All over Costa Rica many different varieties of Sea Turtles come back to the beaches they themselves were born on to lay their eggs. This is one of the most amazing things anyone can ever witness. We love creating vacations that include volunteering time, tours that benefit communities, and support for the many important projects here in Costa Rica.
Today in our blog post and celebration of these remarkable places, people, projects, & visions we visit ASTOP” – ASOCIACION SALVEMOS LAS TORTUGAS DE PARISMINA (ASTOP) – COSTA RICA
Every single year, the Leatherback, Green Sea, and Hawksbill Sea Turtles come to Barra de Parismina, Costa Rica, to lay their eggs on Parismina beach from March to October. In the past and sadly in the present, poachers will steal the turtles and their eggs to sell on the black market for profit.
This practice is illegal in Costa Rica, as it contributes greatly to the depletion of the endangered sea turtle populations, but it is hard to enforce without the help of the local community’s participation.
Prior to the formation of ASTOP, 98% of the Green turtles were killed for their meat and 98% of all three species of turtles nests were poached on Parismina beach. Since the project started, the killing and poaching poaching has decreased significantly.
These accomplishments would not have been possible without the generous help of our volunteers. ASTOP welcomes individual and group volunteers from all over the world that want would like to help us protect sea turtles, and support our community. As a volunteer, you will work alongside our local turtle guides. On the nightly patrols, you will guard nesting turtles, learn to identify turtle tracks, count the number of eggs, record tag numbers and assist with relocating eggs.
Volunteers in Costa Rica
Day tasks include monitoring the hatchery, cleaning the beach of debris, safeguard the hatchlings on their first journey to the ocean, and participating in nest exhumations.
Volunteer for ASTOP Turtle Conservation in Costa Rica
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