Family turtle conservation vacation, Costa Rica

Planet

CARBON REDUCTION

Accomodation does not have aircon so have been built in an environmental manner to have good airflow and have additional electric fans.

We encourage our volunteers to combine volunteering with a vacation to explore the country so that it reduces the number of flights that they do. We encourage flying direct, as indirect flights use more fuel. Volunteers are asked reduce the amount of plastic they use on vacation but taking reusable bags, water bottles, straws and cutlery as well as taking shampoo and conditioner bars rather than in plastic bottles.

When on the trip volunteers are asked to use water carefully, switch off all electric devises when they leave rooms and use public transport to explore.

ENVIRONMENT AND WILDLIFE

For over 10 years, the project has been run as a non-profit research and education center by members of the local community and Costa Rican scientists.

A main objective of the project’s work is to protect coastal marine resources and develop a model of sustainable ecological tourism. Since the project was founded, local staff and volunteers have worked together to release over 60,000 turtle hatchlings and protect over 172 acres of land.

Olive Ridley turtles which account for nearly all turtle encounters in the area, are categorised as ‘vulnerable’ according to the IUCN Red List of Endangered species so their protection is vitally important. There is also a lack of data about this species and so the data that the project collects is incredibly important for building this knowledge base.

The team also contribute to government conservation management research - to help find the most effective way to protect coastal species at local, national, and international levels. A part of this work involves identifying coastal species that are most at risk in the region.

People

LOCAL ECONOMY

For over 10 years, the project has been run as a non-profit research and education center by members of the local community and Costa Rican scientists. It therefore has been able to form strong links with the local community to educate them on the importance of protecting Costa Rica’s incredible wildlife and help provide them opportunities to live in an environmentally sustainable way.

This is a locally run organisation, providing employment for local Costa Rican staff. The project also provides opportunities for Costa Rican scientists to work collaboratively with researchers at international universities to encourage them to further develop their research skills.

While volunteers are in-country, they stay in locally run research center and we encourage them to buy locally and support local businesses. Volunteers are also able to assist with a community outreach project where children from the local community can attend the ‘open classroom’ and summer camps - to learn about environmental issues and get involved in local beach clean ups.

EMPLOYMENT, INCLUSIVITY AND DIVERSITY

We welcome LGBTQ+ families to join our Turtle and Wildlife Conservation project in Costa Rica.

This is a locally run organisation, providing employment for local Costa Rican staff. The project also provides opportunities for Costa Rican scientists to work collaboratively with researchers at international universities to encourage them to further develop their research skills.