The OSA Sea Turtle Conservation Program

  Costa Rica

• Central Pacific Coast: 
Carate,  Osa Peninsula

Duration of Program: 1-2 weeks
Typical Duration of Program: 2-4 weeks
Dates: Between July 1 to December 15

Description: Volunteers are needed to assist in monitoring sea turtle nesting on the Osa Peninsula, Costa Rica. The Osa Sea Turtle Program has been developing regional sea turtle protection, conservation and research activities focusing on the nesting beaches of Carate, Rio Oro, Pejeperro, and Madrigal which will result in the gathering of baseline information to contribute to the local, regional, and global study of populations of Olive Ridley (Lepidochelys olivacea), Pacific Green (Chelonia mydas), and Leatherback (Dermochelys coriacea) sea turtles.

Project long-term goals also include:
*Protecting the most important sea turtle nesting areas on the Osa Peninsula - Carate, Rio Oro, Pejeperro and Madrigal beaches - through nightly and daily patrols.
*Decreasing poaching of sea turtle eggs through a community-based initiative.
*Standardizing and unifying methods and techniques (recording data, tagging, and using hatcheries) for sea turtle conservation and management on the Osa Peninsula.
*Finally, we look to increase awareness about the importance of sea turtles, their habitat, and all of the Osa's natural ecosystems.

Volunteer Position Duration:

The nesting season runs from July 1st through the end of December each year. The peak nesting period for the turtles is September/October with hatchling turtles emerging from mid August through the end of the season. The number of nesting adult female turtles arriving on the beach drops off from June until the end of December. Each season, as part of the conservation effort, the project recruits volunteers, both national and international, to help in the research and conservation work. We also welcome schools to work on the project as part of the environmental education program.

Volunteer Application Information

1. Letter indicating why you are interested in the position and personal strong points (please include when you would like to volunteer).
2. CV/Resume

Highlights: The ideal volunteer is interested in the environment and its conservation and is willing to work hard to help protect it. With the help of previous volunteers, we have released more than 45,000 sea turtle hatchlings from our protective hatchery in the last three years and have raised awareness of their conservation on the Osa Peninsula. We need your help if you are interested in having a fulfilling and exciting learning experience. You will be living in a comfortable beach on Carate Beach in a region known as a hotspot for biodiversity. Corcovado National Park, famous for its wildlife, is also less than a mile away. The project plans for free time to enjoy hiking and wildlife viewing.

Qualifications: Volunteer General Requirements
1. Be in good physical condition to walk up to 10 kilometers per night on soft sand.
2. No severe eyesight problems (most work is at night, without artificial lights).
3. Strong interest and/or previous experience in conservation and field work.
4. Be willing to work under difficult and uncomfortable conditions.
5. Have a personal insurance policy.
6. Must be over 18 years old. (People underage need to provide an authorization letter from parents)
7. Must commit to work at least one week.

Cost in US$: $25/day plus $35 enrollment fee

Volunteers are also responsible for transportation.

Experience Required: yes

Enthusiasm for the environment and willingness to work hard to protect it.

Typical Volunteer: The typical volunteer is passionate about conservation and wildlife protection, physically fit to walk up to 10km/day on soft sand, and hardworking. Willingness to learn Spanish is also helpful.

Age Range: Over 18. Minors must provide parent's authorization.

This Program is open to World Wide Participants. This Program is also open to Families, Couples and Individuals

Participants Travel to Costa Rica Independently

Typically Participants Work in Groups of 6-14

Application Process Involves:

• Resume
• Written Application

The Osa Sea Turtle Conservation Program's Mission Statement: The OSA Sea Turtle Conservation Program's mission is to guarantee improvement in the overall health of endangered populations of Olive Ridley, Pacific Green, and Leatherback sea turtles by integrating conservation, research, and educational outreach.

Year Founded: 2002