|
|
|
Sea Turtle and Surf in Costa Rica
For the turtle species to continue to exist, much help is needed from both local communities and volunteers. At present, approximately only 1 in every 5000 eggs laid will grow to become an adult turtle. Human interference cannot be held solely responsible, however, our behaviour has greatly diminished turtle population sizes. One way in which we can help is to assist during the turtle-nesting season and this project provides you with the opportunity to do just that. To enhance your experience the project also includes surf lessons so you can either learn the sport or practise your surfing skills at a well-known surfing location.
Project Age Limit
Minimum 18 years, maximum decided on potential participants’ health.
The Volunteer Programme
We recommend that you arrange to arrive into Costa Rica on Sunday, the day before your programme starts. You will receive an airport transfer to your accommodation where you can then check in and relax before the start of your programme. On Monday you will receive a comprehensive orientation and have time in the afternoon for a salsa class and to use the Internet.
Tuesday morning will be an early start, as you will travel to the project location to begin your volunteer experience.
The sea turtle conservation project was established a couple of years ago as an initiative to protect and preserve a few natural nesting sites that do not hold an official category of protection from the Costa Rican Government. This is the nesting site of four different types of sea turtles.
This ambitious project consists of four main objectives in which volunteers are a very important part. These objectives are to:
• Describe the nesting dynamics of the female sea turtles that arrive to the beach enabling their protection for the next season
• Protect and closely monitor the recovered nests in the protected ground known as “vivero” (hatchery)
• Transfer the information generated to the local authorities as recommendations to be included in the regulating plan of the beach, as well as to the nearby communities, with the purpose of creating alternatives of non extractive use of these resources
• Develop the necessary activities to raise funds and resources to build a conservation station in Buena Vista. Volunteer Activities
During your time as a volunteer you will undertake various activities including:
• Patrolling the beach to look for sea turtles and their nests either during the day or the night, taking turns of 2 or 4 hours.
• Collecting the eggs you find on the beach, and taking them directly to the hatchery (“vivero”) for their protection.
• Collecting information on the whole process by monitoring the hatchery and keeping track of every event.
• Release “neonatos” (little sea turtles) from the hatchery, taking them to the beach and into the ocean.
• Helping with the maintenance of the facilities of the project (the shelter), and being in charge of keeping the beach clean (during the day). A bird watching project takes place from May to December in Buena Vista. The coordinators provide the volunteers with a manual and all the necessary equipment to carry out the work.
The patrols are done in the early morning and a guide will always go with the volunteers.
Surf Lessons
Samara is a well-known place to go surfing. Participants have the chance either to practice the sport or learn it while volunteering in the programme. The surf school offers two programmes:
First week: You will have a two-hour lesson per day for four days (one hour of instruction and one hour follow up.)
Second week: You will have a two-hour practice everyday with the instructors. Practice can be done either at Samara beach or Buena Vista beach. The instructor decides which is more convenient according to the level of the participants.
Classes will take place in the morning between 8am and 10am. The class schedule is set up based on the tides; therefore it will vary every day. Instructors will indicate the hours for the classes.
Project Orientation
On Monday you will have a comprehensive orientation meeting. This will cover all essential topics such as banks and money, transport, places to see, safety precautions and work ethics. In this first meeting, you will also have the opportunity to ask as many questions as you wish.
In the afternoon there will be time for a salsa class and a chance to use the facilities at the project office.
Accommodation and Meals
The accommodation at the project is rustic and basic but comfortable and has a great, relaxed atmosphere. There will be no electricity, however a shower and a bathroom are available.
An on-site cook will prepare breakfast, lunch and dinner for the volunteers while at the project. Meals will mainly consist of rice, beans, pasta, meat, cereals and a variety of vegetables and seasonal fruits.
Project Support
Throughout your stay you will have the support and guidance of a volunteer work coordinator and their team. They will be able to help you with any questions you may have or advice you may need. In addition, you are also able to contact our UK staff 24 hours a day should you need to, via our emergency contact number.
For further information, or to secure your place on this programme, please call the Latin America Team today on 01892 516164, or email us at latinamerica@realgap.co.uk
|
| |
| |
| |
|
|
| |
|
|
