Forest canopy in Crocker Range Park 

Research on basketry knowledge

Wildlife trade exhibit in Marrakech

Mission

Global Diversity Foundation promotes agricultural, biological and cultural diversity around the world through research, training and social action.

We conduct applied research and provide training on biocultural diversity at specific field sites in Africa, Asia and Latin America.

Our community and conservation projects build on local traditions and knowledge to secure education, health, nutrition and other basic human rights for marginalised peoples.

In collaboration with diverse institutions, we support the participation of a wide range of community members – including children, young adults and elders – in our research and development programmes.

Areas of specific focus include the continuity of ethnobiological knowledge, community access to biological resources and the conservation of biodiversity.

We bring these concerns to a wider public through international courses, publications and our website.

What we do

Created with the support of professionals from various academic disciplines, GDF obtained charitable status in May 2000 from the Charity Commission of England and Wales. Global Diversity Foundation is the sister organization of the US-based Global Diversity Foundation, which gained non-profit status in 2006. The Foundation:

• contributes to conservation and development projects that involve local communities, governmental agencies, non-governmental organisations and academic research centres;
• supports field studies in which local researchers and students gain practical experience in documenting, monitoring and promoting biocultural diversity;
• participates in multidisciplinary diploma and graduate degree programmes in collaboration with botanical gardens, research institutes and universities
• provides fellowships for talented young colleagues who are studying for advanced degrees, and grants to support their research at field study centres;
• works with selected academic institutions to offer research and training opportunities on cultural and natural diversity, conservation and community development;
• presents the results of its applied scientific research in seminars, symposia and scientific publications;
• organises excursions, exhibits and publications to educate the general public on strategies to maintain biocultural diversity.