Sea Turtle Conservation & Environmental Education

The Sea Turtle Conservation Program in Drake Bay is more popular than ever this year. This week we celebrated our 70th volunteer in just two months - the same number of volunteers that we had in the whole of last season! The homestay houses have already earned more than in 2013 for housing volunteers, and double what they earned in 2012. With more than three months left to go, this year is shaping up to be record-breaking.

However, volunteer fees only cover the cost of accommodation and do not cover the cost of running the program, which is normally covered by a grant of USD $20,000 or more. So far no grant has been found for the 2014 season, and so finances are on a knife edge. We are relying upon private donations more than ever to be able to continue, and everyone involved is having to donate much more of their time this year, with locals only able to earn half of the salary that was available in previous seasons. There is no materials budget and many pieces of equipment are in desperate need of replacement. There is also no funding available for the Sea Turtle Festival, an awareness raising event than attracts over 200 locals and ecotourists annually. The program needs to raise at least $2,000 so that this historic event can take place in 2014. Can you help? Every cent counts, and no donation is too small!

Volunteers and locals have been working tirelessly patrolling the beaches in Drake Bay in search for nesting sea turtles. So far this season, over 40 turtles have been found on Drake Beach, and 26 nests are already incubating in the hatchery, amounting to over 2000 eggs safely protected from poachers and predators. Volunteers have also been working hard in the daytime to help to improve community facilities and assist the locals in learning English.

We would like to extend huge congratulations to the members of the local association ACOTPRO, who have taken on much more responsibility this year. From working voluntarily overnight in the hatchery, to leading patrols and coordinating the homestay accommodation; ACOTPRO have really stepped up. They have also been working on volunteer recruitment and a brand new website for their community-led project! The site will be online soon and will be found at: www.drakebayturtles.org.

If you have an interest in volunteering in Drake Bay, contact us today. Some nests are almost ready to hatch, so now is the time to sign up and see our first baby turtles of the season! Visit www.corcovadofoundation.org for more details.

Many thanks for your continued support in helping to protect the sea turtles of Drake Bay!