By Alejandra Monge | Executive Director
As the 2016 sea turtle season rapidly approaches, our team has lots of exciting news for donors and volunteers alike. After ten years of sea turtle conservation in Drake Bay, we were able to achieve one of the most important goals of the program- handing over responsibility to the community.
Over the years, the Corcovado Foundation has focused on the employment and training of Drake Bay locals, looking forward to the day when they could run the program independently. This year, the community association ACOTPRO decided that it was time for them to take the reins and we couldn’t be more excited for them.
ACOTPRO now has 50 members trained in sea turtle conservation and 12 local families in the volunteer homestay network. They have developed their own website to recruit volunteers and they will be completely responsible for this in 2016 and beyond!
As for the Corcovado Foundation, after our first year patrolling in Rio Oro, we have plenty to keep us busy. The peaceful atmosphere of the accommodation at Hacienda Rio Oro was a huge hit with volunteers last year and in 2016 we are making it even better!
The upgrade includes a new rancho with plenty of space for hammocks, ping pong and one of the foundation’s favourite sports- volleyball! We will also be increasing the capacity of the camp to 30 with brand new “glamping” tents equipped with bunks, mosquito nets, balconies and shared ensuites.
We are also welcoming a new sea turtle conservation coordinator- Aida Garcìa Solà. Aida has worked both as a volunteer and assistant coordinator for the past 3 years and has a Masters in Oceanography and Marine Management. She has been a vital part of the team, with a rigorous approach to data collection and organization. In her new role, we know that she will make Rio Oro a huge success.
With all of the exciting changes to the sea turtle conservation program, 2015 was an expensive year for the foundation. Donors like you and grants from Pacsafe and The Rufford Foundation made it possible for us to have a record season with 196 volunteers and over 3000 nests. Unfortunately, we were not able to secure any grants for the 2016 program, making your support even more important.
We are hoping to raise at least $10,000 before the start of the sea turtle season in July and every single dollar donated will help. Whether the amount is large or small, your donation will go towards vital conservation equipment such as tags, gloves and data loggers. It will also help with essential running costs like transport and stipends for coordinators and research assistants.
As always, we will keep you updated with our progress throughout the year and we’ll be keeping an eye on our friends in Drake Bay too.
Thank you for your support!
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