Volunteer: Endangered Leatherback Turtle Conservation in Costa Rica

About the role

The project is located in the north of the Caribbean province of Limón, 1km north of the Pacuare River Mouth. The beach is part of the 50km coastline stretching between Tortuguero National Park and the port of Limón, one of the biggest ports of Costa Rica. This astoundingly beautiful yet remote area is the home of this community-based Conservation program. The international NGO running this project has been working for nearly three decades together with scientists, conservationists and educators to promote sustainable sea turtle projects in the wider Caribbean region.

Responsibilities

• Collect data about nesting dynamics, relocate eggs to a “hatchery”, collect data on hatchlings and release of hatchlings
• Hands-on experience in conservation efforts, including options for research, plastic contamination solutions and community projects
• Work with local community of Pacuare, former poachers who have been trained in sea turtle conservation
• Participate in nightly and daily beach patrols and operate a hatchery
• Take an important part in Pacuare, as fees generated an income for the local inhabitants
• Take part in beach cleanups, involvement in small projects, maintenance of equipment, including initial construction of the hatcheries

Requirements

• 20 years of age or older
• Good physical condition
• Conversational English and Spanish
• Educational background in Biology, Marine Biology, Resource Conservation, Ecology, Environmental Education, Veterinarian Medicine, Wildlife Management, Oceanography, Zoology and/or experience working with sea turtles
• Willing to commit for at least three months (or 7 days as a volunteer)
• Responsible, hardworking, communicative and enthusiastic person
• Willingness to share knowledge and stimulate volunteers’ interest in sea turtle protection and conservation
• Capable of living in rustic and basic living conditions under adverse climatic conditions
• Travel & medical insurance

Benefits

• Collect data about nesting dynamics, relocate eggs to a “hatchery”, collect data on hatchlings and release of hatchlings
• Hands-on experience in conservation efforts, including options for research, plastic contamination solutions and community projects
• Ideal for those studying environmental science, marine biology, zoology, ecology, conservation
• Keywords: sea turtle research and conservation, leatherback turtles, eco-systems

Pay

$10 USD per day (negotiable) – see ‘Costs’ tab for further details

Schedule

You will be given easy-to-follow instructions on how to get to the project location from San Jose. You must attend an orientation session before travelling to the project.

The project is located about 3 hours drive away from San Jose and then 45 minutes by boat (boat fee included for interns, not included for short term volunteers).

The project is located in a quiet, remote area, bordered by the sea on the front and a canal on the back, therefore, it is only accessible by boat. The accommodation is basic and simple. Electricity is only available from solar panels and has to be used rationally. You will have to wash your clothes by hand – another reason why we recommend light, fast drying clothes.

Pillows, blankets and bed sheets will be provided.

Please have in mind: There is no shop in Pacuare, so everything volunteers may need in addition to the meals or to feel comfortable must be purchased prior to their arrival in Pacuare or in Bataan.

The remoteness of Pacuare beach, the beautiful environment and the basic living conditions at the project site offer an exclusive condition for volunteers. The lack of electricity (only available during sunny days as it is solar driven and mainly for work equipment use), phones, cars, shops and other modern life facilities enriches an already extraordinary experience and allows connecting people with nature.