A Call to Action: How You Can Help Protect Our Marine Ecosystems

Here in the beautiful waters that surround our community lies a hidden world of extraordinary beauty and invaluable ecological importance. Our local marine conservation non-profit working with our local dive shop is dedicated to preserving this underwater treasure through innovative programs and community engagement. We are working hard to build our team of avid Eco warriors so here, we delve into the various initiatives we’ve embarked on and how you, as a resident or a visitor, can contribute and get involved in our efforts

What is the Mission and Action of Marine Conservation Costa Rica?

At the heart of our non-profit’s work are two core programs: community education and reef restoration. Our educational initiatives aim to inform and inspire local residents about the marine environment. By hosting interactive workshops and school visits, we provide valuable knowledge on the importance of marine ecosystems and the threats they face, such as pollution, overfishing, and climate change. These programs are designed not only to educate but also to foster a community that respects and actively protects its natural surroundings.

Parallel to our educational efforts is our coral restoration program. This critical work involves cultivating coral fragments in our nurseries, which are later transplanted back into the ocean to rejuvenate degraded reefs. These efforts are crucial, as healthy coral reefs support biodiversity, protect coastlines, and sustain fisheries that many people depend on. By actively restoring coral reefs, we help maintain the ocean’s health and the well-being of our community.

Get Involved: Every Hand Helps

Community Involvement

So how can you get involved? Local involvement is key to the success of marine conservation. We encourage you all to participate in our various activities designed to have a direct positive impact on our marine environment. By joining our efforts, you contribute to conservation and gain a deeper appreciation and connection to the natural world.

Coral Fragmenting

One of the most hands-on activities you can participate in is coral fragmenting. This involves carefully breaking off small pieces of healthy coral in a way that encourages them to grow. These fragments are then attached to underwater structures where they can thrive and expand, eventually forming new coral colonies. This activity is a direct way to help increase the resilience and growth of our coral reefs. We run regular coral fragmenting workshops throughout the month in the marina Pez Vela and you can contact us to find out when.

Underwater Clean-Ups

Once a month, we organize underwater clean-ups, inviting divers and snorkelers to help remove trash and debris from our local waters. We also run beach clean ups. These clean-ups are essential in maintaining healthy marine habitats and ensuring that marine life thrives. Participants often find these events eye-opening in terms of the impact human activities have on the marine environment and feel a profound sense of achievement and contribution.
Nursery Cleaning and Maintenance Dives

In addition to coral fragmenting, we also host monthly dives for the cleaning and maintenance of our coral nurseries. These dives involve inspecting and cleaning the structures that hold the growing corals, ensuring that algae and other potential hazards do not hinder their growth. This is a great opportunity for those interested in seeing how marine conservation works firsthand and provides a critical role in the success of our restoration efforts. It is important that you are a comfortable diver if you are going to join us for this activity and will need to be assessed on your diving skills before hand.

Learning Opportunities and Community Events

We host a series of educational talks and community events throughout the year. These events are designed to provide further learning opportunities about marine conservation, featuring speakers and interactive sessions. They serve as a wonderful platform for community members to discuss, learn, and get inspired by conservation efforts and environmental stewardship.

Join Us Through Our WhatsApp Group

To make it easier for everyone to stay informed and involved, we have set up a local WhatsApp community. This community is your gateway to all our activities. By signing up via the QR code below, you’ll receive updates on upcoming events, volunteer opportunities, and educational programs. It’s a convenient way to connect with fellow conservation enthusiasts and coordinate participation in our various initiatives.

A Call to Action

The health of our marine ecosystems is pivotal not only for environmental reasons but also for the socio-economic well-being of our community. As a visitor or resident in this beautiful community, your involvement can make a significant difference. Whether it’s learning about marine ecosystems, participating in a clean-up, or helping out at our coral nurseries, every action counts.

We invite you to join us in our mission to protect and restore our marine environment. By doing so, you contribute to a legacy of conservation that will benefit our oceans and future generations alike. Dive into conservation with us—your involvement is not just welcome; it’s essential for making a lasting impact.