NATURAL Sea Turtle Conservation Program
INTRODUCTION Our goal is to guarantee the health and ecological success of the sea turtles nesting on the Osa Peninsula by integrating conservation, research and educational outreach. Our work focuses on populations of Olive Ridley and Pacific Green sea turtles. Both of these species are on IUCN s Red List of endangered and critically endangered species. Protecting these turtles is a large undertaking. We can t do it on our own. We rely on the help of dedicated volunteers like you! We work in partnership with the Costa Rican Ministry of Environment, Energy and Oceans (MINAEM) to monitor and protect nesting turtles on 18 km of Osa s Pacific beaches between Matapalo and Carate. The Osa provides one of the most important nesting areas along the entire Pacific Coast of Costa Rica for Olive Ridley sea turtles. Manuel Sanchez
YOU MAKE A DIFFERENCE Our volunteers come from all over the world to help guarantee the success and long-term health of sea turtles in the Osa Peninsula. With the help of volunteers we have protected more than 16,000 sea turtle hatchlings over the last three nesting seasons and carried out a number of educational projects to raise local awareness about the importance of conservation on the Osa Peninsula. Our Sea Turtle Conservation Program collects vital baseline data that is shared with national and international networks enabling regional and global strategies for sea turtle conservation. We rely on volunteers to make this project successful and it is our goal to provide an enriching and educational experience for everyone who contributes their time to this project. This program allows volunteers to participate in supervised research alongside our staff and a team of research field assistants. It provides the opportunity to get close to these truly magnificent creatures and other wildlife in their natural habitats, while making a true difference to the conservation of these species. Carlos Garcia
AS A VOLUNTEER YOU WILL Receive an introductory lecture on the ecology and conservation status of the different sea turtle species around the world and in the Osa Peninsula Receive basic training on sea turtle field research techniques necessary for this project Conduct nightly and morning beach surveys with the help of staff and field assistants. (During these surveys you will take biometric measurements of adult turtles and perform health assessments; assist in the application of identification tags; record data on sea turtle tracks and nest locations; perform nest excavations and evaluate hatch success rates; monitor nesting sites for hatchlings and predators; carry out nest protection techniques and assessment of potential risk factors) Learn how to relocate and care for nests in our sea turtle hatchery: guard the hatchery, perform temperature readings of nests and atmosphere, and release hatchlings Have the opportunity to explore our network of trails, learn about forest restoration, go kayaking or just relax in one of the world s most beautiful rainforests during your time off from turtle work! Phoebe Edge Mark and triangulate nest positions for later excavations
OUR COMMITTMENT WHAT WE EXPECT FROM YOU We are committed to ensuring that all participants have a safe and educational volunteer experience. Volunteers can expect: Pre-departure information about what to expect and what to bring An orientation upon arrival and educational presentation about endangered sea turtles, their nesting habits, threats, and natural history Training in scientific data collection and sea turtle fieldwork Supervision by a field coordinator or research assistant on night and morning beach patrols Access to on-site staff and field coordinators We host volunteers of many ages and from many places. All have a shared interest in helping to ensure the future of endangered sea turtles. Ideal candidates work well both independently and as a member of a team, enjoy being outdoors, are culturally sensitive and respectful, don t mind remote areas and most importantly are ready to have fun while helping an important cause! We ask that you: Are in good health: the work is physically strenuous and requires up to 6 hours of walking at night in humid tropical climate on soft sand, and sometimes in heavy rain. Morning patrols involve walking in the blazing hot sun. Commit to a minimum of one week Commit to working a minimum of 30 hours/week Are aged 18+ or accompanied by a guardian or group leader
ACCOMMODATION: PIRO BIOLOGICAL STATION Volunteers with our sea turtle conservation program stay at our main research facilities at the Piro Biological Station. From Piro, volunteers monitor and patrol two beaches, Piro and Pejeperro. Volunteers are offered comfortable shared accommodation in one of our three cabins. Each cabin has three bedrooms accommodating four people, a shared bathroom and shower, and a breezeway that can be set up for work or relaxation. In addition to the cabins, the research center is equipped with a laboratory, reference library and dining hall. Limited access to wireless internet is included but please note that we cannot guarantee access as we are in a remote location. Three delicious meals are served per day, usually variations on local Costa Rican fare. Dietary restrictions such as vegetarian or vegan can be accommodated, please give advance notice. Volunteers will interact with researchers and other visiting groups and have the opportunity to learn about various conservation activities and programs happening at our facilities. You will also have access to our extensive trail network, covering diverse ecosystems including primary and secondary rainforest, coastal habitats, streams and wetlands.
SAMPLE SCHEDULE Day 1 Arrive in Puerto Jimenez and check in at the Osa Conservation Office 18:00 Dinner 19:00 Introductory Turtle presentation Day 5 FREE DAY 7:00 Breakfast 12:00 Lunch 18:00 Dinner Day 2 5:00 Morning Patrol Piro Beach 7:00 Breakfast and Free Time 12:00 Lunch 13:00 Hike PBS s Trails 18:00 PM Dinner 20:00 Night Patrol Piro Beach Day 3 7:00 Breakfast and Voluntary Work Activity 12:00 Lunch 13:00 Native Species Reforestation Project 18:00 Dinner 20:00 Night Patrol Peje Perro Beach Day 6 5:00 Morning Patrol Peje Perro Beach 7:00 Breakfast and Free Time 12:00 Lunch 13:00 l Kayaking Tour 18:00 Dinner and Free Time Day 7 5:00 Morning Patrol Piro Beach 7:00 Breakfast and Free Time 12:00 Lunch 13:00 Trail Walk 18:00 Dinner 20:00 Night Patrol Piro Beach Day 4 Day 8 7:00 Breakfast and Voluntary Work Activity 7:00 Breakfast 12:00 Lunch 9:00 Colectivo to Puerto Jimenez 13:00 Horse Tour 18:00 Dinner 20:00 Night Patrol Piro Beach * Please note that beach monitoring times depend on high tide, the above itinerary is a rough estimate of when activities will be performed. Our partners down the road at Carate beach, COTORCO, also host a sea turtle conservation project with different options for accommodation and activities. For more information contact Phoebe Edge (fifipibi85@gmail.com) at FInca Exotica or Katya Bellanero (bellaqueaty@hotmail.com) at Lookout Inn.
PROGRAM COSTS International Volunteers Costa Rican Volunteers Program Interns Program Fee 1-3 weeks: $300 4+ weeks: $0 Accommodation Fee (Lodging + Food) Total Cost $413/week 1 Week: $713 2 Weeks: $1,126 3 Weeks: $1,539 4 Weeks: $1,652 -- $196/week 1 Week: $196 2 Weeks: $392 3 Weeks: $588 4 Weeks: $784 -- $30/day (minimum 1 month committment) -- * Please note that these costs do not include airfare and local travel to and from the site, personal expenses such as phone calls and laundry, and additional tours or activities outside of those scheduled. Carlos Garcia
PROGRAM DATES Please note that program dates for volunteers at Piro Biological Station begin on Tuesdays. Program Dates JULY 2 Jul - 8 Jul 9 Jul - 15 Jul 16 Jul - 22 Jul 23 Jul - 29 Jul 30 Jul - 5 Aug AUGUST 6 Aug - 12 Aug 13 Aug - 19 Aug 20 Aug - 26 Aug 27 Aug - 2 Sep SEPTEMBER 3 Sep - 9 Sep 10 Sep - 16 Sep 17 Sep - 23 Sep 24 Sep - 30 Sep OCTOBER 1 Oct - 7 Oct 8 Oct - 14 Oct 15 Oct - 21Oct 22 Oct - 28 Oct 29 Oct - 4 Nov NOVEMBER 5 Nov - 11 Nov 12 Nov - 18 Nov 19 Nov - 25 Nov 26 Nov - 2 Dec
FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS How do I get there and are transportation costs included? You have the option of traveling to Puerto Jiménez by plane (~50 minutes from San Jose) or bus (~9 hours). Reaching Piro from Puerto Jiménez takes about 90 minutes in public transport, along a bumpy rural road. We will send you detailed information about transport once you register for the program. You are responsible for your transportation, including international and domestic flights,and local travel to/from Puerto Jimenez and the Piro Biolgocal Station and any optional excursions. Is there Internet? Is there electricity? During your stay, you will have limited access to the internet. Laptops and other electronics can be used and charged, however, we do remind our visitors that these are susceptible to damage caused by high humidity and curious insects, and that Osa Conservation takes no responsibility for their loss or damage. If you bring such items, we recommend using waterproof cases to prevent these kinds of tech crises. Is there safe storage? We discourage visitors from bringing valuables or items of high personal value with them. Although we consider the facilities to be very safe, we are not responsible for any personal items and have no facility for storing them. How many days per week will you be working? Volunteers get one day off per week. How many hours per day? You will be expected to work about 8 hours per day between beach patrols and the hatchery. Other activities will be scheduled outside of these shifts. What age-range will you be working with? 1 to 10 other volunteers of all ages. The number of volunteers changes on a weekly basis. What skills will I need? You must have the ability to work in hot, humid conditions with lots of rain or lots of sun, be in good health, be able to walk long distances, and possess a desire to help in conservation. Will I be required to operate any special equipment? No. Is there somewhere I can do my laundry? Yes! You can handwash clothes in the laundry sink. Who may have a difficult time at this placement? Those who would find it a challenge to work outdoors in a tropical climate and/or are not able to do hours of physical work.
FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS What is the weather like in Osa? It s hot and muggy here, there s no doubt. Turtle season coincides with rainy season, and sometimes we have long days of rain or nights of beautiful thunder and lightning. We occasionally cancel patrols due to heavy rain or other dangerous conditions like high waves. How long are the brach patrols? Turtle patrols take between 2 and 6 hours. The length of the turtle patrol depends largely on which beach we are patrolling and how many nesting mothers we encounter on the beach. Will I have any free time? Volunteers have several hours each day to relax, read, play games, sit and enjoy the surrounding natural beauty or any other optional activities that they choose. PLEASE NOTE THAT WE DO NOT ALLOW SWIMMING IN THE OCEAN. Our beaches are beautiful, but the waves, currents and riptides make them unsafe for swimming. What are the sleeping arrangements like? At Piro Biological Station, we have three cabinas that can house 12 people each. You may be staying with up to three other people when the station is full. We host university and research groups as well as volunteers. How old do I have to be to participate in the program? Volunteers must be 18 years of age or older or accompanied by an adult or family member. Do I need a science-related background to participate? A background in biology/ecology or conservation is great but certainly not required. Do you offer internships? Yes, we have limited program internships available which require a stay of at least one month. If you are interested in a program internship please note this in your application, or contact our volunteer coordinator hanselherrera@ osaconservation.org for more information. What other activities will I be participating in? You will have the option of participating in monkey observation hikes, reforestation activities, a guided night hike, attending presentations by biologists currently doing research at our facilities, and helping to clean up our beautiful beaches. What is the time of year that I am most likely to see nesting mothers/ hatchlings? The peak of the Sea Turtles nesting season is late August through October, so anytime during these months is a great opportunity to see adult turtles and hatchlings. How many species of turtles can you find on Osa shores?
RECOMMENDED PRE-DEPARTURE READING Costa Rica Information http://www.centralamerica.com/cr/info/ http://www.infocostarica.com/general/ Sea Turtles Information http://www.ioseaturtles.org/education/seaturtlebooklet.pdf http://seaturtlestatus.org/ http://seaturtle.org/ Tortugas Marinas (información) http://aula2.elmundo.es/aula/laminas/lamina1065712485.pdf
SIGN UP! Before you apply, please make sure you ve reviewed all information provided in this booklet and familiarize yourself with the volunteer duties. To apply, please visit http://osaconservation.org/get-involved/volunteer/sea-turtleprogram/apply/ After we have reviewed your application you will receive an email confirming your dates and providing payment instructions. You can make one payment (program fee + accommodation fee) to Osa Conservation. Thanks for volunteering to protect Osa s sea turtles! We hope to see you soon! Jim Ward
WWW.OSACONSERVATION.ORG Carlos Garcia