Asociacion Salvemos Tortugas de Costa Rica
Alternative Break Program While working with national and international communities, the James Madison University Alternative Break Program trains and immerses students in a purposeful service experience designed to connect students and community members while enhancing personal growth, mutual awareness and life-long learning. What it is? James Madison University's Alternative Break Program began in 1992 with a relief trip to aid victims of Hurricane Andrew in Homestead, Florida. Trip consisted of 50 students and two staff leaders. Since that time the program had grown and changed into what it is today, offering three Alternative Thanksgiving Break trips, 27 Alternative Spring Break trips and one very large Alternative May Break trip. For a week, students, faculty and staff work with one community and to immerse participants in a purposeful service experience. The design of the trips creates connections between participants and community members, while also enhancing personal growth, mutual awareness and life-long learning. Alternative Breaks serves with an 8 component philosophy. Each trip will have: Strong Direct Service Alcohol and Drug Free Environment Diversity Orientation Education Training Reflection Reorientation
Your Leaders and Learning Partner (: Cory D Orazio Major: SMAD Year: Junior Home Town: Roanoke, VA Fun Fact: I m left-handed! Email: dorazicm@dukes.jmu.edu Phone Number: 540-797-7108 Katie O Donnell Major: Biology Year: Senior Hometown: Manassas, VA Fun Fact: I have 3 dogs, 2 sisters, and 1 brother. Email: odonneka@dukes.jmu.edu Phone Number: 703-895-6837 Learning Partner: Rosie McArthur Years at JMU: Home Town: Fun Fact: Email: Phone Number:
Asociacion Salvemos Tortugas de Parismina, Costa Rica What is ASTOP? Every year, Leatherback, Green and Hawksbill turtles come to Barra de Parismina, Costa Rica, to lay their eggs on Parismina beach from March to October. Poachers steal the turtles and their eggs to sell on the black market for profit. Although this practice is illegal in Costa Rica, as it contributes to the depletion of the endangered sea turtle populations, it is hard to enforce without the help of the local community s participation. In April of 2001, a handful of local residents, along with the Costa Rican Coast Guard initiated Asociacion Salvemos las Tortugas de Parismina, or Save the Turtles of Parismina (ASTOP). This community-based, non profit, conservation organization is dedicated to protecting sea turtles and their eggs from poaching, while initiating sustainable development and providing a viable alternative economy to poaching in the small Caribbean community of Parismina. Prior to the formation of ASTOP, 98% of the Green turtles were killed for their meat and 98% of all three species of turtles nests were poached on Parismina beach. Since the project started, poaching has decreased to 38%. In addition to saving 10,000 neonates annually, ASTOP economically supports approximately one third of the village. Because ASTOP is a true grassroots project, we have also been successful at redefining the cultural importance of turtle conservation. Why are volunteers important? The turtle project relies on the presence of volunteers. Volunteers are an integral part of the project because they assist the local guides in patrolling the beaches at night, thus deterring poachers, they assist the guides with transferring eggs from nests to the hatchery, and they provide much of the financial support to help the program with its costs. Each year since the program began, there are fewer turtles killed by poachers because of the vigilance presence of our volunteers and guides on the beach. The presence participation of volunteers also boosts the local economy, which encourages local people to want to maintain the turtle population and not resort to poaching. Prior to the formation of ASTOP, 98% of the Green turtles were killed for their meat and 98% of all three species of turtles nests were poached on Parismina beach. Since the project started, poaching has decreased to 38%. In addition to saving 10,000 neonates annually, ASTOP economically supports approximately one third of the village. Because ASTOP is a true grassroots project, they have also been successful in redefining the cultural importance of turtle conservation. What will we be doing? While we are in Parismina our day work will involve a daily morning census and guarding of the hatchery, making nest baskets, keeping pests (crabs, beetles, dogs, etc.) out of the hatchery, make nest baskets, cleaning the beach of debris, and possibly making signs (turtle observation guidelines or directional). We will also be doing night patrols of the beach. Some other options that we have are to help in the recycling center, teaching English, do arts and crafts with the village children, or design community improvement projects. In our free time, we will have some options to what we can do. We can go on a rainforest boat tour through the surrounding rivers, a hiking tour, or see how cheese is made at a local farm. We may also be able rent horses, and take a trip to the coconut farm, depending on the cost and how much everyone is willing to spend while on there. We can also enjoy the barrita (the local swimming hole). Pick-up volleyball and football (soccer) games are available in the village as well.
Quick Parismina and Other Facts! Parismina has no roads! You can only assess it by boat. Parismina has no ATM/Banks. Make sure you bring enough cash! Population of Parismina: 600 people Hawksbill and leatherback turtles are critically endangered, while green turtles are endangered, but all of their population trends are decreasing! (iucnredlist.org) We will be staying in a large, comfortable bungalow, 50 m from the beach, and a twominute walk from the center of the village. Being right in the village, this option provides a great opportunity to incorporate with the local community. THINGS TO BRING! Super Important: Passport and a second form of ID Spending money for travel days, and possible dinners out on the island Any personal medications that you need Clothing: Daytime: Summer clothes: shorts, t-shirts, tops, sundresses, swim trunks, bathing suits (girls bring cover ups for when we re in the village!) Night Patrols: Dark light-weight clothes, long pants, long-sleeved shirts, and closed, comfortable shoes, possibly dark-colored wind-breaker (for cooler nights on the beach). Other Necessities: BACK PACK Beach/Shower Towel Insect repellant Sun block (LOTS OF IT) Socks and undies Hat or cap for sun protection Sun glasses Eyeglass wear and contact stuff if you need them Dark-colored poncho or rain coat! (It can rain a lot over night for those patrols!) Flash light for emergencies (with newer batteries) Refillable water bottle (everyone MUST bring one of these, we need to stay hydrated) Personal grooming items (toothbrush, toothpaste, hairbrush, deodorant, shampoo, body soap, razors, hair ties, hand sanitizer, etc.) Medicines: Anti-itch cream, sun burn remedy, etc. Energy bars/ snacks (we may be buying these in bulk, but feel free to bring your own stash) Tennis shoes/sneakers (good for work, and soccer time)
Flip flops/sandals Working gloves! Clean outfit for the plane ride home! Extras: Camera Zip-lock bags to protect your camera and other important things o You can also get smaller water bags cheap from Walmart! Journal -> you ll want one for reflections Camera Charger Personal items to bring to the community, i.e. pictures of your family and friends Advised Not to Bring: Expensive Jewelry Laptop Scented lotions and perfumes * This is pretty much everything we will need but just in case be prepared to add some stuff!
IMPORTANT DATES! January: Group Meeting (time/place TBA) January 30: Community Meeting (8p-10p; Festival) February 13: Payment Due (about $595) February: Group Meeting (time/place TBA) March 2-9: SPRING BREAK! Optional Donation Items: