Volunteer: Endangered Leatherback Turtle Conservation in Costa Rica

Location: Barra de Pacuare, Caribbean Coast, Costa Rica

Duration: Minimum 3 months commitment (or 7 days as a volunteer)

Cost
: $10 USD per day (negotiable)

Fee Includes: all food, accommodation, pre-departure + in-country support, orientation and all project related activities

Does not Include: flights, travel insurance, personal spending, visas and vaccinations

Please note: all information above is subject to change. Please check the most up to date information on the Global Nomadic website when applying. Simply follow the link on the Apply Button above.

• Collect data about nesting dynamics, relocation of eggs to a hatchery, collect data on hatchlings and release of hatchlings
• Hands-on experience in conservation efforts, including options for research, plastic contamination solutions and community projects.

Keywords: sea turtle research and conservation, leatherback turtles, eco-systems

• Ideal for those studying environmental science, marine biology, zoology, ecology, conservation.

The project is located in the north of the Caribbean province of Limn, 1km north of the Pacuare River Mouth. The beach is part of the 50km coastline stretching between Tortuguero National Park and the port of Limn, one of the biggest ports of Costa Rica. This astoundingly beautiful yet remote area is the home of this community-based Conservation programme. The international NGO running this project has been working for nearly three decades together with scientists, conservationists and educators to promote sustainable sea turtle projects in the wider Caribbean region.

This conservation project works together with the local community of Pacuare. Former poachers have been trained in sea turtle conservation and work together with volunteers to protect these critically endangered animals. The project does nightly and daily beach patrols and operates a hatchery. Volunteers take an important part in Pacuare, as their fees generate an income for the local inhabitants. The project strives to increase alternative livelihoods for coastal communities to take the need for poaching and hunting turtles away and to achieve a long lasting sustainable sea turtle management.

The main threats to sea turtles on this public beach are caused by humans: egg poaching and hunting nesting turtles are contributing to a population decline of all species. Especially in the Caribbean, the consumption of sea turtle meat and eggs or the utilization of turtle shell for jewelry production is rooted in long-lived local traditions and a strong belief that sea turtle eggs serve as an aphrodisiac.

On top of these dangers, sea turtles also face the negative effects of global warming and contamination, which results in nest and habitat loss due to beach erosion or entanglement in fishing gear and trash. Through the involvement of local inhabitants of this very isolated, small community, the Pacuare sea turtle project provides not only a unique opportunity for volunteers to experience a community-based Costa Rican conservation project but also offers a legal and sustainable revenue for community members.

The data taken from nesting females improves our understanding of their behavior and helps coordinating conservation efforts worldwide

• Entry level

• Research, Training, and Science

• Environmental Services and International Trade and Development