Conservation and Wildlife Education
At Global Conservation Force (GCF), education is at the heart of our mission to protect wildlife and combat poaching. Our Education & Awareness Programs span the globe, reaching diverse audiences through in-situ and digital platforms. From training frontline conservation professionals to engaging with communities and advising policymakers, we are dedicated to fostering knowledge, skills, and action for wildlife conservation.
Professional Training & Capacity Building
GCF provides specialized training courses for rangers, anti-poaching units, K9 handlers, and conservation professionals, equipping them with the skills needed to protect wildlife effectively. Our expert instructors offer hands-on training in tracking, field operations, tactical first aid, crisis response, and K9 detection to strengthen conservation efforts in high-risk regions.
Conferences, Government Engagement & Expert Advising
GCF’s leadership regularly presents at conferences, speaks to government bodies, and serves as expert advisors on critical conservation topics. We provide insights on wildlife crime prevention, law enforcement strategies, community-based conservation, and the role of technology in protecting endangered species. Our expertise supports policy development and helps shape national and international conservation strategies.
Community & Youth Education
Conservation begins with awareness. GCF actively works with rural schools and communities adjacent to protected areas to inspire the next generation of conservationists. We deliver engaging wildlife education programs, introduce young learners to the importance of biodiversity, and provide resources to empower local communities in sustainable conservation efforts.
Digital & Global Outreach
Through digital platforms, we extend our reach around the world—hosting virtual lectures, webinars, and social media campaigns to engage audiences beyond physical borders. Our online programs provide access to expert knowledge, training materials, and conservation discussions, ensuring that wildlife protection remains a global priority.
By educating, training, and empowering individuals at every level—from children in remote villages to government officials drafting conservation policies—GCF is committed to building a global network of wildlife defenders who can drive lasting change for endangered species and their habitats.
Community Conservation Education Programs
Wildhand - Wild Warriors
Wildhand
Vietnam
2017 – Present
Global Conservation Force is tackling wildlife demand, the illegal pet trade, and much more with our partner Wildhand, a youth organization based in Hanoi, Vietnam. Wildhand is affiliated with the veterinary Medicine Faculty of Vietnam National University of Agriculture and is dedicated to creating a world where humans and animals cohabitate in harmony. Wildhand is advised by Dr. Ba Tiep Nguyen and is comprised of 22 volunteers and 20 partners who are working on wildlife protection and animal welfare improvement.
The free, 3-month-long, education programs have been offered to students since 2017. The Wild Warriors program teaches students about Vietnam’s wildlife and ecosystems through games, photo exhibitions, presentations, and hands-on experiences. After successful workshops in several elementary schools during their few years, the Wild Warriors program expanded to include middle and high school students. In 2022, the program impacted 5,000-13,000 students at 10 schools.
This program was co-designed with Global Conservation Force and Wildhand and is fully funded by Global Conservation Force.
Wildlife Trading Card Series
Save Vietnam’s Wildlife
Vietnam
2018
In order to keep kids engaged in conservation, caring about wildlife, and spreading awareness of the plight of endangered animals, Save Vietnam’s Wildlife and Global Conservation Force developed a trading card series featuring 8 of the most vulnerable species in Vietnam. After attending the Save Vietnam’s Wildlife educational program, each child is given a trading card, featuring one of the eight species. They can share the information from their cards with each other and their families to keep the idea of conservation alive long after they leave the program.
Javan Rhino Conservation Curriculum
Friends of Rhino Foundation
Java, Indonesia
2018
The Javan rhinoceros is critically endangered with fewer than 100 individuals living in the wild. To help educate and bring awareness to the species, Global Conservation Force worked with a vocational boarding school for wildlife conservation, forestry, and marine sciences, in Indonesia. We expanded their school curriculum on rhino conservation. Topics included rhino behavior, ecotourism, and maritime protection, and mainly focused on the Javan rhino, which is indigenous to Indonesia. To help facilitate a connection with the rhinos and nature, students were taken on field trips to Ujung Kulon National Park, home of the last wild Javan rhinos.
Ground Hornbill Conservation Comic Books
Mabula Ground Hornbill Project
South Africa
2020
Global Conservation Force partnered with the Mabula Ground Hornbill Project to purchase and distribute 1,400 of their ground hornbill conservation comic books. The comic books were distributed to children living in rural South African communities near critical habitat areas for Southern Ground-hornbills. Seven hundred comic books were given to our partners at Nourish adjacent to the Kruger National Park and The Kariega Foundation in the Eastern Cape.
Painted Dog Workbooks
Painted Dog Research Trust, Dr. Greg Rasmussen
Zimbabwe
2020
In partnership with Painted Dog Research Trust and Dr. Rasmussen, Global Conservation Force updated, upgraded, and expanded the existing painted dog wildlife workbook that is distributed to local communities in Zimbabwe. Dr. Rassmussen has been researching and fighting for the conservation of the painted dog since 1990. He has monitored the movement and number of the packs in Zimbabwe and continues to advocate for traffic speed safety to ensure the welfare of painted dogs. These educational materials make the plight of the dogs known to national and international organizations and raise funds for the conservation of painted dogs in Zimbabwe.
Pangolin Conservation Workbook
Pangolino
Nigeria, South Africa
2021
In collaboration with Pangolino, we brought 500 pangolin conservation coloring workbooks and 600 stickers to primary and junior secondary schools in southeastern Nigeria! Three communities, surrounding the Cross River National Park, a site reputed as one of the few remaining pangolin strongholds in Nigeria, participated and celebrated with Global Conservation Force and Pangolino. Nigeria continues to play a preeminent role in the global illegal pangolin trade and we hope that fostering community engagement in pangolin conservation will strengthen national and global efforts to curb pangolin trafficking.
Want to purchase a workbook?
We are excited to share that you can also purchase a workbook for your family, friends, work colleagues or yourself! This special opportunity to host them for sale in our online store allows us to donate three for every workbook purchased. You read that right, Buy One, Donate Three!
Contact us at Info@GlobalConservationForce.org if you’d like to purchase a workbook!
Saiga Antelope Classroom Presentations
Saiga Conservation Alliance
Uzbekistan, Kazakhstan, and Russia
2021
In partnership with Saiga Conservation Alliance, Global Conservation Force designed a series of saiga antelope conservation lesson plans. The educational series was developed for a wide range of students, from primary school (6-7 years old) to upper secondary (17-18 years old). Materials were made available in English, Russian, Kazakh, and Uzbek. The goal of the educational program was to inspire eco-guardians by teaching students about the saiga and how to help the conservation of the species.
ZOOHACKATHON
US Dept of State, San Diego Zoo Global
Escondido, USA
2017 - 2019
Global Conservation Force (GCF) was honored to participate in the San Diego Zoo & U.S. State Department’s ZOOHACKATHON, an innovative event that brings together conservationists, technologists, and creative minds to develop tech-driven solutions for combating wildlife trafficking and other critical conservation challenges.
As a presenter, expert advisor, and judge, GCF played a pivotal role in guiding participants through real-world conservation issues, sharing insights from the frontlines of anti-poaching, wildlife protection, and ranger support. Our team provided mentorship on practical applications of technology in the field, from data-driven enforcement strategies to wildlife crime prevention tools.
ZOOHACKATHON participants worked in teams to develop innovative solutions, harnessing AI, blockchain, geospatial tracking, and other cutting-edge technologies to aid conservation efforts. GCF’s expertise helped ensure that proposed solutions were both impactful and feasible for real-world implementation.
This collaboration highlights the importance of cross-industry partnerships in the fight against wildlife crime. By integrating technology with conservation strategy, we continue to push the boundaries of what’s possible in protecting endangered species worldwide.
Snare Workshop
Cape Leopard Trust
Cape Town, South Africa
2022
Global Conservation Force taught a free snare workshop, hosted by our partner Cape Leopard Trust. The training brought together landowners, communities, researchers, and wildlife rehabilitation experts around Cape Town, South Africa to better protect the area wildlife from snares, a common poaching tool. Global Conservation Force CEO/President, Mike Veale, used theory and practical aspects to teach participants about snare poaching, first aid, and injured wildlife response and relocation.
International Wildlife Education Programs
Conservation Presentations and Workshops
United States
2014 – Present
Since 2014, Global Conservation Force has visited local schools, organizations, law enforcement officials, and government agencies to bring awareness to conservation, human-wildlife conflict, anti-poaching efforts, and more! Global Conservation Force Founder | CEO, Mike Veale, also hosts animal tracking courses for organizations such as the Boy Scouts.
Want to schedule a visit?
Please reach out to our education coordinator, Lauren Lee at l.lee@globalconservationforce.org for more information.
Wildlife Conservation Awareness Events
United States
2014 – Present
Global Conservation Force hosts informational booths across the country at events such as Earth Day, street fairs, farmers’ markets, museums, world species days, and other special occasions to bring awareness to wildlife trafficking, human-wildlife conflict, anti-poaching efforts, conservation, and the importance of biodiversity.
Front Line Defenders: Honoring Those Who Protect Wildlife
U.S. Department of State
Washington, D.C.
2017
Global Conservation Force Founder | CEO, Mike Veale, was a keynote speaker for the U.S. Department of State’s 2017 World Wildlife Day event, Front Line Defenders: Honoring Those Who Protect Wildlife. Mike discussed frontline wildlife protection activities and efforts to counter wildlife trafficking. This educational presentation to the audience of elected officials, nonprofits, federal law enforcement agencies, and international ambassadors activated a wide range of support for the issues wildlife face around the world.
Mike Veale, discussed his work with rangers in Africa and Asia to combat illegal wildlife trafficking at the State Department’s Front Line Defenders: Honoring Those Who Protect Wildlife event. Other speakers included Chief Marketing and Communications Officer of the African Parks Network Andrea Heydlauff, Vice President of the International Conservation Caucus Foundation Susan Herman Lylis, and Founder of Freeland Brasil Juliana Machado Ferreira (Photo: U.S. Department of State).
Down To Earth: The Extinction Crisis
NBC 7 and NBC National
San Diego and South Africa
2017
Down to Earth: The Extinction Crisis is a powerful documentary that aired on NBC on Super Bowl Sunday 2018. In this special episode, Mike Veale of Global Conservation Force took NBC 7 San Diego to South Africa to showcase the urgent fight against rhino poaching. The episode highlights the devastating impact of the illegal wildlife trade and the frontline conservation efforts working to protect rhinos from extinction. Through firsthand footage and expert insights, the documentary sheds light on the dangerous work of anti-poaching rangers and the critical need for global conservation action.
Making A Ranger
Project Conservation
South Africa
2018
Making a Ranger Film follows Global Conservation Force instructors as they put a group of South African rangers through a month-long anti-poaching boot camp in an effort to prepare them for life on the frontlines of the country’s growing poaching crisis.
Filmed & edited by: Marlina Moreno
Produced by: Project:Conservation in partnerhsip with Global Conservation Force.
Ghosts of The Gobi: Using Drones to Assess Populations of Snow Leopard Prey Species
Snow Leopard Conservancy & Rocky Mountain Cat Conservancy
Nepal
2019
Ghost of the Gobi: Using Drones to Assess Populations of Snow Leopard Prey Species is a compelling short film produced by Long Shadow Media, documenting the innovative use of drone technology in snow leopard conservation. This project, a collaboration between the Snow Leopard Conservancy, The Rocky Mountain Cat Conservancy, and Global Conservation Force, showcases groundbreaking efforts to study and protect the elusive snow leopard in the remote landscapes of Nepal.
With the support of GCF’s donated drone and a special camera system setup donated by FLIR, researchers were able to conduct aerial surveys of prey species, gathering critical data on population densities and habitat conditions without disturbing the fragile ecosystem. The film captures the challenges and triumphs of conservationists working in extreme environments and highlights how advanced technology is revolutionizing wildlife research. Through Ghost of the Gobi, audiences gain a rare glimpse into the vital work being done to secure a future for snow leopards and their habitat.
The Last Ranger
Six Feet Films, Kindred Films, Amakhala Game Reserve
South Africa
2020
Global Conservation Force (GCF) played a pivotal role in bringing The Last Ranger to life, partnering with Six Feet Films, director David Lee, and his crew to help secure funding and support for the powerful short film, starting with a launch fundraiser in Los Angeles, California. From the early stages of development, GCF provided critical resources, including on-the-ground ranger gear support, expert consultation, and a GCF ranger to help train the actresses in the film. The organization also facilitated key connections to anti-poaching rangers, ensuring the film authentically captured the dangers and dedication of those protecting endangered species.
Beyond funding assistance, GCF has continuously supported The Last Ranger through awareness campaigns, community engagement, and direct involvement in screenings and outreach. Now, as an Oscar-nominated short film, The Last Rangerstands as a testament to the sacrifices of wildlife rangers and the urgent need for global conservation. GCF’s ongoing commitment to the project reinforces its mission to protect wildlife and those who risk their lives defending it.
Would You Survive This Obstacle Course
Brave Wilderness, Coyote Peterson
South Africa
2022
In this episode, Coyote’s spending 24 hours in the life of an Anti-Poaching Unit ranger. Mike Veale and his team of experts from Global Conservation Force run him through the gauntlet of APU training to see if Coyote has what it takes to be on the frontlines of animal conservation efforts. He’ll survive an extreme obstacle course before he goes undercover, camouflaged in the South African brush.
Cutest Baby Rhino Ever
Brave Wilderness, Coyote Peterson, Zululand Rhino Orphanage
South Africa
2022
Global Conservation Force (GCF) and founder Mike Veale partnered with Coyote Peterson and the Brave Wildernesscrew to film a special awareness and support episode at Zululand Rhino Orphanage in KwaZulu-Natal, South Africa. This episode highlights the critical work being done to rescue and rehabilitate orphaned rhinos, many of whom have lost their mothers to poaching.
During the visit, Coyote and the team meet Leko, a playful yet powerful orphaned rhino, along with his unlikely companion, Dorothy. While the adventure is full of heartwarming moments, it also sheds light on the challenges of rhino conservation and the dedication of caretakers who work tirelessly to ensure these animals have a future in the wild. Through this collaboration, GCF continues its mission of raising awareness and securing vital support for frontline conservation efforts.
Save The Horns
Brave Wilderness, Coyote Peterson, Bear Grylls
South Africa
2022
The Save The Horns program by Global Conservation Force (GCF) is a dedicated initiative focused on protecting rhinos from poaching through anti-poaching efforts, ranger support, public education, and awareness campaigns. As part of this mission, Mike Veale and GCF partnered with wildlife educator and YouTube personality Coyote Peterson, taking him to South Africa to film a powerful rhino conservation documentary. This documentary, featured on the Brave Wildernesschannel, provided an in-depth look at the poaching crisis, the work of anti-poaching rangers, and the urgent need for global conservation efforts. By immersing viewers in the reality of rhino protection, Save The Horns continues to inspire action and support for rhino conservation worldwide.
Thor, A Guardian Of The Wild
Green Leaves Productions, Scent Imprint Conservation Dogs, Zululand Conservation Trust
South Africa, Netherlands
2022
Thor: A Guardian of the Wild is a short film documenting the journey of Global Conservation Force (GCF) K9 Thor as he is deployed to Manyoni Game Reserve in partnership with the Zululand Conservation Trust. This powerful story showcases the vital role of working dogs in frontline conservation, highlighting Thor’s critical contributions to rhino and pangolin protection, reserve defense, and rapid response operations against poaching threats.
With expert training and an unwavering drive, Thor represents the next level of anti-poaching efforts, working alongside dedicated rangers to safeguard Africa’s endangered wildlife. The film, created by Green Leaves Productions, captures the dedication and teamwork behind this mission, offering an intimate look at the impact of K9s in conservation.
Special Thanks to:
Green Leaves Productions for bringing this story to life
Director/D.O.P.: Mike Versteegh
Editor-in-Chief: Alexander Koeyers
Producer: Kimberley Derks
Holding The Frontline
Jess Donnelly, Kariega Game Reserve, Dr William Fowlds
South Africa
2023
Holding the Frontline is an impactful short conservation documentary set in South Africa. It intimately follows the journey of recruits within the Global Conservation Force, as they undergo rigorous training to transform into dedicated anti-poaching rangers. The documentary delves deep into the grueling training regimen these men endure over several weeks—a journey marked by blood, sweat, tears, unwavering commitment, and personal sacrifices. It reveals that being an anti-poaching ranger is far more than just a job—it’s a calling.
Solo filmed and edited by Jess Donnelly, Holding the Frontline captures the raw intensity of ranger training and the immense challenges faced in the fight against poaching. With the ambassador support of Blake Moynes, from The Bachelor series, and The SOSA, the film gained further reach, amplifying awareness of the critical need for conservation efforts. The rangers’ unwavering bravery and dedication shine through as they act as the last line of defense between ruthless poachers and the precious wildlife they seek to exploit. Their stories serve as a testament to the human spirit in the face of an ecological crisis.
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