Sea Turtle and Sloth Conservation Project: Costa Rica

Program Overview

Eligibility Criteria

Open to all UBC students with an interest in environmental conservation and restoration. Suggested disciplines include, but are not limited to; Biology, Environmental Science, Land and Food Systems, and Forestry.

Partner Organization

Our community partner is Quelonios del Caribe, located in Barra del Pacuare, Costa Rica. Students will work on an ecological service project alongside Roberto Solano Cordero, the lead biologist overseeing the project. Roberto is a biologist by profession although he also carries titles as an educator among other things. At the Quelonios del Caribe site Roberto oversees projects in sea turtle, and other species conservation as well as training and education in the area of sea turtle ecology and biological management. He has also worked for the National Maritime Patrol, the National Coast Guard Service, the Ministry of Education, as well as different associations and non-governmental organizations dedicated to conservation. Roberto has been a teacher, naturalist guide for tourism, environmental consultant, project manager, volunteer coordinator, and youth leader. He strongly believes in experiential learning as it is the best way to gain fulfilling work experience that will help shape future career paths.

Project Description

Quelonios del Caribe is located in the community of Pacuare, on a sandy coastline which has a unique set of agriculture conditions. UBC students will assist with the basic technical training of volunteers with Quelonios, specifically in sea turtle and sloth conservation. Further tasks include, but are not limited to; monitoring of sloth activity, beach surveillance of turtle nests and nest data collection, aiding in the relocation of turtle nests, reparation of defenses, changing sand, and caring for hatchlings.

This placement will require a high degree of initiative and problem-solving – and will need to work closely with Quelonios del Caribe staff to figure out how to work toward the vision for the program with very few resources. This will involve building effective relationships within the communities, developing a plan in collaboration with Quelonios staff, and developing strategies for these projects.

The aim of this internship is to provide assistance to Quelonios del Caribe while learning about environmental conservation, social change, and community development in Costa Rica. This will also develop understanding of the role of community spaces in providing necessary resources to various community demographics, understanding the complex issues surrounding poverty and community development, and to appreciate the social, economic, and cultural factors relevant to implementing policy.

Accommodations

You will live with on site at Quelonios del Caribe in hostel style accommodation.

Program Dates

**Please note these dates may be adjusted but will be confirmed prior to offer.

Program Costs

The costs below are per student. Exact program costs are not confirmed at this time, but will be within the following ranges.