Train a Costa Rican to be a Coral Gardener

Raising Coral Costa Rica is an NGO with the mission to restore the beautiful reefs of Costa Rica. We developed a strong science-based reef restoration effort in the country, and have grown thousands of corals for our coasts while also influencing policies to protect reefs. On the Costa Rica Pacific, we work in the most biologically intense place on earth, the Osa Peninsula, and on the Caribbean side we work in the stunning Cahuita National Park, known for its exemplary community management. We strongly believe that building capacity within the local communities is necessary to create a true #HumanCoralSymbiosis.

 

Last year, Raising Coral Costa Rica developed a coral gardener training program for Costa Ricans. The program is challenging, covering everything from coral biology and ecology, to climate change, marine tourism, communications, safety, and of course, responsible coral restoration. Our first cohort of students rose to the challenge so that now they are essential members of the coral restoration program, receiving pay that improves their families' income. They have become trusted ambassadors for coral reef conservation and restoration.

 

We have a growing list of local community members who wish to learn these new skills and we would like to offer the course again. The total cost of training a gardener is $1000, which roughly breaks down to: a scholarship ($300 to make up for wages lost during the course), classroom costs ($300 for preparations and room rental), and field training costs ($400 for boat and dive equipment rentals).

 

Our goal is to offer the training course to 10 more locals this spring. Your donation will have a big positive impact on these coastal residents and the local reefs.

 

The Raising Coral byline is "A human-coral symbiosis" - this is it!

 

To learn more about our association, please visit our website: click here