The Ostional Project

Carolyn Cowan is organizing this fundraiser.

Donation protected

Introduction: The Ostional National Wildlife Refuge in Costa Rica is a vital sanctuary for sea turtles, notably the critically endangered leatherback (Dermochelys coriacea) and the vulnerable Pacific green (Chelonia mydas agassizii) sea turtles. Established in 1983, the refuge spans 15 km along the Guanacaste coastline, encompassing beaches such as Ostional, Nosara, Pelada, and Guiones. It's renowned for the "arribada" phenomenon, where thousands of olive ridley sea turtles come ashore to nest simultaneously.

The Challenge: Between 2018 and 2023, the refuge recorded a total of 3,983 hatchlings, including 420 leatherback turtles and 3,563 green/black turtles. These results highlight the critical role of hatcheries and the dedication of volunteers in nest protection and hatchling success. However, the refuge faces significant threats, including illegal activities such as egg poaching, vehicle traffic damaging habitats, and the presence of domestic animals disrupting local wildlife.

Our Mission: Our conservation efforts include:

Population Monitoring: Tag and track nesting turtles for population health statistics.
Hatchery Facilities: Safely incubate eggs of leatherback and Pacific green sea turtles, improving hatching success rates.
Strengthen Volunteer Programs: Recruit and train more volunteers for night patrols, nest relocation, hatchery management, data collection and scientific monitoring.
Enhance Community Engagement: Collaborate with local communities to promote sustainable livelihoods and reduce human-wildlife conflicts.

How You Can Help: Your generous contributions will directly support:

Hatchery: Funding the construction and maintenance of hatchery spaces to protect vulnerable nests.
Volunteer Support: Providing training, equipment, and living space for volunteers dedicating their time to conservation efforts.
Community Outreach: Developing educational programs and sustainable livelihood initiatives to foster local support for conservation.

Budget Breakdown:

Tagging and Monitoring - $6000

Annual Field Equipment - $1500 / year

Data Collection and Modernization - $1000

Nursery and Volunteer Station Maintenance - $4000

Outreach and Community Education - $2000

Total Minimum 1 year: $14,500

Conclusion: The Ostional National Wildlife Refuge is a cornerstone for sea turtle conservation, but it requires our collective support to overcome current challenges. By contributing to this campaign, you are investing in the preservation of these ancient mariners and supporting the communities that depend on their existence. Together, we can ensure that future generations witness the awe-inspiring sight of sea turtles nesting on the shores of Ostional.

Call to Action: Join us in making a tangible impact. Donate today to support the conservation of leatherback and Pacific green sea turtles at the Ostional National Wildlife Refuge. Every contribution, no matter the size, brings us closer to a sustainable future for these remarkable creatures. Pura Vida!

For more information or to become a volunteer, visit: https://fundecodes.org/en/refugio-nacional-de-vida-silvestre-ostional/

Donate