The Wildlife Conservation Association (WCA) is a non-profit organization in Nosara, dedicated to the protection of sea turtles and other wildlife at the Ostional National Wildlife Refuge by leading scientific research, community engagement, and educational programs that generate comprehensive solutions to conservation challenges. We believe that successful conservation is dependent on us making the change to a sustainable lifestyle, where a harmonious balance of social, environmental, and economic interests exists.
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Amigos of Costa Rica
P. O. Box 748
West Chester, PA 19381
Amigos of Costa Rica charges a 3% fee on donations. If you would like to cover the fees associated with your donation, please include an additional 3%.
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The Wildlife Conservation Association (WCA) is a non-profit organization in Nosara, Costa Rica, dedicated to the protection of sea turtles and other wildlife at the Ostional National Wildlife Refuge by leading scientific research, community engagement, and educational programs that generate comprehensive solutions to conservation challenges. We believe that successful conservation is dependent on us making the change to a sustainable lifestyle, where a harmonious balance of social, environmental, and economic interests exists.
Our vision is to be a guiding model for wildlife conservation by demonstrating its benefits to the economy, community, and environment.
Water Quality
Only 14% of wastewater is treated in Costa Rica, threatening to contaminate drinking and recreational water while many communities already have limited access to potable drinking water. This program monitors water quality in the area and shares this important health and safety information with the public, bringing awareness to local water quality issues, and taking action to improve water quality. A laboratory for water quality analysis was established and results are shared on social media platforms and through the SwimGuide.org website and app.
Biodiversity
Costa Rica hosts about 5% of the world’s biodiversity and the Ostional National Wildlife Refuge protects a diversity of flora and fauna within its marine and terrestrial protected areas. This program seeks to discover the diversity of life that occurs in the area by conducting scientific biodiversity assessments and engaging local residents as community scientists. We've established over 20 motion-sensored camera stations in protected areas, parklands, and private properties to monitor wildlife in and around the Refuge. Community members also report their observations of wildlife on iNaturalist, a website and app which automatically collects and compiles data for the area. The resulting biodiversity map enables us to make educated decisions and implement policies to minimize the impact of development on wildlife.
Marine Life
The Ostional National Wildlife Refuge is one of the world’s most important nesting sites for sea turtles, but over 50% of nests in Playa Guiones and Playa Pelada are illegally harvested or disturbed by domestic animals. This program aims to protect and monitor local sea turtle populations through community-based science and conservation initiatives. Volunteers receive basic training to conduct morning beach surveys, where they identify and report sea turtle nests and collect data on threats to sea turtles. Additionally, a marine buoy was established to track environmental conditions that affect the marine ecosystem and sea turtle habitat. Our data collection and educational efforts engage the community in understanding and safeguarding marine life, while also advocating for more funding and resources to preserve this crucial habitat.
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