Entrevista Greenforce

Who's who? Marcus Watts FRGS MD, Managing Director I set up Greenforce following section 3c’s requirement of the Rio Earth Summit. Our first project in Uganda had three scientists and two volunteers. The owner of the first Land Rover we bought was smiling so much when we drove off into the bush, in a cloud of smoke! Three years later we had completed the biodiversity survey of the Reserve, helped implement the first sustainable management plan and created a Warden Training Program. Equally satisfying was that original Land Rover was still going strong! Creating Gap Force ensure we still have that personal touch, meeting you before you go at our Briefing Day and BBQ, our own staff in country. On your return the reunion party all ensure we get feedback and can continue to improve the programs, for both you and our host country partners. Paul Martin FRGS, Development Manager Engineer, Zoologist, Soldier, Legionnaire, Expedition Leader, Fellow of the Royal Geographical Society, the list just goes on! Born in Kent but has claims to living ‘just about everywhere’, Paul brings a variety of skills to the role. With years of experience operating in the field he has set up a Marine Research Station in the Bahamas, wildlife conservation programmes in Tanzania and created a new NGO in Belize. Paul also acts as a Consultant for TV production companies needing logistical and creative support for filming projects in the UK and in more demanding locations such as the Sahara Desert or the jungles of Papua New Guinea. Always enjoys a challenge, Paul organized for 6 Maasai Warriors to visit the UK and participate in the Flora London Marathon and ran with them in his Army boots and was awarded an entry in the Guinness Book of World Records! Daniella Noykova, Director of Operations Daniella joined Greenforce shortly after arriving in the UK, and worked for a number of years on our financial controls and new project location planning. In 2004 she moved into Operations, first to assist Alan the previous Operations Manager. Following his move in 2005 to Quito to head up our South America Programme, Daniella now uses her extensive overseas travel experience and dive skills combined with her organisational management training to supervise all aspects of the Volunteers experience, following their arrival in country. Joanne Klobuch, Volunteer Coordinator Joanne took a gap year before going on to study Tourism Management at Bristol UWE. After working for the first six months, she was then able to fund her travelling experience which was organised using some gap year companies and also independently. Now she is working with us on her university placement year helping to spread the message about the benefits of taking a gap year! Marleen Lammers, Medforce Manager Marleen just joined GapFORCE as Manager of MedFORCE. Originally from the Netherlands, and with a background in journalism, Marleen recently moved to London after having spent three years in Southern Africa. Driven by her passion for conservation and community development, she developed and managed volunteer projects in Zambia and South Africa. Marleen is now very excited to head up MedFORCE, and to offer a wide range of medical programmes overseas to doctors, medical students, and anyone else interested in the medical field. Nadia Daer, Gap Advisor It all started when I heard about Trekforce and their Amazon expedition. So despite finishing my degree at Leeds Uni, it was the amazing time I had with Trekforce as a Trekker out in South America that pulled me back. Having been a Trekker myself I know how difficult it is to select which one to go on. But give me a call I and I promise to give you the low down on all the locations and not just the Amazon! James Catterall, Schools Manager James is the Schools Manager for GapFORCE. Originally from Sussex, his passion for travel has seen him live and work in Australia and Barbados and travel extensively in South America, South East Asia and India, as well as parts of the Middle East and Africa. James’ second passion is sport, in particular cricket and rugby. Supporting the national team is a favourite pastime of his and he recently resurrected his playing career by joining a local club cricket team. Having been on several group trips when at school as well as taking a Gap Year afterwards, James is keen to spread the word on the benefits and exciting options available for both school groups and individuals.