 EcoTeach Foundation |
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Projects |
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What you can do |
The EcoTeach Foundation supports
Costa Ricans Committed to the Conservation of Endangered Species and Responsible Resource Management. |
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Turtles Conservation Issue : Leatherback sea turtles are in critical danger of extinction. Due to human threats from fishing, hunting, beach development and pollution, the species has experienced a 75% decline in the last 15 years. On the Caribbean coast of Costa Rica, the fourth most important nesting beach for leatherbacks in the world, the particular threat comes from the poaching of turtle eggs that are consumed as a supposed aphrodisiac. These beautiful and ancient animals will not survive to the end of this century without urgent action. By providing volunteers, field equipment and vital funds through the student groups who visit Costa Rica, EcoTeach is committed to assisting several conservation programs in the region. The employees at these facilities are local people who work out of the passion for the turtles more than the salary they receive. Some of our employees are former poachers themselves, who understand the cultural and economic problems of poaching. All our dedicated workers know tested methods of handling nesting turtles and egg poachers alike.
Adopt-A-Turtle
However, such essential projects would not be possible without your support. By adopting a turtle you can directly help in the conservation of these amazing animals. Click the Adopt-a-Turtle button to learn more... |
EcoTeach Foundation The EcoTeach Foundation was registered, as a 501c3 tax exempt nonprofit organization in 1999, to support a variety of environmental and cultural preservation programs run by Costa Ricans in Costa Rica. In line with our philosophy of conservation through education, the EcoTeach expeditions and the EcoTeach Foundation directly support our projects through the provision of funds from visiting student groups, equipment & volunteers. Working in conjunction with community leaders and local projects, the Foundation encourages economically and environmentally sustainable practices. What does the Foundation Support? At EcoTeach we believe we can make a difference, but that difference becomes reality only when ideas are combined with action. We're a grassroots organization, working with the support of the local communities that our programs benefit. We work with community leaders to make sure our projects succeed and are beneficial for a more economically and environmentally sustainable lifestyle. We also partner with other projects in Costa Rica to be able to be more effective in our efforts. |
Scarlet Macaw
Conservation Issue : The Scarlet Macaw population in Central Pacific region of Costa Rica has been monitored continually since 1990. By 1995, it became clear that the population was declining at a rate of at least 10 birds per year. Chick poaching was identified as the major factor causing this decline, with ignorance by locals of the macaw’s status and habitat deterioration also causing impacts. Population management through artificial nests and chick protection was insufficient without human community support and involvement. This would only happen if local communities understood the value of the bird and received benefits (economic, moral, aesthetic) from its existence. Regional workshops were held to determine factors which were considered important by local communities, and solutions to confront these challenges. Ecological studies continued, but local communities became a focal point of conservation work. A local conservation group, LAPPA, was formed to carry out programs related to scarlet macaw conservation in 1995. Since 1995, conservation efforts have caused an increase of about 30 individuals to the population which was previously declining. Objectives: The long-term objectives of this project are: a) increasing the Central Pacific macaw population and b) providing economic benefits to local communities based on macaw-tourism. The short-term objectives are: a) chick poaching-ensure that 20+ chicks fledge yearly, b) habitat-plant 1,000 trees that macaw utilize for food or nesting, c) environmental education- yearly courses evaluated at four elementary schools (Quebrada Ganado, Tarcoles, Capulin and Playa Azul) and training several local youths to give future environmental education courses in the region, and d) stakeholders working together through the local conservation organization (LAPPA) to implement community tourism programs and conduct frequent meetings to bring people together to discuss mutual problems. |
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