The Osa peninsula is an important nesting site for four species of marine turtle: Olive Ridley (Lepidochelys olivacea), Green sea turtle (Chelonia mydas), Hawksbill (Eretmochelys imbricata), and Leatherback (Dermochelys coriacea). In Carate, a remote community involved area, a hatchery works as a hub for COTORCO and the local efforts in sea turtle conservation. Evidence for high levels of nesting and predation activity reported here indicate that conservation efforts in these areas should be a priority for turtle conservation. COTORCO strives to meet these needs with beach patrols, nest monitoring, turtle tagging, hatchery, and community education.

Project Objectives:

·         Improve local unemployment

·         Decrease poaching of sea turtle nests

·         Decrease depredation of sea turtle nests

·         Improve the current lack of environmental education of children and adults alike

·         Local stewardship of homeland