The reduction of the sea turtle populations in regions such as the Peninsula de Osa is a reflection of the situation that these reptiles face worldwide. Preliminary studies have shown a low number of nesting sites on El Progreso beach in Drake Bay. A great contrast to the local stories of great numbers of turtles that came to lay their eggs on this beach in previous years. According to some testimonies, three species Eretmochelys imbricata (Hawksbill/Tortuga Carey), Dermochelys coriacea (Leatherback/Tortuga Baula) and Lepidochelys olivacea (Olive Ridley/Tortuga Lora), represented the marine turtle nesting population. The Ridley is the last species remaining and it is decreasing in numbers at an alarming rate.
Because of the imminent threat that this lone survivor would also soon disappear, the establishment of a program dedicated to the protection and recuperation of the marine turtle population has become essential. The Peninsula de Osa has at least 8 known nesting beaches making it one of the last sanctuaries for marine turtles on the pacific coast of Central America.
Because of these changes, we found a decrease in the sea turtle population. According to the research done by our organization in 2003, 2004, and 2005 the amount of that were poached was in average 85%, leaving only 15% percent of the nests to maintain an already endangered population.
One of the most serious problems that this project faces has been the extraction of turtle eggs to be sold to bars as appetizers or for domestic consumption.
Local communities consider it a “god-given-right” to utilize the turtle eggs, as with any other local natural resource.
The Corcovado Foundation has had many meetings with the community in order to talk about this problem. After talking with the people, it is clear that many of them consider the turtle eggs as an additional income that they expect every year.
The only long term solution is to educate the local population and to convince them that the turtles can bring more money into the community as tourist attraction.
They have to realize that the turtles can bring more money into the community as a tourist attraction. They have to realize that the turtles will disappear and that they will have lost a part of their natural heritage.
We have also made more popular our cause by organizing an annual turtle festival (Festival de la Tortuga). They have been a big success with an attendance of around 200 people, all of whom games, recreational activities puppet plays and the chance to liberate a baby turtle.
The foundation has also provided some members of the local community with training in tourism and therefore an opportunity to benefit from the tourism industry, it is hoped that the local communities of El Progreso, Los Angeles and Agujitas will take a more proactive approach to conserving the local natural resources, specially endangered species such as the sea turtles.