The Gaia Exploration Club was developed as an idea in 1994 and officially formed in 1998 as a SEC-registered non-government organization by Mark Dia, the founding and current President. GEC is composed of individuals with different expertise and interests seeking to contribute to the ideals of the organization. The goal was to develop an organization devoted to the exploration, study, and conservation of the environment. Initially having a few members, the group has now evolved into a solid organization with caving projects in different parts of the country. The organization has done expeditions from Batanes in the north to Cotabato in the South. Most of the GEC projects focus in various provinces in Luzon, and the MIMAROPA area.
Throughout its history, the GEC has worked closely with government agencies and local government units. The group continues to be consultants on matters relating to caving and cave environments for the Department of Environment and Natural Resources (DENR) through the Biodiversity Management Bureau (BMB). The GEC also works in consultation with the Department of Tourism on cave tourism.