How it all began
The GoEco volunteer organization was established in 2005 by Jonathan Gilben and Jonathan Tal. They both hold University degrees in Environmental/Geography studies. Both have traveled extensively, participated in and created international ecological projects.
Based on their extensive experience, Gilben and Tal introduced the concept of volunteer tourism in Israel and created volunteer projects locally for participating international volunteers. They successfully ran their first volunteer project at the Israeli Sea Turtle Rescue Centre in Michmoret, on the Mediterranean Sea, during the summer of 2006.
Israel Program
GoEco has established dozens of ecological and humanitarian programs in cooperation with organizations both in the Arab and Jewish sectors of Israel. The organization offers an informed and vetted selection of projects to GoEco participants. Their target audience is the ecologically concerned and adventurous traveler who wants to explore a region first-hand and to get to know the local people, customs and eco-system through a vetted and organized volunteer program. GoEco organizes the logistical aspects of each program in Israel, including accommodations, subsistence, security, volunteer working structure and leisure activities. GoEco ensures that each volunteer arrives prepared and ready to participate in a program that welcomes the volunteers' help and assistance.
International Program
GoEco arranges for hundreds of Israeli and international volunteers each year to participate in ecological and humanitarian programs initiated by its partner organizations around the world. Through careful preliminary on-line interviewing, GoEco connects each volunteer with the most suitable program. GoEco selects the best available programs around the world, updates the availability and timing of projects, validates the quality and reputation of the projects and assists the volunteer in preparing for the trip.
GoEco's Mission
- Encourage ecological and volunteer tourism that promotes sustainable development.
- Enable travelers to experience different and more rewarding kinds of tourism.
- Encourage travelers to volunteer for the benefit of others and thus to serve as a good-will ambassadors to other countries in the world.
- Encourage travelers from all over the world to come to Israel for ecological and community-based programs, in both the Arab and Jewish sectors, and experience first-hand the unique cultural and natural diversity of this region.
- Support environmental and humanitarian programs that promote understanding and good will between ethnic societies in Israel.
- Conduct further research in the field of ecological tourism, such as the 'Ecological Footprint' as a tool for sustainable tourism development.
- Establish an in-depth and up-to-date database of relevant projects worldwide.
- Create a platform from which to explore the various organizations that support the environment and actively encourage volunteering.
Why should I choose to volunteer through GoEco?
- GoEco prices are highly competitive and, are usually cheaper than trying to do it yourself. In most cases, our prices include travel health insurance.
- We offer excellent customer service from start to finish. We answer our phone calls and always return emails within 1 – 2 days or sooner. GoEco also has a 24 hour emergency phone number for volunteers to use if they need support while traveling.
- GoEco has nine years of experience and has placed more than 5000 volunteers at projects.
- The GoEco Placement Coordinators are knowledgeable about all of our projects and will of course help you choose the best project(s) if you are undecided.
- GoEco continually updates the website in an effort to ensure that all information is easily accessible and accurate. We regularly add new projects that our volunteers will find interesting.
- Once you register, GoEco will make sure you have all the information you need before your trip and will check in with you during your trip. That means should a problem arise, GoEco is there for you and will help find a resolution.
- GoEco representatives have been to each of the projects we represent in order to vet the projects. We only work with projects that value our volunteers and offer an excellent volunteering experience.
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