By Francisco Delgado | Executive Director
Every great journey begins with a single step—or in our case, a single turtle crawl across a moonlit beach in Punta Mala, Costa Rica. This past season, that quiet beginning turned into a vibrant story of international collaboration, ocean guardianship, and hope for the future of endangered sea turtles.
A Global Effort for Local Impact
In 2024, our Sea Turtle Conservation Program welcomed 48 passionate volunteers from across the globe—Germany, the U.S., France, Switzerland, Mexico, Italy, and Spain—each bringing unique energy and purpose. These amazing individuals didn’t just donate time; they shared knowledge, culture, and heart, building lifelong friendships while protecting one of nature’s most vulnerable wonders.
Patrols Under the Stars
Night after night, under starlit skies, our team patrolled the shores of Punta Mala. Their mission? To track nesting turtles, protect their fragile eggs, and document every step of the process. Daytime brought more challenges—obstacle removal, habitat assessments, and training in best conservation practices. Volunteers learned to identify nesting hazards like driftwood and debris, ensuring each mama turtle had a clear path to safety.
Over 9,600 New Lives
By December 12, 15,961 eggs had been documented. Against the odds—facing predators like coatis, foxes, and raccoons—9,623 hatchlings made their way to the sea, some emerging naturally, others with the help of our careful exhumation efforts. Every little flipperprint in the sand told a story of survival and hope.
These numbers mean more than data—they represent thousands of tiny victories.
Life Beyond the Beach
Conservation is more than science; it’s also about people. Between patrols and data collection, we made time for connection. Volunteers explored Costa Rica's rich biodiversity, joined cultural tours, played sports, and dove into educational sessions on everything from marine life to fire prevention. Weekly schedules were tailored to match volunteers' interests, making each day a new adventure.
Cleaner Beaches, Stronger Communities
Our team led 10 beach cleanups, collecting 31 large bags of waste, mostly plastic. We also held workshops on rocky shore ecosystems, environmental threats, and community education. Together, we visited schools, welcomed local groups to our hatchery, and even collaborated with an environmental youth group supported by the Corcovado Foundation. Every handshake and shared story strengthened our impact.
Looking Ahead: 2025 and Beyond
A new season is on the horizon, and 22 volunteers are already signed up to join the cause. What’s next?
Training Sessions: Ensuring all volunteers and staff are ready with best practices for monitoring and nest care.
Beach Assessments: Identifying optimal nesting zones and removing potential hazards.
New Hatchery Construction: Creating a safer, controlled space for incubation and hatchling protection.
Equipment Checks: From GPS to tagging tools, we’re making sure everything’s field-ready.
Monitoring Schedules: Coordinating shifts for patrols, nest support, and education.
Community Engagement: Inspiring local pride and participation in sea turtle conservation.
We’re just getting started. Every shell we protect, every hatchling we help, every beach we clean brings us closer to a healthier planet and a brighter future. With your continued support, our 2025 season will be our most impactful yet.
Thank you for being part of this journey.
By Francisco Delgado Mena | Executive Director
By Zoraida Tenorio | Project coordinator
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