How Jungle Guides International Is Changing the Narrative.

In the remote, beautiful, and often unforgiving jungle regions of the world, access to professional training in leadership, safety, and first aid has historically been out of reach for most local people.

Often, these experiences arrive from abroad, are taught exclusively to foreign tourists, and leaves little lasting benefit for the communities who actually live and work in these regions every day.

At Jungle Guides International (JGI), we are working to change that — not by replacing what exists, but by supporting and strengthening it through long-term, inclusive solutions.

A Vision Rooted in Local Strength

We believe that world-class, internationally recognized training in first aid, expedition leadership, and eco-tourism should be available to everyone — not just visitors from abroad. It should be:

• Affordable, with pricing aligned to the local economy.

• Accessible, delivered in-country, in local languages, and culturally relevant.

• Led by locals, with the same quality, standards, and recognition as any international program.

This vision isn’t just about training — it’s about empowering communities, creating careers, building local expertise, and ensuring that people living in jungle regions have the tools to be involved in tourism to lead, guide, and care for others safely and professionally.

Who We Are and Why This Matters

My name is Alex Bigwood, and I’ve spent most of my adult life working in the field of expeditionary leadership and remote operations following my service in the military. Over the years, I’ve seen a pattern repeat itself: training and eco-tourism programs brought in from the outside, focused primarily on tourists, with limited local involvement.

I founded Jungle Guides International to not only provide world leading Jungle Specific Training and certification, but to help help shift this model — to create a system that prioritizes local leadership, sustainable development, and long-term trust-building within communities.

We’ve worked hard to build a legally sound, internationally aligned structure. JGI is headquartered in Canada, with operations expanding globally. Our training aligns with medical and professional standards across different countries, where available, while remaining legally compliant and globally credible.

Over the coming months, we will introduce our team from around the world, and the specialist skills and knowledge they are working to make available to you.

Beyond Training: Supporting Community Growth & Building Trust, Step by Step

In addition to technical certifications, we’re also making free business coaching available to communities seeking to enter the eco-tourism sector. For many jungle regions, tourism presents a powerful opportunity — but only if local people are included, trained, and supported in growing their own tourism businesses.

Our goal is not to compete with existing operators, but to add value where access has been limited — creating space for new leaders, entrepreneurs, and initiatives to thrive. We understand that this kind of change takes time. We are new. And skepticism is both normal and healthy. That’s why we’ve begun by offering free, internationally-aligned first aid training in several countries throughout 2025 — to prove our commitment, deliver real value upfront, and earn the trust of the communities we’re here to serve.

This is a long-term vision. One that will grow, evolve, and strengthen with support from government agencies, training institutions, community leaders, and experienced operators already on the ground.

Walking Together Toward Something Better

At Jungle Guides International, we’re not trying to disrupt — we’re trying to build alongside. We’re here to collaborate, to empower, and to raise the bar in places where there has historically been no bar at all.

If you believe in this mission — if you care about improving safety, raising standards, and creating opportunity where it matters most — we invite you to walk with us. If you want to help, or get involved in the movement, its easy! Tell your friends about us - Like and Share on social media.

This is just the beginning.