Costa Rica 2023
Our Why
Today we learned all about our research with CEIC, the Cetacean Research Center of Costa Rica, which uses science to inform conservation in Golfo Dulce and beyond. CEIC intentionally links local entrepreneurs and wildlife scientists to promote sustainable ecotourism, providing students, teachers, and professors the opportunity to study, and locals the opportunity to create spaces like El Chontal, a rural campsite fit with cabins made from recovered wood. CEIC uses behavioral ecology and population demography to better understand the ecosystem of Golfo Dulce-- and it's our job to help out with the cetacean census! CEIC wants to extend maritime limits of existing protected areas, and to gain international recognition of Golfo Dulce as an important maritime mammal area (by the IUCN). CEIC also works to gain recognition of local population units in national environmental legislation. How will we help? By working to support CEIC in their construction of a Photo ID catalog of cetaceans inhabiting Golfo Dulce, including Humpback Whales, Bottle Nosed Dolphins, and Pantropical Spotted Dolphins.
DAY 2
Isabel "Flower" Ambrosoli
Activities
Our first day was spent at camp, without a trip out on the boat. This gave us an opportunity to assess risk, learn about the conservation challenges faced by CEIC, and understand our role as earthwatch teacher fellows.
Our trip leader Lesli also led a workshop where we discussed the frozen zoo, and learned about conservation and environmental stressors (while getting to know each other :)
Reflection
I really enjoyed our first full day at camp, learning all about the environment and the ecosystem we're entering, eating good food, and getting to know each other as we go! It's been fantastic learning form other educators across a range of disciplines and lived experiences, and I can't wait for the rest of the week!
Photo of the Day
