This past Saturday, the Botanika Resort team participated in a meaningful volunteer activity with COPROT (Protector Community of the Osa Turtles) at their turtle hatchery in Playa Karate. Our mission involved replacing approximately 32 tons of sand, transported from the beach to the hatchery by our dedicated team.

Olive Ridley Turtles
COPROT’s hatchery in Playa Karate primarily supports Olive Ridley turtles, a widely distributed yet vulnerable species. These turtles are known for their mass nesting behavior called "arribada." Each season, COPROT monitors up to 300 nests, resulting in around 20,000 hatchlings, significantly contributing to the species' survival.

Why Fresh Sand is Essential
The sand in the hatchery needs regular replacement for several reasons:
1. Predator Prevention: Fresh sand reduces scent trails that predators use to find turtle eggs.
2. Temperature Regulation: Proper temperature control in fresh sand helps ensure a balanced sex ratio among hatchlings.
3. Disease Control: New sand minimizes the risk of pathogens and parasites harming the embryos.
4. Moisture Retention: Fresh sand maintains the correct humidity levels crucial for embryo development.

Commitment to Conservation
Supporting local initiatives like this helps protect the Osa Peninsula’s biodiversity and preserve endangered species such as the Olive Ridley turtles. We are proud of our team’s efforts and their positive impact. Stay tuned for more updates on our conservation activities and find out how you can get involved.