AID grant to Caribbean Conservation Corporation for a program in comprehensive conservation and development for Tortuguero, Costa Rica

The project will develop the Tortuguero region into a major natural history tourism attraction. It will establish an Environmental Interpretation and Extension center to provide tourist information about the natural history of Tortuguero. Interpretative exhibits and programs will be created that feature sea turtles, wet tropical forests, and estuaries. The center will also assist villagers with tourist-related enterprises. A new, erosion-resistant trail will be constructed on Tortuguero Mountain and a modest visitors" shelter will be erected at the top. A small boat landing dock will be installed at the base of the mountain. The Green Turtle Research Station will be renovated and expanded to serve as a center for sea turtle research and conservation and the investigation of wet Caribbean lowlands, estuaries, and the marine environment. The station will be available to Costa Rican and international students and scientists. CCC will create a corridor extension between Tortuguero National Park and Barra del Colorado Wildlife Refuge that will protect wet tropical lowland biota (including the green sea turtle rookery). The project will also provide operation/maintenance expenses and certain equipment, including a computer/printer, two telefax machines, furniture, and a vehicle. Funds will also be provided to design and implement regulatory plans for the project areas.