Casa Congo — Nicaragua (2019)

©Casa Congo

©Casa Congo

©Casa Congo

Río Escalante - Chacocente Wildlife Refuge lies on the Pacific Coast of Nicaragua and harbors one of two beaches in the country where thousands of olive ridley turtles come to lay their eggs in a phenomenon known as an arribada. The refuge also provides nesting habitat for three other species of sea turtles—green, hawksbill, and leatherback. Located within and around Chacocente are 17 rural communities that are economically dependent on the extraction of fish and turtle eggs, despite the government’s efforts to halt poaching activities. Casa Congo facilitates community based conservation in the area, running projects and programs alongside community members, researchers, interns, and volunteers. A 2019 SWOT grant will be used to construct and maintain a hatchery that will not only protect sea turtle nests, but will also serve as an education tool for youths in the local communities.