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Costa Rica: Protecting the Pacific™
Turn your passion for Earth’s oceans into a journey in marine conservation.
Highlights
- Volunteer alongside passionate ocean conservationists
- Help eliminate ocean contamination
- Learn to surf on a beautiful beach
- Spot dolphins, whales, turtles and marine birds
- Hike through Corcovado National Park
Overview
Often considered the planet’s most sustainable country, Costa Rica is a role model for the international community in environmentalism, and the perfect setting for learning about marine conservation. You’ll be based in Bahia Ballena—which translates to “whale bay”—a small coastal village located next to Marino Ballena National Park, Costa Rica’s first marine national park. With these surroundings, you’ll discover issues critical to local sustainable development, examine the full spectrum of marine conservation and adopt the perspectives of grassroots environmental leaders in ocean stewardship.
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Community Service
Contaminants generated by unsustainable practices around the world find their way into the ocean, impacting the precious ecosystem in Whale Bay and its wildlife. You’ll work alongside passionate conservationists that are committed to protecting this natural resource, as well as helping communities develop sustainably with consideration for the environment. Take part in a reforestation initiative, which protects beaches from erosion, provides suitable habitats for wildlife and combats climate change and sea level rise. Partner with businesses and organizations that have committed to reforest the community with local and native trees, and help construct a community nursery that will raise seedlings for transplanting.
Hands-On Learning
Through volunteer work and presentations, you’ll dig deep into issues of sustainability, marine conservation and climate change, and learn about the ocean’s biodiversity. Connect with grassroots leaders from local organizations like Geoporter Costa Rica, who are committed to protecting our natural resources. You’ll also participate in informal soccer games with locals, take a fun dance class, explore local artisan shops in Bahia Ballena and try your hand at cooking local cuisine.
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Adventure
On this action-packed adventure, you’ll visit the Osa Peninsula, one of the world’s most biodiverse rainforests, and soar above the canopy on extensive ziplines. Even the zipline course teaches a lesson in sustainability—it’s designed to grow with the trees in order to preserve the natural beauty of the rainforest. Learn to surf from local experts and hike rugged trails in Corcovado National Park, with a good chance of spotting some of its inhabitants—the tapir and white-faced monkey.
Lodging
Home Base is family-owned and operated compound consisting of traditional cabinas. Students stay in gender-segregated rooms with fans, and have bathrooms with cold-water showers. Meals will be hearty and healthy, consisting of meats, beans, rice, vegetables and fruit.
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Dates & Tuition
Costa Rica: Protecting the Pacific™ 14-Day Program
| 2019 Dates |
|---|
| Jul 3 - Jul 16, 2019 |
| Jul 19 - Aug 1, 2019 |
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Grey
Finishing biogardens and putting up signs in the community gave me such a feeling of accomplishment, and learning to surf in such an amazing place, as well as snorkeling and the other things we were able to do were such special experiences for me. This program has placed yet another small community from another place in the world deep in my heart.
Our 21-day Flagship programs provide the ideal amount of time to satisfy every dimension of the GLA Experience.