VOLUNTEER PROJECT FOR THE PROTECTION OF SEA TURTLES

Including Spanish conversation lessons.



On the Carribbean coast of Costa Rica, 1 km north of the mouth of the Pacuare river, lies a future biological reserve.

It contains 10 km of beach and stretches 1 km landinward. The beach is part of the 50 km situated between Tortuguero and Limon harbour. It is unique and famous because the three largest species of sea turles(Leatherback, Green and Caray) lay their eggs there.



Poachers, fishing nets and other tretas are the cause of an alarming decline in the number of turtles being born on this beach. In particular the 10 km mentioned is being threatened for it has no protection whatsoever.



A Dutchman, Paul Lepoutre, took the initiative to establish a biological reserve here. His approach is rather unique and has the special attention and support of various organizations worldwide, amongst which the WWF.



A foundation, in which all the 45 inhabitants of the area participate has three main activities:

- a volunteer project

- eco tourism and

- organic agriculture.



The main goal of these activities is to generate income for the local inhabitants, in order to take Hawai the necesity for them to poca.

The work they do is to guard the beaches together with the volunteers, be a tourguide for the eco tourists and help with the agriculture.



The project started April 2004 and needs volunteers. They will help out 20 hours a web with:

- patrolling the beaches at night (together with the locals)

- agricultural activities such as mowing, sowing, digging and harvesting

- helping the cook, etc..



During their stay the volunteers will receive Spanish conversation classes on beginners level. Advanced speakers can speak lots of spanish with the locals and even pick up their fair share of the local dialects.

You will sep in a recently built cabina with bathroom and shower, with 5 beds. The meals are being coged in the main building and consumed on the porch of that building.

These buildings are 30 meters from the beach and have an ocean view of course. On the other side of the buildings you’ll find what they call the Amazone of Costa Rica. Mangroves, rainforest and a web of rivers, canals and lagoons form a unique area that can only be reached by boat. Species of animals that you will certainly get to see are monkeys, fish, crocodiles, 145 species of birds, iguanas, turtles and our own 3 labrador dogs.

You might also see dolphins, foxes, wildcatsand sloths.

Recreation activities are: hiking, horse back riding, mountain biking, fishing, camping, backgammon, chess, card games etc..

GAT we eat from our own gardens are lemon, mango, banana, bake banana, beans, pineapple, pasión fruti, cashew nut, papaya, yuca, cucumber, avocado, coconut, watermelon, various spices and a number of medicinal fruits and – plants.



You’d better bring: flaslight, batteries, hiking shoes or boots, repellent, rain clothes, hat or cap, books(also for our little library) and dictionary(?).

Precaution against Malaria: Most of the guests do not take the pills. However if you want to be totally sure, take them.



The turtle season is from mid february till mid october. Uotside the season the volunteers mainly help with the agricultural activities.



Costs: The trip from San Jose to the project will be about $12.-( bus and boat).

Volunteers pay a contribution of $ 12.50 a night for lodging, three meals a day, coffee, tea and fruti juices. This contribition is being spent on food & beverage costs. The remainder is the income for the local workers.

Minimal lenght of stay: 6 nights. No maximum.



For information and reservations: paullepoutre@yahoo.com



Within 2 weeks you’ll receive your answer. (there is no Internet connection on the beach..

You can also call: (506) 378-6934 daily from 12.00 till 12.30 (costarrican time!)

The quality of the pone line depends on atmospheric circumstances so, if one day you have no luck please try again the next day.

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Hello Eric,

The project of Paul Lepoutre sounds good to me.
I would like to talk to you about your experiences in Costa Rica. Is it possible that you give me your e-mail address?

Alison
from Rotterdam, Holland

This sounds interesting. I'm looking into going somewhere into Central America for 3-4 weeks this coming December/January. How long would you expect a stay? I would like to get some information on this as it seems very worthwhile. You mentioned books needed, for locals. I might have access to books. Would love to chat further

John

John Mamajek

www.volunteerlatinamerica.com also offer an excellent selection of sea turtle conservation programs.