Industry Alert: Help Bring Good From Costa Rica’s Tragedy

Note from ATTA President Shannon Stowell: The ATTA was saddened to learn of the murder of a sea turtle conservationist in Costa Rica several weeks ago. If you would like to take action, please consider joining the ATTA in donating to a fund that will go toward catching the perpetrators, supporting the conservationist’s family and make a statement to the Costa Rican government that the world is watching to see justice done. Read this story from ATTA Member SEEtheWild, who has been active in providing support in this situation, and find further steps to help here:

A couple of weeks ago, sea turtle conservationist Jairo Mora Sandoval was killed on Moin Beach, near the port city of Limon on Costa Rica’s Caribbean coast. This beach was known for its poaching and use for transporting drugs and the death is believed to be related to the drug trade. We at SEEtheWILD are heartbroken by this tragedy and are working with our partners to respond to make sure the country’s turtle beaches are safe for turtles, conservationists, and volunteers.

How to Learn More & Help:

• Jairo Mora Sandoval Memorial Fund: Donations are being matched and 100% of
  

  Sandoval overseeing educational efforts. Photo: WIDECAST

  donations go to support his family and create a national park in his name.

• Petition to President Laura Chinchilla: Help us encourage the Costa Rican government to catch the killers and ensure the safety of conservationists.
• The Conservation Legacy of Jairo: A National Geographic Newswatch blog post by SEEtheWILD co-founder Brad Nahill
• Are Costa Rica’s Beaches Safe?: Addressing concerns about coming to Costa Rica to work with sea turtles.