Nancite, Santa Rosa National Park, Costa Rica, used with permission by Pablo Montero (c)
You know that feeling you get when you have something new that you are excited to show off or share with your friends? As the Project Logistics Coordinator for ISV Costa Rica, I would like to share this same feeling with you about the launching of a new conservation project for ISV here in Costa Rica.
This last season (May- September), we began offering a new sea turtle conservation program in one of the most beautiful places in Costa Rica: A marvelous beach called Nancite in the north part of the country, located in Santa Rosa National Park. This place is known for being the site of an amazing natural phenomenon called an arribada, where hundreds of sea turtles converge on the beach over the span of a few days almost every month of the year to dig their nests and lay eggs. Both Olive Ridley (Lepidochelys olivacea) and Black sea turtles (Chelonia mydas agassizii) nest at Nancite. Note - Black sea turtles are believed to be a sub-species of Green sea turtles, although some consider them a separate species entirely.
Pelican, Nancite Costa Rica, used with permission by Pablo Montero (c)
Two ISV groups have participated in the Nancite Turtle Conservation Project, and attained really great results with both data collection on turtles as well as fixing up and supporting the Biological Station that houses volunteers during the project. The project was highly rated by our participants and their feedback will help us to further sharpen every aspect to ensure that all volunteers have an incredible experience in this beautiful place.
To learn more about conservation issues surrounding sea turtles visit the Inter-American Convention on the Protection of Sea Turtles, and read a great article by the WWF called "Money Talks".
Pablo Montero Trejos
Costa Rica Project Logistics Coordinator
{ 0 comments… add one now }