Ocean Sentry
(From journalcr.com) – The Ojoche Award was created in 2002 with the goal of recognizing contributions made by personnel with the National Conservation Areas System (SINAC). The rangers were recognized for their work in defense of the endangered leatherback turtles that come to nest at Las Baulas and for bringing neighboring communities together to aid in the protection of these unique sea creatures.
The Las Baulas Marine National Park rangers began implementation in 2004 of a recycling initiative that allows visitors to this Santa Cruz coastal area to separate trash so that they can help keep the beaches as clean as possible, especially when the large sea turtles come ashore to lay their eggs.
Despite these efforts, both Las Baulas and the Arenal-Tempisque Conservation Area are facing important threats.
For example, despite the fact that the marine park is the main nesting site for leatherback turtles in the Pacific Ocean, several complaints have been made about alleged taking-over of lands within the protected area.
The complaints have made to the Legislative Assembly, which is investigating.
Congress is only pursuing a bill that would declared the conservation of leatherbacks (Dermochelys coriacea) an issue of public interest, thus making the state responsible for making sure the nesting habitat and the migration routes of the world’s largest sea turtle are protected.
The bill will promote research and policy efforts deemed necessary to achieve such goal.
Costa Rica is also seeking de declare Oct. 15 as “National Leatherback Turtle Day,” date when the beginning of the reptile’s egg-laying season will be officially celebrated.
