Beach clean-up: one of our key actions at Rascarey 🌴

At the heart of our camp, sea turtle conservation is the cornerstone of what we do. But our work isn't limited to nesting patrols or releases—we also devote time to beach cleanups because we know that marine debris is one of the most significant threats to turtles, coastal ecosystems, and ocean health.

Why pick up trash on the beach?

The problem of plastic pollution and coastal waste is global.

• Every year, between 19 and 23 million tons of plastic leak into aquatic ecosystems such as rivers, lakes, and seas. (UNEP)

• It is estimated that in Costa Rica, marine debris can reach an abundance of approximately 2 items of trash per square meter on sandy beaches, with plastics accounting for 63% of the total. (Minke)

Coastal waste not only spoils the landscape: it directly affects marine wildlife. Sea turtles can become entangled or mistake plastics for food, reducing their survival and altering their behavior.

Tortugas, víctimas de una atracción fatal por el plástic

In our environment, the Osa Peninsula and its idyllic beaches are not exempt from this reality. The tides bring trash from remote places, the rains wash debris from the jungle onto the coast, and the accumulation of plastic on the sand puts turtle nests and associated ecosystems at risk.

Our work at the camp

During this volunteer season, we have organized clean-up days with volunteers from the camp, the local community, the school, and other entities in the region.

Among the actions we carry out

• Systematic collection of plastics, abandoned nets, bottles, bags, caps, and other waste along the coastline.

• Separation of waste for recycling or proper disposal.

• Working with the community to raise awareness about the impact of plastics and the importance of reducing single-use consumption.Among the actions we carry out

  
  

Some results and impact

For example, on our last cleanup day, we collected around 20 bags, each containing 50 liters, which is equivalent to approximately 80–100 kg of waste on Rincon de San Josecito Beach.

These types of actions have a direct effect

• Less waste means cleaner sand for turtle nesting.

• Less chance of marine animals ingesting or becoming entangled in waste.

• Lower risk of contamination of turtle nests and hatchlings.

Change in the mindset of locals and volunteers: when we take care of our environment, we all win.

How can you help?

If you are preparing for your trip to the camp or simply want to help from home, here are some ideas

• Bring a reusable bottle with you to camp and avoid single-use plastics.

• Participate in a cleanup day as a volunteer.

• Talk to other people and share what you have learned about the impact of marine debris

• Support conservation projects like ours that work to clean beaches, protect nests, and provide environmental education.

At Rascarey, we believe that sea turtle conservation is a multifaceted endeavor: it's not just about protecting nests or releasing hatchlings, but also about keeping landscapes clean, eliminating hidden threats, and bringing about real change in the way we relate to nature. Every bottle, every bag, and every net we remove from the beach counts. And when we work together—volunteers, local communities, and visitors—the difference is noticeable. Thank you for being part of this journey toward healthier oceans and trash-free beaches.