The
Turtle Protection Project in the Parismina community, south of
Tortuguero National Park, was founded in 2018 to make protecting sea turtles
their life's work. The organization's goal is to protect the turtles in the
long term, support local people, and educate future generations about
protecting our natural resources. The project's mission is to protect turtle
nests on a 5km long beach, known as Playa 3. Three species mainly
come ashore there: green turtles, leatherbacks, and hawksbills. The illegal
theft of eggs and the capture of adult green sea turtles for their meat or
shells are the biggest threats to these animals. This is exactly what the staff
and volunteers are fighting against.
In
addition, the organization is active through a research project and is
present on the beach to prevent poaching. In the long term, members of the local
community will be involved in conservation efforts and will also provide a
sustainable source of income that is not dependent on egg collection and
hunting of adult sea turtles.
The
main goal of the project is to increase the population of marine turtles
by increasing the hatching success rate. Regular patrols on the beach
are intended to keep poachers and predators away from the eggs, which works
very well. In addition to human poachers, free-roaming dogs are a major threat
to the turtles. Street dogs smell the eggs through the sand and eat them.
Injured
turtles are also sometimes found that have been harmed by fishing nets, plastic
waste, bycatch or other animals. The project provides help and tries to provide
the turtles with medical care so that they can return to the sea. This is
intended to extend the lifespan of the adult turtles.
Another
important part of the organization is conducting research. They collect
data and conduct studies to contribute to scientific knowledge and to make
politicians aware of the importance of protection.
Be part of the team and join the night patrol to protect the sea turtles or gather important data for scientific studies to study behaviour and how the ecosystem of the turtles can be supported on the long run. Even though you will work closely with the local team, no prior Spanish skills are required, as the team can communicate in English. For your participation, you don't need any specific skills or equipment - just lots of love and passion for the different turtle species to be found!
The
region around the Tortuguero National Park is very isolated, especially
since it can only be reached by boat from the capital, San José. But the region
is becoming increasingly popular and eco-tourism. There you can admire the rich
biodiversity, secluded beaches and beautiful mangrove forests.
As
part of this unique nature conservation project, you can help in many ways to
combat environmental destruction. There are varied tasks, you live in the
middle of nature and work with a great team. Sounds good? Then become a
volunteer at Turtle Protection in Parismina!
