Sea Turtle Conservation and Community Development
by: COPROT
In 2018, we launched a project aimed at addressing important issues in the biodiverse Osa Peninsula in Costa Rica. The beaches of Carate and Rio Oro, located nearby, are crucial nesting sites for Olive Ridley and Pacific Green sea turtles. These turtle species are classified as vulnerable and endangered, respectively, by the IUCN. We have also observed increasing numbers of Hawksbill and Leatherba...
In 2018, we launched a project aimed at addressing important issues in the biodiverse Osa Peninsula in Costa Rica. The beaches of Carate and Rio Oro, located nearby, are crucial nesting sites for Olive Ridley and Pacific Green sea turtles. These turtle species are classified as vulnerable and endangered, respectively, by the IUCN. We have also observed increasing numbers of Hawksbill and Leatherback turtles in the area. Recognizing the urgent need for conservation efforts and education to protect these nesting beaches, and the need to address ecologically damaging activities by local communities, we believe that this project can make a significant impact. By involving and training local people, we aim to improve the quality of life and promote the protection of these beaches. This pr...
Program Highlights
Patrol the beach at night under starry skies collecting data on nesting female turtles.
Help release baby turtles as the nests begin to hatch.
Gain experience in community-driven conservation in one of the most biologically intense places on the planet.
Integrate yourself into the local community and practice your Spanish and typical cooking skills.
Swim, surf, yoga and dance in your free time away—there is never a dull moment on the Osa!
Quick Details
- Osa Peninsula, Costa Rica
- 1-2 Weeks
- 2-4 Weeks
- 5-8 Weeks
- 9-12 Weeks
- Summer
- Biological Research
- Community Development
- Conservation
- Culture
- Eco-Tourism
- See more
- Irish
- Asian
- All Nationalities
- Kiwi
- South African
Program Reviews
Hear what past participants have to say about the programs
Overall Rating
Total Reviews
We need more conservation projects like this one!
by: Camilo Polo - ColombiaProgram: Sea Turtle Conservation and Community DevelopmentSince I arrived at the COPROT site, my expectations began to change. Although I try to travel free of expectations, for this visit I immediately expected to meet local people working all the time at the project´s site, and to be honest, I was not expecting to find so many young foreigners, but that was precisely what I found, a very young and enthusiastic, eager to work and give their energy to the turtle conservation project in this part of the Osa Peninsula. The beauty of this type of corne...
Experience of a lifetime
by: Emma Brunel - FranceProgram: Sea Turtle Conservation and Community DevelopmentWhen we arrived to the project we had no expectations in mind. We just knew it was going to be about helping to save turtles, but it was way more than that. We were welcomed by an energetic young group of people who made us feel at home right away. We stayed a week, but I felt like we learned more than in a year! I would recommend this experience to anyone wanting to get out of its comfort zone and give a hand to people and animals who need it. PURA VIDA.
COPROT: a place like no other
by: Ben Pickup - United KingdomProgram: Sea Turtle Conservation and Community DevelopmentCOPROT is a place like no other. You become totally immersed in work which simultaneously conserves endangered species of sea turtles and helps the local community in Carate. Many of these people are living in poverty, cannot read or write, and don't have access to the way of life which we so easily take for granted. Working with sea turtles is a magical experience in itself, but to do it with the locals, empowering them, is something truly special. Not only that but living on camp is an eye ope...
Program Details
Learn all the nitty gritty details you need to know
Locations
- Osa Peninsula, Costa Rica
Types and Subjects
- Causes
- Biological Research
- Community Development
- Conservation
Availability
Years Offered: Year Round
- 1-2 Weeks
- 2-4 Weeks
- 3-6 Months
Age Requirement
Age Requirement Varies
Guidelines
- Irish
- Asian
- All Nationalities
- Kiwi
Cost per week
Program Cost Includes
- Accommodation / Housing for Program Duration
- Some Program Activity Costs
- Some Meals / Partial Meal Plan
- Guide / Chaperone
Accommodation Options
- Group living
- Other
Qualifications & Experience
Any/All Education Levels Accepted
Application Procedures
- Phone/Video Interview
- Online Application
- Other
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