Costa Rican academia is once again demonstrating its fundamental role in the active conservation of the country’s natural heritage. The National University (UNA), through its research centers, reported significant progress in October on two crucial projects for the health of coastal ecosystems: mangrove restoration and sea turtle protection.

These efforts, which combine rigorous science with direct action, are vital for protecting vulnerable species and habitats that serve as the front line of defense against climate change.

Front 1: “Planting the Future in the Mangrove”

Mangroves are vital ecosystems: they act as natural barriers against storms, serve as essential nurseries for commercial marine species, and capture enormous amounts of carbon. Aware of this, the UNA is driving the “Planting the Future in the Mangrove” project.

The objective of this initiative goes beyond simply planting mangrove trees. The project focuses on ecological restoration, studying soil and water conditions to ensure that the new plantings thrive. Furthermore, it works hand-in-hand with local communities, training them to become custodians of the mangrove, ensuring its long-term protection, and raising awareness about the immense value of these wetlands.

Front 2: Turtle Protection in Punta Leona

In parallel, the UNA’s Biological Information and Monitoring System (SIUA) continues its invaluable work in the Punta Leona Wildlife Refuge. This area is a critical nesting site for the Olive Ridley sea turtle (Lepidochelys olivacea).

The work of SIUA is intensive and multifaceted:

• Monitoring and Patrolling: Teams of biologists and volunteers patrol the beaches during nesting season to protect the females as they lay their eggs.
• Secure Hatcheries: They relocate the nests to controlled hatcheries, protecting them from natural predators (raccoons, coatis) and poachers.
• Data Collection: Every nest and every turtle is recorded. This long-term data collection is fundamental to understanding the species’ population trends and evaluating the success of conservation strategies.

Science in Service of Nature

The reports from the UNA underscore the importance of applied scientific research. It is not just about studying nature, but about actively intervening to protect it.

Both the mangrove and sea turtle projects demonstrate that universities are a key driver of conservation in Costa Rica, generating the necessary knowledge and leading the on-the-ground actions to ensure the country’s most vulnerable ecosystems have a future.