At EcoTeach we believe we can make a difference, but that difference becomes reality only when ideas are combined with action. We're a grassroots organization, working with the support of the local communities that our programs benefit. We work with community leaders to make sure our projects succeed and are beneficial for a more economically and environmentally sustainable lifestyle. We also partner with other projects in Costa Rica to be able to be more effective in our efforts.

What is the EcoTeach Foundation?
We established the EcoTeach Foundation—registered as a tax exempt nonprofit organization in 1999—to support a variety of environmental and cultural preservation programs run by Costa Ricans in Costa Rica. In line with our philosophy of conservation through education, the EcoTeach expeditions and the EcoTeach Foundation directly support our projects through the provision of funds from visiting student groups, equipment & volunteers. Working in conjunction with community leaders and local projects, the Foundation encourages economically and environmentally sustainable practices.

What does the Foundation Support?
The Foundation supports a wide variety of locally managed environmental conservation and indigenous welfare projects in Costa Rica, including assistance to the BriBri Indians of the Talamanca mountains, butterfly farming and animal rehabilitation initiatives. The primary efforts currently focus on vital sea turtle conservation and community reforestation projects to protect the great green macaw in Costa Rica. Read more about each of our major projects, select any of the projects listed in the frame to the left under “Projects.”

Protecting Turtles
Leatherback sea turtles are in critical danger of extinction. Due to human threats from fishing, hunting, beach development and pollution, the species has experienced a 75% decline in the last 15 years. On the Caribbean coast of Costa Rica, the fourth most important nesting beach for leatherbacks in the world, the particular threat comes from the poaching of turtle eggs that are consumed as a supposed aphrodisiac. These beautiful and ancient animals will not survive to the end of this century without urgent action.

By providing volunteers, field equipment and vital funds through the student groups who visit Costa Rica, EcoTeach is committed to assisting several conservation programs in the region. The employees at these facilities are local people who work out of the passion for the turtles more than the salary they receive. Some of our employees are former poachers themselves, who understand the cultural and economic problems of poaching. All our dedicated workers know tested methods of handling nesting turtles and egg poachers alike.

Adopt-A-Turtle
However, such essential projects would not be possible without your support. By adopting a turtle you can directly help in the conservation of these amazing animals. Click the Adopt-a-Turtle button to learn more...