Greentalist Costa Rica, a youth-led nonprofit, empowers young people to address urgent global challenges.
Through volunteering and collective learning, we help youth develop leadership skills and make a meaningful impact.
Created by young people participating in the Youth for a Green World (Y4GG) project as part of Raleigh Costa Rica’s non-profit organisation, Greentalist Costa Rica is now a youth-led nonprofit. In addition, when Raleigh International Trust closed in May 2022, we carried forward its legacy with renewed purpose.
As a result, we transformed into Greentalist Costa Rica, a youth-led nonprofit that continues to empower young people to create positive change in their communities and around the world.
Initially, Operation Drake, launched by King Charles III and Colonel John Blashford-Snell, combined scientific exploration with community service. During this expedition, young people from around the world set out aboard the brigantine Eye of the Wind, promoting the idea that youth can genuinely make a difference.
Subsequently, Operation Drake evolved into Operation Raleigh, an ambitious initiative providing thousands of young people—primarily from the UK—the opportunity to volunteer on projects focused on global development. Furthermore, nearly 4,000 young volunteers participated in its formative years, marking the start of a new era in international youth service.
In 1992, Operation Raleigh evolved into the Raleigh International Trust (RIT), a UK-based charity collaborating with youth worldwide on major projects related to climate action, water and sanitation, entrepreneurship, and civic engagement.
Then, Raleigh established a presence in Costa Rica by partnering with local leaders to form Asociación Raleigh Desarrollo Sostenible. As a result, local youth experienced the Raleigh mission firsthand, making meaningful contributions to sustainable development.
Moreover, we expanded our outreach to Nicaragua by collaborating with rural cooperatives and grassroots organizations. Local volunteers became central to our programs, empowering community-driven resilience initiatives.
Together with RIT, we faced global challenges stemming from the COVID-19 pandemic; however, we remained resilient. In May 2022, Raleigh International Trust ceased operations due to financial constraints. Consequently, Raleigh Costa Rica courageously continued the mission, upholding the essence of RIT and launching new expeditions.
Finally, with pride in our history and a clear vision for the future, Greentalist Costa Rica, a youth-led nonprofit, represents a name that reflects our renewed purpose, values, and the global movement we are building. Furthermore, Greentalist means more than a name change; it marks a new chapter driven by the firm belief that collaborative efforts of young people can create meaningful change in the world.
Founded over 40 years ago in the UK, Greentalist Costa Rica is now a local youth-led nonprofit. For over 25 years, we’ve inspired youth globally to take meaningful action toward sustainability.
Moreover, our volunteers actively engage in local environmental projects. In addition, they promote eco-friendly lifestyles, and as a result, they help strengthen community resilience. Therefore, we combine environmental education with leadership development so participants are fully empowered to tackle urgent challenges.
As a result of their dedication, our volunteers consistently facilitate our mission. Furthermore, we proudly collaborate with a committed network of individuals. However, none of this would be possible without their passion and persistence.
We are thankful to everyone who shares their time and passion with Greentalist Costa Rica. Consequently, together, we address urgent challenges and, thus, create a lasting impact.
Initially, we were the Raleigh International Trust (RIT) for 20 years. However, after it closed, we evolved into Greentalist Costa Rica youth-led nonprofit. Moreover, we remain proud of our legacy and continue as part of the Raleigh International Trust Movement through the Raleigh Costa Rica Society. Since 2023, Impact Travel Group operates the Raleigh Expedition, while we focus on our independent youth-led mission.
Originally, we were Raleigh Costa Rica, one of the most active countries in the global network. After RIT closed in 2022, we chose to evolve independently as Greentalist Costa Rica youth-led nonprofit. While no longer managed from the UK, we still stay connected to Raleigh’s spirit. Furthermore, since 2023, our volunteers continue to participate in the Raleigh International Expedition, maintaining close collaboration.
Indeed, we maintain the best features of the Raleigh Expedition. Additionally, we provide training on environmental issues and climate action. Furthermore, participants are supported through the Global Greentalist Alumni Movement.
Learn more here:
Yes. Indeed, Greentalist Costa Rica youth-led nonprofit is fully registered in Costa Rica, with over 25 years of experience in community and environmental projects. Moreover, we are registered under charity number 3-002-680576 and work with key partners, including the National Parks System, Microsoft Non-Profit, and CAF of America.
Absolutely. Moreover, we follow international health and safety protocols and have decades of experience hosting volunteers from Europe, the UK, Canada, and the U.S. In addition, our standards are based on Raleigh International and have been adapted to today’s global challenges.
