Living and Acting for Nature

by Melissa Jiménez Kardentey

Living and acting for Nature – was our motto to promote the “Club Summer 2016” which last January was held in Reserva Playa Tortuga (RPT), located in Ojochal de Osa, thanks to a grant from the Disney conservation Fund and support of the Georgia Sea Turtle Center.

Nature 2

Based on the direct and indirect interaction between local communities and coastal marine resources, and considering that new generations will become the future leaders and decision-makers regarding the use and conservation of the same, an initiative arose to provide villagers with a space for recreational and educational activities during the summer holidays.

Therefore the purpose of the «Summer Club» is to guide the younger generation and promote the conservation of coastal marine resources by Naturestrengthening environmental values and inspiring an appreciation of nature in which their communities are immersed.

A total of 30 children, aged 7-12 years, from the communities of Ojochal, Coronado, and Punta Mala participated.

For a week, they had the opportunity to attend the RPT every day for 6 hours and to perform environmental activities such as crafts from recycled material, waterfowl watching, forest walks, beach clean-ups, and talks about some marine species and coastal habitats.

Without any doubt, the favorite activity of both kids and adults was the opportunity to take a boat tour with snorkeling included, accompanied by their parents to the Marine Ballena National Park where they could observe dolphins, hawksbill turtles and coral reefs.

Participation in the Club was an unforgettable experience, and many are yearning to return next summer.

Posted in Activities, Environmental Initiatives, Local News and Community Initiatives and tagged , , .