Page 69 - SOUTH GUANACASTE TOURIST GUIDE

Protected Zones • Ostional
Sustainable use of olive ridley turtle eggs
Turtle egg management is part of sustainable development, because the community itself protects and maintains the turtle habitat, and in turn is allowed to sell a percentage of the eggs for their economic benefit.
The egg extraction project has been in operation since 1987 and is managed by the Asociación de Desarrollo Integral de Ostional (ADIO). The population, in an organized manner, is in charge of collecting and selling the eggs. Only eggs produced during the first two days of each arribada are collected, since they have a nearly 100% probability of being destroyed by the same turtles that continue to arrive.
Before venturing out, call the refuge office to make sure there is activity:
2682-0400 / 2682-0937
More information here:
Protected Areas: Ostional
Ostional: Ridley turtle’s main nesting site
Eggs
Photo: Roberto Ramos
Certified Tours
The refuge administrators recommend attending an arribada with certified community guides. Some contacts include:
6005-4207: independent guide; 2682-1229: local guides from the Asociación de Desarrollo Integral de Ostional (ADIO); 2682-0428: Ostional Local Guides Association
What to bring?
Cap and sunglasses
Hydration
Fresh clothes
Sunscreen
Camera
Repellent
Walking shoes
Snacks
If you go at night, do not wear reflective clothing. Light can influence the behavior of the animals. Therefore, if you are carrying a flashlight, ask a guide how and when to use it.
Costa Rican legislation recognizes and legitimizes the sustainable use of Kemp’s ridley eggs
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