General information
La Tortuga Feliz is a non-profit organisation whose aims are the protection of sea turtles and the improvement of the living conditions and education of the local inhabitants. The local inhabitants generate income by cooperating in the project; they guard/patrol the beach together with the volunteers and assist with various agricultural activities. By helping to generate an income for the locals, we hope to take away the necessity for them to poach the turtles and again by working in partnership with them we seek to establish an ideal environment for the turtles to lay their eggs.
The project is situated on an isolated Caribbean beach in Costa Rica, 1 km north of the mouth of the Pacuare River. It covers 10 km of coastline and has a total surface of 800 hectares. The beach is part of the 50 km stretch between Tortuguero National Park and the harbour of Limón. The area is not only unique in every way, but is also famous as being the nesting site for many Leatherback and Green Turtles who come to lay their eggs here.
Poachers, fishing nets, polution and other threats are the cause of an alarming decline in turtles being born on this beach. In particular the 9 km covered by the project is in danger, for it has no protection whatsoever.
The late Paul Lepoutre, took the initiative in April 2004 to establish a Biological Reserve here. His approach was rather unique and has the special attention and support of various organizations around the world, most notably the World Wildlife Fund. The project is now managed by Robert Adeva and his team of enthusiastic (former) international volunteer managers. The final goal of La Tortuga Feliz is to one day hand the management of the project over to the local community and Robert and his team are working towards this by forming part of a village Association. Decisions are made in conjucntion with the local community through their participation in the Association.
The project “La Tortuga Feliz”, in which the majority of the inhabitants of the area participate has three main activities:
- The volunteer project
Volunteers can help with the realization of the project objectives by patrolling the beaches together with the local inhabitants.
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- Eco tourism
The most famous and therefore the touristy area for the observation of turtles in Costa Rica, Tortuguero, cannot handle the number of tourists anymore. The area is getting polluted etc. Travel agencies therefore look for new locations where tourists can observe turtles. La Tortuga Feliz by special arrangement can offer the unique location. In cooperation with the local inhabitants we can offer guided tours for turtle observations. This activity generates money which can be invested in the project and indirectly in the living conditions of the locals.
- Education program
Locals who are interested in receiving and improving their level of education can do so via the adult education program that follows the National Curriculum. Costa Rican schools are invited to bring students to experience the conservation work at Tortuga Feliz.Volunteers can assist by giving their time during school visits.
