In 1982, Planetwalk began with a profound yet simple mission: to raise environmental consciousness and to promote peace at the grassroots. To accomplish the mission, John Francis, embarked on a walking journey around the world and became an environmental scientist, earning an M.S. in Environmental Studies at the University of Montana, and a Ph.D. in land resources at the University of Wisconsin. Planetwalk is incorporated as a 501 (c) (3) non-profit educational organization.

Since 1982, Planet Walk has:

• Provided public outreach through newsletters and pamphlets
• Consulted with businesses and governments on environmental management and sustainable development policy
• Developed an environmental education curriculum for elementary and high school students in the Caribbean and Latin America
• Constructed an interactive environmental education website
• Created Appleseeds a hands-on environmental education program in the Caribbean for college and high school students
• Produced Environmental Justice Television Satellite Town Meetings
• Supported the Planetwalk of Dr. Francis across the U.S., the Caribbean, Venezuela, Brazil, Bolivia, Chile and Argentina.

Today, Planetwalk’s core mission remains unchanged, but with the inauguration of Planetwalk Cuba 2003, the Planetwalk mission has expanded from supporting and coordinating the lone journey of Dr. Francis to developing Planetlines, an innovative, modular curriculum for K-12, college and university students that will also be suited for general participation, as well as seniors.

Planetwalk will accomplish its mission by offering seminars, producing electronic media that will include video, interactive Internet applications, and consulting advanced communication technology for use in international environmental programs.