Costa Rica is a leader in environmental conservation, and they are setting an excellent example for the rest of the world. Not only do they focus on the conservation of many endangered species, but they also do incredible work to reduce deforestation and mitigate climate change. With this in mind, Save The Snakes will be visiting some of these conservation projects on our Ecotour in August 2022.
Snakebite is a neglected tropical disease affecting millions of people around the world. The only way to successfully treat snakebite is with antivenom at a hospital. The Clodomiro Picado Institute in San José, is one of the leading producers of antivenom in the world. The institute works in cooperation with more than 115 entities in 31 countries focusing on research, production, and distribution of antivenoms. Of the 140 snakes in Costa Rica, 23 are considered venomous with a variety of different venom compositions. Our visit to the Institute will allow you to gain insight into the world of snakebite and the importance of their work.
Sea turtles are one of the most endangered group of animals threatened by poaching, plastic, pollution, and fishing practices, to name a few. For millions of years sea turtles have covered vast distances in the ocean. With many populations of green turtles, hawksbill turtles and leatherback turtles dwindling, the beaches of Costa Rica are becoming even more important as nesting sites for these animals. The Sea Turtle Conservation Museum in Tortuguero is the oldest sea turtle research and conservation group and it is an excellent place to learn more about these reptiles, their behaviours, and habitats. As an important location for many sea turtles, when we visit the museum, you will also learn about the other sea turtle conservation projects currently in place in Costa Rica.
A tour to Costa Rica would not be complete without learning about coffee! Coffee is an important part of many people’s daily life, but it is important to know where it comes from, how it’s made and the people that make it. Costa Rica is located in the tropical coffee belt zone, making it the perfect place to taste organic coffee. Doka Estate is the largest coffee plantation in Costa Rica and their coffee tour will allow you to experience a step-by-step process of the development of the plant and learn everything about cultivation, processing, and good practices. Sustainable practices are at the heart of Costa Rican coffee culture leaving you with a taste for wanting more.
Costa Rica has so much more to offer, and these are just a few of the exciting experiences you will have when you join our ecotour from August 12-23, 2022.
Image credits: George Quiroga