2013 Alternative Spring Break in Parismina, Costa Rica

Costa Rica Group Shot taken at Parismina (left to right back): Cory Dorazio, & Petey Parker
(left to right front): Rosie McArthur, Jamie Kamiya, Savannah Fersner, Katie O'Donnell, Julia Uglietta, Annie DeRosa, LeAnna Hines, Chelsea Coffman, and Dana Grierson.
In the very front is the Director and Investigator at the ASTOP, Mr. Jerry Cruz

We had a fantastic ASB week in Parismina, Costa Rica, working as volunteers for ASTOP (Asociacion Salvemos las Tortugas de Parismina, or Save the Turtles of Parismina), a group striving to help save endangered sea turtles in the nature reserve.

On Saturday, March 2nd, we arrived in San Jose and stayed at a hostel called Trotamundos. The next morning we traveled to Parismina, first by bus, then by boat.

We picked up trash and debris from the beach, made nests, set up nets to keep pests (crabs, dogs) out of the hatchery, including cutting bamboo for it. At night, we patrolled the beach watching for turtles and predators, but didn't come across either. Other activities included playing soccer and volleyball with the village children. They provided great food and comfortable accommodations.

(ASTOP office)

Coordinator Jerry McKinley Cruz told us that there are seven species of sea turtles in the world and all of them are considered threatened or endangered due to poaching, predation, habitat disturbance and degradation, and in-water threats. He emphasized the world’s sea turtles are highly susceptible to human and environmental threats and are in urgent need of global protection. As volunteers, we can help protect these endangered species.

According to ASTOP, in 2001, a group of local teenagers who could not bear the fact that sea turtles and their eggs were caught and collected illegally by poachers, took action. These youngsters started to patrol at night as the Leatherback, Green and Hawksbill turtles came to lay eggs on the Parismina beach in the hatching season. They started the Association and developed a volunteer plus homestay program and also arranged an educational visit program, in order to attract volunteers from around the world. The volunteers also help boost the local economy.

(The night guard reporting cabin)

It was great to be at the warm beach at the beginning of March while contributing to a worthy cause. One guy in our group hopped in the sea as soon as he saw it. We got to work in a beautiful tropical setting. Down time were very relaxing and the hammocks felt great. The local people were very warm and welcoming. The food was delicious and healthy with an abundance of fruits. Everyone was in good spirits throughout our stay and made new friends. It was a great trip.