Welcome to GAAAP, your gateway to a world of inspiration and conservation awareness. It’s an absolute pleasure to have you here, and I’m excited to share my remarkable journey with you.
First things first, allow me to introduce myself. I’m Birgit, a passionate individual with a big dream. I am now based back in South Africa after travelling and working all over the world. While I’m certainly not an expert on everything, I am deeply knowledgeable about a few key things in life.
I was fortunate to spend my early years on a farm nestled in the captivating Bushveld of South Africa. Growing up, I was surrounded by the wonders of nature, thanks to my creative and free-thinking mother and father who, during his veterinary work, often invited me to accompany him to care for wildlife. These formative experiences ignited a deep passion within me for the natural world, the environment, and all its magnificent creatures. It was here that I cultivated a kind heart and a deep-rooted passion for conservation.
With a heart overflowing with compassion and a kind spirit, I embarked on a journey that has taken me across continents, allowing me to explore diverse cultures, engage in meaningful conservation work, and create awareness about the fragile ecosystems we must protect.
While pursuing my education in an Honours in criminology, I had the privilege of not only immersing myself in academic studies but also exploring the globe. I embarked on various trips to Asia, Europe and Southern Africa, gaining insights into diverse cultures and environmental structures and processes. It was during this time that I realized my true calling lay in conservation and environmental protection.
My journey led me to the breathtaking Maldives, where I spent four transformative years at a dive center. Here, I became a certified PADI instructor and collaborated with renowned conservation organizations such as the Manta Trust and the Olive Ridley Project. My responsibilities included data collection, rehabilitation efforts, wildlife rescues, and the vital task of creating awareness about marine life conservation, including guiding and teaching.
During this period, I witnessed firsthand the challenges faced by conservation organizations, particularly the need for quality awareness and volunteering programmes. This realization ignited a spark within me to make a difference and provide support where it was most needed.
The outbreak of the COVID-19 pandemic forced me to adapt and rethink my journey. I spent this time restoring and rehabilitating a lodge in the Bushveld. I channelled my efforts into restoring and rehabilitating a lodge in the Bushveld, with the intention of fostering sustainable tourism once the world recovered. This gave me time to brainstorm and restructure my idea to suit the new challenges we face these days.
As soon as international borders reopened, I embarked on a two-year expedition back to the Maldives and to Europe, driven by the desire to turn my long-held business idea into reality. It was during this time that I laid the foundation for what you see today – Global Awareness Awakening Action Programme. Building this foundation from the ground up, I knew I had to move back to South Africa where my focus for now will be. This platform aims to create global awareness for conservation causes, providing organizations with a space to seek donations and support and to eventually grow and expand into a more sophisticated circular and sustainable business model.
Here at GAAAP, you can expect a wealth of content that not only reflects my passions and experiences but also serves as a rallying cry for conservation and environmental protection. From insightful articles on environmental crimes to travel tales that span the globe, I’m dedicated to delivering engaging and informative posts that resonate with you. Together, we can create a brighter future for our planet and its inhabitants.
Thank you for joining me on this extraordinary journey. Your support and engagement mean the world to me. I’m eager to connect with you, learn from your experiences, and hopefully inspire you along the way. If you have questions, feedback, or simply wish to connect, please don’t hesitate to reach out.
Stay tuned for captivating stories, valuable insights, and a shared commitment to preserving our planet’s natural wonders and let’s make this blogging adventure an extraordinary one together!
We welcome all conservation organizations committed to making a positive impact on our environment. To join our community of dedicated conservation projects, ensure you meet the following criteria:
Must be a Certified NPC/NPO with a registered South African Bank Account
Must have an approved PAYFAST Gateway Account
Legitimate Conservation Projects only
Commitment to Transparency
Verification Documents Ready (Refer to our verification guide below)
Our commitment to transparency means we verify each conservation organization. Submit the necessary verification documents through our secure portal.
Organization Details:
Contact Information:
Submit accurate contact details, including a dedicated email address for communication.
Verification Documents:
Verification Process:
Our team will carefully review your submission to verify its legitimacy and alignment with our mission. This process typically takes 3-5 business days.
Once verified, your conservation project will be live on our platform. Donors can find, support, and contribute directly to your cause. Share you link and let the Fundraising begin!
Donors contribute directly to your conservation project through our platform.
Secure Payment Gateway: We use PayFast (A Trusted Payment Gateway Service Provider) for seamless transactions.
Transaction Fee: A 10% fee is deducted for GAAAP, plus the Payment Gateways Transaction fees. See below for more information.
We provide ongoing support and marketing to ensure your conservation efforts receive the attention they deserve. Regular updates keep our supporters informed and engaged. Join us in Creating a Sustainable Future for Our Planet!
A 10% transaction fee is applied to the donation amount donated on our platform to cover platform maintenance, marketing efforts, support, and further development. This helps us sustain and grow, ensuring we can continue supporting conservation efforts.
PayFast deducts a standard fee for processing payments securely.
Please review PayFast’s fee structure on their official website for more details.
