Hi, my name is Lydia and I have been in scouting since I was 5 years old, I am now 14 and I have loved every minute of it! I have been given the fantastic opportunity to take part in the Kent Scouts Global Project in Costa Rica in 2029.

On this trip I will be a member of the Turtle and Rainforest Conservation programme, this opportunity will allow me to help the endangered wildlife and plants in Costa Rica meaning while I am there I am helping not just the turtles, but also the environment. Sea turtles are a huge passion of mine and they have been since I was young, I am looking forward to experiencing their environment and gaining knowledge of their habitat. Throughout my trip, I will practise a range of new skills, such as setting up camera traps, collecting data, and analysing my findings. I will also be able to monitor monkeys, sea turtles, and birds and participate in reforestation and beach clean-ups to help the environment for the animals, the climate and the community.

Conserving the planet is important to me because it will be future generations who will be living with the consequences of our actions if we don't act to save our planet. The conservation programme takes place in Costa Rica's most biodiverse and vital conservation areas, meaning that the locations I will be going to are the natural habitat's of soon to be many endangered animals, like baby sea turtles. During my time there I will help the environment which will preserve Costa Rica's natural heritage and prevent it from being destroyed. I will do this by protecting nesting sites, caring for hatchlings and supporting marine conservationists, I will collect data and use this to support fragile ecosystems and plant native trees to combat climate change and restore animal habitats.

I am looking to fundraise £1000 towards my first instalment of £1215 (by March 2027) of the total cost of £3645. Any donations would be hugely appreciated, and I will also be holding various fundraising events throughout my journey.

If protecting endangered species, safeguarding ecosystems, and supporting our planet matters to you, any support in helping me achieve this once in a lifetime opportunity would mean so much to me!

Thank you,

Lydia

Phoenix Explorer Sea Scout Unit