GAIA
GAIA was born from a simple, urgent realization: our planet's cries for help were going unanswered. Founded in 2005 by Dr. Eleanor Vance and a small group of passionate scientists and activists, we started as a local voice for threatened forests. We quickly saw that environmental issues are interconnected—a polluted ocean in one region affects the climate everywhere.
This understanding propelled us to become a global alliance. From those humble beginnings, we have grown into an international movement, but our core belief remains unchanged: informed, collective action is the most powerful force for change on Earth.
Our mission is to safeguard the future of our planet by protecting its most vulnerable ecosystems. We achieve this by:
Highlighting immediate environmental threats through rigorous research and compelling storytelling.
Empowering individuals, communities, and leaders with actionable solutions and sustainable strategies.
Mobilizing a global network of advocates and volunteers to drive real-world impact from the ground up.
We believe in a world where humanity lives in harmony with nature, ensuring a healthy, thriving planet for generations to come.
Founder & Executive Director
With 40+ years in ecology and conservation, Dr. Vance founded GAIA in 2005 with a simple yet powerful vision:
to create a unified global front for planetary protection.
Director of Global Operations
Rob brings 30 years of non-profit management and international diplomacy to GAIA,
overseeing field operations.
Head of Digital Campaigns & Community Engagement
A rising star in environmental communication, Maya bridges environmental science and digital activism to mobilise new generations.