July 15, 2020
Dear Wildlife Conservation Community,
We hope this message finds you and your loved ones safe and well.
Here at the Wildlife Conservation Association (WCA) we are so grateful for your on-going support in our mission to help make the world a better place for all those that call it home.
Since the pandemic began, over 4 months ago, we have been working on adjusting our research practices to the new reality and restrictions. The Costa Rican government has been reacting fast to new developments, allowing for the beaches at the Ostional National Wildlife Refuge to be reopened full-time this past June, where we resumed water quality monitoring.
You can check out the latest results from the swim guide.
However, given the recent spike in COVID-19 cases in Costa Rica, as of July 11 the beaches are now open 5 am to 9:30 am only. Following the rules of the Costa Rican government, we will be re-adjusting our monitoring schedule to provide this important information to the greater public and our local community. Unfortunately, research expeditions to study sea turtle behavior underwater have been postponed at this time.
During this time, we have been perfecting our online virtual programming and educational materials to provide indoor activities and learning modules for continued education from the comfort of your home. Follow along online with us and start the conversation on conservation within your social bubble.
We are excited to share with you some of the projects we have been working on:
The Nosara Biodiversity Project: has established a database with 1,780 observations of 556 different species and a 42% increase in observations since the project’s establishment. Check out our project page to see all of the beautiful photos of species being observed in the area.
Sea Turtle Science Series: This series of virtual lessons was a hit amongst children and families during the time of quarantine and we hope to release a Spanish version of the series soon. Check out this link to learn more about sea turtles and the arribadas.
Science Technology Series: Check out our facebook live video page to learn more about how scientists use technology for research and how you can be a part of it.
Virtual Field School Course: A team of National Geographic Explorers, including our Founder & President, Dr. Vanessa Bezy, have developed a course that will be offered for university credit through the University of Memphis in addition to a Certificate Course version offered at a discounted price. All proceeds will support the non-profit organizations of each of the five instructors in these difficult times.
As many other non-profit organizations and small businesses around the world, we are working to keep our organization afloat. We have adjusted our spending to continue our activities with limited resources and are working to develop new fundraising strategies.
We are very thankful for all of the donations we have received so far this year and we will keep working to the best of our ability to adjust our operation to the current reality and make every penny count. If you want to support our organization please make a donations here.
"Become a WCA change maker and support our organization with a donation. Follow us on social media, share and help us spread the word!"
