Internships in Talamanca, Costa Rica

Volunteers are needed to help protect the magnificent leatherback, hawksbill and green sea turtles on the beaches of Southeast Caribbean of Costa Rica. Currently, all eight species of sea turtle worldwide are recognized as 'endangered' by International Conservation Union (IUCN). The leatherback sea turtle, the largest of its kind (its carapace can measure up to 2 meters long), nests in Costa Rica and is severely threatened by human poachers and beach erosion resulting from human development. Before this project began in 1986, the poaching rate was over 95-99%; but with the presence of volunteer night patrols and protected hatcheries on the beach, the survival rate has recently increased to over 90%. As a volunteer in this project, you will take part in this crucial and exciting conservation effort. You will witness a true marvel of nature and meet interesting people from this region and participants from around the world.