About GoEco
Why GoEco?
GoEco is a leading eco-tourism company with a varied selection of affordable, ethical volunteer projects abroad. Our team is made up of experienced and passionate specialists who are eager to give you the voluntourism vacation of a lifetime!..
We act as a gateway to over 150 extraordinary community, wildlife and environmental initiatives all over the world thanks to our great partnerships. Our providers are well diversified, ranging from local community groups to renowned global organizations. All of our projects are carefully vetted to ensure every volunteer experience meets our standards and yours.
We make it our mission to help you make the most of your time abroad and that is why we start by getting to know you and your interests! GoEco provides you with all of the necessary information to help you make informed decisions about the project, the country and the time of year you want to go.
Our goal is for you to leave your host country with an even greater passion for volunteering and a desire to share your experience with others when you return home.
Don’t forget to check out our Reviews and Awards!
Jonathan Gilben and Jonathan Tal met in high school and instantly became friends, bonding over their appetite for travel and adventure. After graduating, they travelled extensively together around Southeast Asia – a captivating experience for them both.
It came as no surprise when they both chose to study Geography. They wanted to learn more about the communities and wildlife they had encountered on their trip.
In Gilben’s final year of study he signed up to volunteer with a sea turtle project in Mexico in search of an unique ecological experience. His experience was so inspiring that he approached the Sea Turtle Rescue Center in Michmoret, Israel about volunteering; convincing Tal to join him.
Within their first week of volunteering, Gilben and Tal thought up a pilot project where wildlife enthusiasts would come from abroad to volunteer with them. They continued volunteering at the rescue center for two years while they figured out how to bring their idea to fruition. Both Gilben and Tal became increasingly passionate about the sea turtles, deciding to participate in a sea turtle rescue project in Greece. It was on this trip that GoEco was conceptualized.
Soon after, they pushed the pilot project idea forward with approval from the Israeli Nature Park Authority. In 2006, GoEco received an official stamp declaring them a business which allowed them to bring international volunteers to the rescue center. They managed to sign up 12 devoted individuals for the first volunteer project, which turned out to be a huge success.
During the first year of operation , GoEco was primarily focused on bringing volunteers to help with sea turtle conservation along the Mediterranean coast. They then started contacting international NGOs about sending local volunteers overseas to do similar work. One of the first volunteer experiences abroad was a wildlife initiative in South Africa with a partner with whom GoEco still works with today.
Since launching in 2006, GoEco has sent thousands of individuals to participate in over 150 volunteer projects around the world. They have also expanded their office to include a passionate team dedicated to offering volunteers the best experiences abroad.
Meet the GoEco team
Jonathan Gilben
Co-Founder & Co-Director
Jonathan Tal
Co-Founder & Co-Director
Carla
Operations Manager
Favorite volunteer experience:
Volunteering at the South African Wildlife Rehabilitation Centre was an experience that will stay with me for the rest of my life and is the part of my life I am the most proud of. Learning about true conservation and the efforts that these teams pursue to save our wildlife has opened my mind to a new way of thinking. Living and working amongst so many different animals, from Honey Badgers to Wild dogs and Vultures to Bushbabies is what I’ll miss the most!
Dream volunteer project(s):
I have always been captivated by the immense beauty and ecological significance of the Great Barrier Reef. As a passionate advocate for marine conservation, the opportunity to join the Australia – Great Barrier Reef Conservation program is incredibly appealing to me. The chance to contribute to the restoration and preservation of this iconic reef system while safeguarding its diverse species is both a privilege and a responsibility that I am eager to undertake.
Learning to dive while volunteering offers invaluable skills that would not only enhance my personal diving abilities but also empower me to play a vital role in marine conservation efforts in the future. The prospect of diving into and exploring the world’s largest coral reef system alongside a team of dedicated marine experts and Master Reef Guides is both thrilling and humbling.
Cassandra
Volunteer Advisor Manager
Favorite volunteer experience:
I have volunteered in the Cape Town Community Project where I got to experience first hand the diverse and fascinating culture of South Africa. This program has so much to offer, as you would be teaching others whilst at the same time they teach you so much more.
It is a rewarding feeling to give your time to those in need and see the immediate impact that your help has on a community and their precious children.
Dream volunteer project(s):
It is my dream to visit the Belize – Private Island Marine Experience and encounter this beautiful destination with white beaches and blue water all around you.
I am most intrigued to work with the gorgeous marine wildlife while learning how to dive for conservation purposes. I think this program has a great combination of experiences as during the weekends all volunteers stay on the main land and get to explore the beautiful country too!
Jackie
Operations
Favorite volunteer experience:
I had the amazing opportunity to volunteer at the South African Wildlife Rehabilitation Centre. It gave me the opportunity to have hands-on experience in conservation and animal welfare. From caring for the many animals to assisting with rehabilitation and release programs. It gave me the chance to connect with nature, gain valuable skills, and make a meaningful contribution to wildlife conservation. The team at the Centre are truly amazing and their passion is contagious. Will definitely be an experience I will never forget.
Dream volunteer project(s):
Liveaboard Dolphin Research Expedition – Joining this project will combine my love for marine life with my desire to help protect it. This adventure will offer me the chance to learn how to collect data and do field research while living on a research boat. I’ll get to see incredible marine creatures and work towards conservation goals. It’s an amazing opportunity to be on the ocean day and night, learning and contributing to something meaningful.
Taita
Volunteer Advisor
Favorite volunteer experience:
I’ve been fortunate to volunteer on two incredible programs that shaped my passion for wildlife and environmental conservation. My first experience was at the South African Wildlife Rehabilitation Centre. From cleaning enclosures and creating enrichment to assisting in the clinic with injured and orphaned wildlife, every day was challenging, rewarding, and meaningful. Playing a small part in rehabilitating and releasing animals back into the wild was unforgettable. The friendships I made with volunteers from around the world and working alongside passionate conservationists made it even more special.
In 2024, I fulfilled a lifelong dream by volunteering on a Marine and Sea Turtle Conservation program in the Maldives. Learning about sea turtle rehabilitation and the fragile marine ecosystem while experiencing the incredible underwater world was everything I had hoped for. Seeing how dedicated conservation efforts protect these amazing animals reinforced why I love volunteering. It’s an experience I’ll always treasure, and I’m grateful to share it with future volunteers.
Dream volunteer project(s):
Now that I’ve been lucky enough to tick the Maldives off my bucket list, my next dream destination is the Animal Wildlife Rescue Centre in Peru.
Suanne
Volunteer Advisor
Favorite volunteer experience:
My favourite volunteer experience was working closely with wild animals and creating enrichment to stimulate their daily lives. Seeing their reactions – even to the smallest efforts – truly melted my heart and made me realise how important volunteers are in enhancing the wellbeing of animals in captivity. It also deepened my understanding of how vital conservation work is, as it directly improves the quality of life for these animals while supporting their natural behaviours and long-term protection.
Dream volunteer project(s):
Choosing a dream volunteer program is not easy, as I am genuinely drawn to all of them. However, this particular program stood out to me because of my deep passion for big cats – especially the opportunity to experience a puma for the first time. The Puma Sanctuary and Wildlife Reserve in Argentina feels incredibly inspiring, not only because of its focus on protecting pumas and other native species, but also because of its commitment to meaningful conservation. I am especially captivated by their involvement in ambitious rewilding efforts and their dedication to restoring natural habitats, which makes a real and lasting impact on the survival of these incredible animals.
Pascalle
Volunteer Advisor
Favorite volunteer experience:
I had the privilege of volunteering at a children’s orphanage in Alexandra, South Africa. Helping children with needs often taken for granted was very eye opening for me. Reading a children’s book or teaching a simple nursery rhyme can bring so much joy to underprivileged children. I learned that as human beings we have a duty to support each other through this journey called “life,” and we owe it to the next generation to leave the world a better place than we found it. The experience taught me that you don’t have to give much or sacrifice much to help another. Those children will have an advantage in life because someone taught them basic English and the joy that they gain from each and every person who takes the time to show them love and kindness is priceless!
Dream volunteer project(s):
I would love to volunteer with the Italy Dolphin research program. Spending time every day on the Mediterranean while helping with important scientific research on marine animals would be an incredible and life-changing experience! There are very few experiences comparable to this one, and I would be honored to help dolphins, whales, turtles and many other marine and bird species while being immersed in authentic Italian culture and lifestyle.
Jack
Full-Time Office Dog
Favorite volunteer experience:
I volunteer to help clean the streets of my neighborhood from all the leftover food! My owner doesn’t particularly like how many hours of work I put in eating leftover pizza crust off the street, but I’m a supporter of cleaning the environment!
Dream volunteer project(s):
I’d love to help out my fellow furry friends and travel to the Sri Lanka – Dog Care and Veterinary Assistance project!
Polly
Full-Time Office Dog
Favorite volunteer experience:
My owner occasionally takes in foster dogs who are looking for a forever home, so I have many weeks worth of volunteer hours as a foster brother teaching them how to be good dogs!
Dream volunteer project(s):
I’d love to explore South Africa and volunteer at the Animal Rescue and Veterinary Shelter to make new dog friends from other cultures and help my furry mates that are less fortunate. Swimming at the Cape Town beaches would be a bonus!
