Sea Turtle Conservation & Environmental Education

Amidst the natural splendor of the Playa Hermosa – Punta Mala National Wildlife Refuge, a dedicated team of the Corcovado Foundation staff, volunteers, and SINAC (National System of Conservation Areas) personnel have made remarkable strides in sea turtle conservation. Their efforts, meticulously documented up to December 15, 2023, have been instrumental in safeguarding the diverse ecosystems of beaches, wetlands, and forests that are crucial for the survival of marine turtles.

The team's vigilance led to the observation of 1,562 events related to turtle nesting. Within the nursery, 287 nests were relocated, and 785 nests resulted in successful hatchling emergencies both in the nursery and on the beach. Despite the challenges of poaching and predation, with 252 nests stolen and 296 preyed upon, the team's proactive measures ensured a high success rate. Unfortunately, 101 nests were unsuccessful, and there were 128 false crawls, but these figures did not deter the team's resolve.

During 182 days of monitoring, the team recorded significant activity on 108 of those days. The team conducted 473 patrols in Punta Mala and 1,095 in Playa Hermosa, with July and August marking the peak of sea turtle nesting activity.
A testament to the effectiveness of the conservation program is the impressive 81% success rate of hatchling releases from the nursery, with 18,479 out of 22,846 hatchlings making their way to the ocean.
Beyond monitoring, the team's daily contributions were pivotal to the refuge's upkeep. They engaged in cleaning, maintenance, painting, crafting protective baskets for nests, preparing nursery control materials, ecological monitoring of rocky beaches, exhumations, sand replenishment for the new nursery, and beach waste collection.

This narrative celebrates the unwavering dedication and impactful work of the Corcovado Foundation staff, volunteers, and SINAC's team at the Playa Hermosa – Punta Mala National Wildlife Refuge. Their collective mission to protect sea turtles and their habitats through comprehensive monitoring, nest protection, and environmental conservation has preserved a biodiversity hotspot and set a benchmark for future conservation endeavors.

These achievements are only possible with your continued support and the support of volunteers whose incredible work makes our work possible. We are grateful for your support!

The Corcovado Foundation has been operating the Sea Turtle Project at the Playa Hermosa-Punta Mala National Wildlife Refuge, contributing to conserving sea turtle populations.

The Sea Turtle Project at the Playa Hermosa-Punta Mala National Wildlife Refuge is a vital conservation initiative to protect and preserve sea turtle populations.  The project conducted extensive monitoring activities, including nocturnal and diurnal surveys, from June 1 until the end of 2023. To date, 1,544 turtle tracks have been recorded, and 287 turtle nests have been successfully relocated to ensure the safety of the eggs. Notably, 12651 turtle hatchlings successfully made their way to the sea, reflecting the project's significant impact on sea turtle conservation.

In addition to the core monitoring activities, the project engaged in various other conservation efforts, such as monitoring of rocky and sandy areas, recreational excursions, and beach censuses. These activities contribute to the comprehensive conservation approach adopted by the project, encompassing not only direct turtle monitoring and protection but also the broader ecological health of the refuge.

The foundation's sea turtle conservation and volunteering program has been ongoing for 18 years, involving volunteers from around the world to protect endangered sea turtles in Costa Rica. Volunteers engage in various activities, including morning censuses, nest exhumations, beach cleaning, and nursery construction, all of which directly support the conservation efforts at the refuge. The foundation's emphasis on community involvement and environmental education aligns with the comprehensive conservation approach adopted by the Sea Turtle Project, reflecting a collaborative effort to protect the ecological health of the refuge and ensure the safety and preservation of sea turtle habitats.

The Corcovado Foundation's long-standing commitment to environmental education and sustainable development in the Osa Peninsula, as well as its close collaboration with the Ministry of the Environment, has a significant role in promoting the protection of natural heritage and the future of protected areas. The foundation's work not only directly supports conservation initiatives but also fosters sustainable tourism and regenerative agriculture to protect the Osa Peninsula's incredible natural treasure, further enhancing the impact of the Sea Turtle Project and similar conservation efforts.