Sea Turtle Conservation & Environmental Education

We are rolling up our sleeves and ready to return to work. We are looking for committed volunteers who can help us protect the beach. We are looking for donations to fix the ranger's station's roof and floors so we can provide reliable shelter to park rangers and volunteers.    We are starting late, but we are full of enthusiasm!

This year has been challenging for our turtle conservation program in Punta Mala. The previous Refuge management was reluctant to have nonprofit help with the sea turtle conservation efforts, and our project was closed. Politics are affecting these decisions. It is very frustrating that given the massive need of the nesting sea turtle population on this beach, officials could put their pride and personal interest on the turtle's needs. Luckily, the direction of the conservation area switched management, and the new refuge manager is focused on protecting the sea turtles to the best of his ability. He knows that he needs help and is relying on volunteers and donors' support to complete this task.

Costa Rica is one of those countries that has been deeply affected by climate change. Unfortunately, human activities make the situation worse. Overdevelopment and deforestation make the abundant rains even harder to manage. In addition, the rivers that populate the nesting beach are overflowing, which leaves less area for sea turtles to nest. To make things worse, the rivers bring tons of trash, making finding a nesting place even harder. Biologists and volunteers walk the beach in search of nests and then  relocated them to the nursery, where they are protected until they hatch to be released to the ocean inmediatly. 

The infrastructure in the area needs fixing up. We need more hands, and we need a team of biologists to help. This rainy season has not helped us either. The roof in the ranger station collapsed in some areas, and the floor needs to be stabilized. Without proper infrastructure and more hands to help us protect the turtles, these courageous ladies who risk everything to make it to the beach, won't find adequate nesting grounds. 

We are ready to get to work, and we are grateful for being part of our team and supporting our efforts!

Thank you, thank you, thank you!