Conservation Programs

Osa Peninsula

The peninsula's high level of biodiversity together with its unique combination of distinct tropical ecosystems (13 in all) has made it globally a high conservation priority. It is here that one can find the largest intact mangrove ecosystems in Pacific Mesoamerica, the most significant remaining areas of lowland Pacific tropical rainforest, and one of only four tropical fjords on the planet, the Golfo Dulce.

These ecosystems and numerous others provide habitat that is essential for the peninsula's abundant wildlife. Aside from sea turtles, the peninsula shelters a large number of rare and endangered wildlife species, including scarlet macaws, great currassows, tapirs, white-lipped peccaries, four species of neo-tropical monkeys, ocelots, pumas, and jaguars.

Our volunteer program affords anyone interested in sea turtles the opportunity to play an essential part in our project here on the Osa. By giving their time and energy to do hands-on work with local turtle populations, volunteers make a crucial difference in the conservation effort, while personally gaining an extraordinary experience in the tropics.Without the efforts of volunteers, this program would not be as successful as it is.Their work helps us obtain crucial data while protecting sea turtles and their nests. Thanks to their help, in the last three years we have released more than 45,000 hatchlings from our beaches.Aside from their conservation duties, program volunteers have plenty of free time to explore and enjoy the beauty, serenity, and unmatched biodiversity of Costa Rica's Osa Peninsula! Corcovado National Park, the Golfo Dulce, and the many wildlife refugees and biological corridors that adjoin our site are all places to view the many mammals, birds, reptiles, insects, and amphibians that call home to the area that National Geographic has called "one of the most biologically intense places on Earth". Volunteers live at our field station right in the middle of the rainforest, with the pacific ocean a few short steps away!

Volunteers pay a fee that covers their food and housing. All of the meals will be prepared daily by a member of the local community, who lives on-site. 90% of the food will be purely Costa Rican: rice, beans, chicken, beef, salads, a variety of fresh fruits and vegetables, juices, Costa Rican coffee, and many desserts.

Vegetarians and vegans are welcome and will find themselves well acommodated by the program's "TIco-style" cuisine. The field station is rustic but comfortable and each volunteer will have their own bed (but must provide their own bedding). Bathroom and shower facilities, as well.

Annual Reports from Osa Peninsula » Top