Frontier was established in 1989 as a UK based non-profit conservation and development non-governmental organisation (NGO). Their first project was based in Tanzania carrying out surveys in remote forest, savannah, and marine environments and led the eventual creation of the Mafia Island Marine Park (a partnership between Frontier and WWF).
Originally focused largely on scientific and conservation research, Frontier's mandate has changed into one that combines community development, capacity building, ecosystem protection, economic growth, and the development of civil society.
Frontier run and support projects in over 30 countries but has particular presence in Costa Rica, Tanzania, Cambodia and Madagascar. The projects themselves generally comprise four parts (Adventure, Environment, Teaching, Research). Frontier is a founding member of the Year Out Group.