Develop yourself in the conservation arena on a program in Costa Rica’s Tortuguero National Park, Jalova. You’ll find evidence of jaguars hunting in their natural habitat, track sea turtle nesting, and learn about the life-giving rainforest that supports a diverse ecosystem.
When you sign up for a volunteer program in Costa Rica, you sign up for the experience of a lifetime. Using the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals (UN SDGs) as a roadmap, you have the opportunity to make a positive contribution to the sustainability of a diverse ecosystem.
You will also have the opportunity to live and work in the jungle that linesTortuguero’s Caribbean beaches.Â
We unpack the various ways you could learn about, preserve and experience the biodiversity of Tortuguero National Park as a volunteer. Â
1) Contribute to jaguar conservation in Costa Rica
The jaguar is an elusive animal. Direct, eyes-on experiences are reserved for the lucky few. However, there are many other ways to identify and understand the behaviour of the jaguar.Â
If you choose to focus on jaguar conservation, you’ll be based in a location surrounded by beaches and rainforest. Your days will be spent supporting the research team.Â
This helps you gain skills that include camera trapping and animal identification. Ready to sign up? These programs run throughout the year.
You’ll receive training and real-world experience, to support entry into a conservation career.
You’ll live and work as a researcher in a diverse Costa Rican national park.
You’ll support local partners as they drive sustainable development initiatives in the region.
2) Add capacity to research projects on Costa Rican sea turtles
When you join GVI’s sea turtle conservation programs, you’ll be based in an area known to be a nesting site to four species of sea turtle. You’ll work with a team to support research activities on these endangered species.Â
Turtles are at risk due to increased competition with others for their nesting sites and poaching. You can contribute to the protection of turtle nests and learn about the conservation techniques being applied to support these creatures.
Conduct night-time patrols on the beaches, and observe nesting turtles.Â
Participate in data-gathering activities to support conservation research.Â
Support data collection activities on hatchling success, and rates of poaching and mortality.
3) Help preserve Costa Rica’s rainforest and ecosystems
Rainforests are the gardens of the animal kingdom, supporting a great diversity of life. You’ll spend time walking through the rainforest, conducting biodiversity surveys, and exploring the rainforest canals. You’ll learn all about the aquatic and terrestrial species that keep the rainforest healthy.
The following programs are available in Costa Rica, and provide an opportunity to get involved in ongoing conservation efforts.
While you monitor and engage with ecosystems, you’ll work towards an Institute of Leadership and Management (ILM) endorsed leadership certificate.
Explore the rainforest by canoe and observe an abundance of Costa Rican wildlife.
Learn how conservation initiatives are established, managed and maintained.Â
Whichever program you choose, you’ll be working on projects that contributes to international conservation goals. So when you join, you’ll broaden your knowledge of the UN SGDs and learn how you can support their implementation in Costa Rica.Â
Sign up to a GVI program in Costa Rica today and see the unique habitat of the Tortuguero National Park in Costa Rica for yourself.Â
Mark Easterbrook is an intern at the GVI Writing Academy. The Writing Academy is a skills-development program that pairs development editors with budding travel writers. Learn more about the program here.Â
From colour-changing frogs to mysterious cats, Costa Rica has a lot to offer someone who is interested in wildlife. Read about six interesting creatures that call Costa Rica home and how you could see them up close with GVI.