand.
GVI Volunteer Testimonials...
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Plastic Clean Up Impact Video...
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