HOW CAN YOU HELP?
OUR STRATEGY
Successful conservation is dependent on us making the change to a sustainable lifestyle, where a harmonious balance of social, environmental, and economic interests exists. Our strategy to ensure a sustainable future for the Ostional Refuge and Nosara focuses on the following key areas, conducting scientific research,
ENVIRONMENT
Funding for conservation
and research programs
——————
Educational experiences
that promote stewardship
——————
Initiatives that improve
the health of the environment
COMMUNITY
Educational opportunities
for children and adults
——————
Participation in platforms with local stakeholders
——————
Promotion of
community conservation
ECONOMY
Boost local economy
in the low season
——————
Training and logistical support for local collaborators (guides, transport, tour operators)
——————
Generate revenue
to support the Refuge
OUR PROGRAMS
OUR IMPACT
WILDLIFE
CONSERVATION
-
Support the management objectives of protected areas and their buffer zones.
-
Lead and participate in marine and terrestrial wildlife and habitat protection and restoration initiatives.
SCIENTIFIC
RESEARCH
-
Develop and implement research based on areas of conservation need.
-
Provide logistical support and affordable housing for researchers, interns and volunteers.
-
Establish partnerships and collaborations with Costa Rican educational institutions, international universities, and conservation organizations dedicated to research.
-
Promote community science and research. Engage community scientists through outreach programs and initiatives.
ENVIRONMENTAL
EDUCATION
-
Create a permanent cultural and natural history exhibit focused on wildlife conservation.
-
Develop educational programs, series, materials, and resources.
-
Offer hands-on, immersive educational tours and field trips. Develop after-school and vacation programs for children.
-
Provide training for guides, interns, and volunteers.
-
Produce short films and educational videos.
COMMUNITY
ENGAGEMENT
-
Participate as stakeholder in community meetings and serve on committees and boards.
-
Partner with organizations and businesses on mutually beneficial programs and initiatives.
-
Organize activities and workshops which engage and empower our community to facilitate wildlife conservation, sustainable living and development.
-
Engage communities in our conservation and sustainability programs and initiatives.
SUSTAINABLE
TOURISM
-
Provide educational experiences.
-
Offer high-quality nature tours in cooperation with existing operators.
-
Promote only tour operators that meet predetermined environmental standards.
-
Provide logistical support for the management of tourism.
-
Promote rural and cultural tourism.
SUSTAINABLE DEVELOPMENT
-
Participate in land use planning, zoning and growth management initiatives.
-
Provide inspiring educational materials and programs for residents and developers.
-
Encourage the creation of nature and wildlife related small-businesses.
-
Provide educational guides, materials, and resources for sustainable living.
-
Create partnerships which provide product incentives to the community for sustainable living and residential improvements.
SUSTAINABLE LIVING
-
Provide educational guides, materials, and resources for sustainable living.
-
Create partnerships which provide product incentives to the community for sustainable living and residential improvements.
WATER QUALITY
We monitor water quality to inform the community when it’s safe to get in the ocean, raise awareness about sources of pollution, and its impact on marine life. We develop materials and initiatives to work with and empower the community to improve wastewater treatment systems. Stay updated with our Water Quality Updates and Data Dives posted weekly on our social media channels.
MARINE LIFE
We monitor sea turtle nesting activity in Playa Guiones and Pelada and maintain a buoy to monitor oceanographic variables. This data improves our understanding of the threats posed by development and climate change, allowing us to better protect the marine ecosystem. By involving the local community in data collection and conservation activities, we empower them to protect this important natural resource.
BIODIVERSITY
We monitor the diversity of wildlife in the area to learn how development is impacting the balance of our ecosystem. We collect data from camera trap stations and community observations on iNaturalist. By engaging the community and management authorities, we use this data to inspire behavioral and policy change towards sustainable development and improved wildlife conservation in the area.
THOUSANDS OF
TURTLES TOURS
We bring the arribada experience to everyone in a sustainable manner. Our goal is to minimize the impact of tourism on sea turtles and other wildlife by providing awe-inspiring educational experiences and implementing sustainable tourism practices. We achieve this through a unique collaboration with the Refuge administration, local guides and other organizations that share our mission. All revenue is reinvested in promoting sustainable practices, scientific research and conservation initiatives in the area.
SUSTAINABLE NOSARA
We've compiled all of the tools and resources our organization has developed as a result of our research on the impact of development on the environment. This important resource for the community currently features our Sustainable Business Certification Program and Sustainable Guides, including important information, tips, and resources for living sustainably in Nosara.
PRECIOUS PLASTICS NOSARA
In collaboration with the Nosara Recycling Association, we are recycling plastic into products that will be sold to ensure ongoing recycling in our community. Inspired by the global Precious Plastics movement, we use machines that recycle plastic by first shredding, then melting, and injecting plastic into a mould to create beautiful products.
