GVI’s Tulum Expedition Closure

In late March 2008, after a lot of discussion and research, GVI had to make the sad decision
to close down the Tulum Expedition from July this year.

Many factors were considered in discussions about the future of the programme but the
telling factor was the programme being unable to maintain economic viability. This year, GVI
have seen a downturn in recruitment numbers for the Tulum programme, which have
continued to drop despite a very successful programme in the field supported by past and
current volunteers. As our programmes depend on paying volunteers who support them
financially and supply the necessary manpower, it is very regrettable that GVI will have to
close operations in Tulum from July 2008.

GVI began operations in Tulum in 2005 following two years of work from the nearby marine
expeditions in the Sian Ka’an Biosphere reserve. The Tulum expedition has been successful
in achieving many of the aims it set out to, along with many achievements we never
imagined back in 2005. To date the expedition has trained over one hundred members as
TEFL teachers and awarded close to one thousand certificates of achievement and
progression to community members who have studied English under the qualified teachers
and teachers in training.

Along with the teaching achievements there have been many, many others in the fields of
environmental education, environmental awareness and local capacity building.

Tulum, now in 2008, has developed rapidly and almost doubled in size. Development has
brought an increased degree of prosperity as well as an increased awareness about
environmental issues. Undoubtedly there is still need in Tulum, for some local families a lot
of need as is the case in many parts of the world, however GVI rely on volunteer
contributions and workforce to operate our programmes. GVI’s decision has been thoroughly
discussed with our in-country partners and they are both understanding of, and supportive
of, the decision.

GVI have been assured by our principal project partner, The Casa de la Cultura, that GVI will
leave an enduring and positive footprint on the community of Tulum. GVI have had a positive
effect on many people’s lives and have worked towards positive and sustainable changes
within the town and surrounding communities.

When any programme such as this one, comes to an end, questions about projects enduring
and whether or not we have attained long term objectives arise. In Tulum, GVI have
definitely reached long term goals and we hope, with increased levels of awareness and
local capacity, local individuals and groups will continue this work. This, after all, is the
ultimate goal for many programmes, to develop local capacity to a level where it can take
over and run self-sustaining initiatives for the improvement of the community and
environment.
I understand that having been a part of the expedition this news may leave you disappointed
and/or with mixed feelings, however GVI’s presence in and around Tulum will continue at a
lower level from the two nearby expeditions. Please rest assured that this decision was not
taken lightly and I hope that you will understand GVI has a responsibility to support local
partners and utilise our most valued resource, our paying volunteers, in the most effective
way possible.

Best Regards

Britt Larsen

Director of Programmes

Global Vision International