Easygrants ID: 18544 NFWF/Legacy Grant Project ID

Easygrants ID: 18544 National Fish and Wildlife Foundation NFWF/Legacy Grant Project ID: 0104.10.018544 Keystone Initiative - Marine & Coastal - Fall 2009 - Submit Final Programmatic Report (Activities and Outcomes) Grantee Organization: WIDECAST: Wider Caribbean Sea Turtle Conservation Network, Inc. Project Title: Nest Protection of Southeast Caribbean Sea Turtles

Project Period 06/15/2009 - 06/01/2010 Award Amount $25,000.00 Matching Contributions $25,500.00 Project Location Description (from Proposal) The area of scope includes the 50 km of coastline between Cahuita town (Cahuita National Park, in Costa Rica) and Changuinola beach (south of Changuinola River mouth, Panama).

Project Summary (from Proposal) Protect gravid leatherbacks and their eggs at four critical nesting grounds in the Caribbean bi-national area between Costa Rica and Panama. Project will work with communities, NGOs, and government agencies from both countries in carrying out activities to reduce the threats facing nesting and foraging sea turtles in this area.

Summary of Accomplishments This third year of NFWF support provided stability and standardization for bi-national efforts to protect sea turtles nesting in Caribbean Costa Rica and adjoining Panama. The mortality of nesting females was reduced to minimum numbers, and then to 0%. In addition, >95% of nests were protected; sources of waste were identified and dialogue with authorities and responsible people was consolidated; and 100% of the waste produced in involved communities was disposed of in a proper manner. The project is characterized by strong local participation, generation of socio-economic alternatives and income for local families, and open participation for stakeholders in the bi-national study area.

Lessons Learned Convening training/outreach workshops,for governmental participation, will be improved with invitations will be extended to all levels and at least 3 weeks in advance. A confirmation process will be developed to include calling invitees at least once per week, increasing approach and calls one week prior to the workshop Meeting schedules will consider the framework of public personnel Continuing efforts to move sea turtle nests away from high risk zones are hampered by changing weather, excessive rain, and rising ocean levels that are drowning coastal vegetation and affecting potential reforestation zones. We envision that if Global Warming effects continue, in some areas we will be forced to move nests to incubate in Styrofoam boxes Conservation efforts in a bi-national context are hindered by border bureaucracy and excessive paperwork which is required to be submitted in order to cross the border even to move volunteers and recycled plastic bag products, to attend meetings.

Conservation Activities Waste collection recorded and sources analyzed Progress Measures Other (Km of cleaned beach) Value at Grant Completion 90% (40 km cleaned) Conservation Activities Removal and sorting of Marine Plastic Debris (MPD) from nesting beaches (G, C, SS ) and coral reef areas (C) twice each week Progress Measures Other (kg of waste) Value at Grant Completion 7000 kg MPD plastics from beaches Conservation Activities One mobile collection center installed; the center is mobile and serves all study sites Progress Measures Other (Center done) Value at Grant Completion 1 mobile center done

The views and conclusions contained in this document are those of the authors and should not be interpreted as representing the opinions or policies of the National Fish and Wildlife Foundation. Mention of trade names or commercial products does not constitute their endorsement by the National Fish and Wildlife Foundation. Conservation Activities Coordination with RECICARIBE Progress Measures Other (Number of activities together) Value at Grant Completion 1 monthy activity together Conservation Activities 100% collection and separation of garbage in all households and businesses working directly with the project. Progress Measures Other (Percentage of separate garbage) Value at Grant Completion 100% Conservation Activities Several printed materials designed, with an emphasis on the impacts of waste on sea turtles and other marine life, to inform and educate stakeholders Progress Measures Other (Number of printed materials) Value at Grant Completion 3 printed materials Conservation Activities More than 300 visitors to the nesting areas learned about correct disposal of waste by installing signs at beach entrances and lodging facilities. Progress Measures Other (Public doing correct disposal) Value at Grant Completion More of 300 people doing correct disposal Conservation Activities One workshop was convened for the agricultural companies of both countries on how to use and dispose of solid and liquid waste adequately Progress Measures Other (Number of workshop) Value at Grant Completion 1 workshop Conservation Activities Twelve local families in Gandoca and 15 local families in San San actively participating in beach clean-up campaigns and the inventory of MPDs Progress Measures Other (Number of local Families participing) Value at Grant Completion 12 families participing Conservation Activities Six monthly video presentations in communal houses in communities involved in the project, about issues related to the ecology and biology of turtles Progress Measures Other (Number of activities) Value at Grant Completion 6 video activities per month Conservation Activities Meetings and organized visits to conservation or recycling centers to inform and promote discussion between community leaders about the problemat Progress Measures Other (Number of visits or meetings) Value at Grant Completion 4 meetings Conservation Activities Rapid Ecological Assessment (REA) used to identify key areas for reforestation with native species to promote beach stability and reduce beach erosion Progress Measures Other (Number of REA developed) Value at Grant Completion One REA developed Conservation Activities Nests under risk will relocated away from ocean erosion or other threats Progress Measures Other (Percent of nests under risk relocated) Value at Grant Completion 100% Conservation Activities Implementation of Global Warming protocol for temperature and coastal monitoring Progress Measures Other (number of protocol in practice) Value at Grant Completion 2 protocols Conservation Activities Bi-national Sea Turtle Population Monitoring Workshop for the standardization of research protocols Progress Measures Other (Number of workshops) Value at Grant Completion One workshop Conservation Activities copies of the research protocol manual with standardized methods were printed. Progress Measures Other (Number of printed copies) Value at Grant Completion 2000 Conservation Activities Panamanian partners are now using the same conservation protocol as that used in Costa Rica Progress Measures Other (Number of partners) Value at Grant Completion 100% of organizations Conservation Activities Binational database developed Progress Measures Other (Number of database) Value at Grant Completion one data base developed Conservation Activities Collaboration promoted between two local groups in G and one in SS Progress Measures Other (Number of groups under colaboration)

The views and conclusions contained in this document are those of the authors and should not be interpreted as representing the opinions or policies of the National Fish and Wildlife Foundation. Mention of trade names or commercial products does not constitute their endorsement by the National Fish and Wildlife Foundation. Value at Grant Completion 3 groups Conservation Activities Adecuate equipment supplied Progress Measures Other (Percentage of equipment supplied) Value at Grant Completion 100% Conservation Activities local assistants to conduct daily and night patrols in both countries Progress Measures Other (Percentage of local hired) Value at Grant Completion 100% of personnel hired are local Conservation Activities workshop for the guides in the region, with emphasis on nesting beaches Progress Measures Other (Number of workshop) Value at Grant Completion one workshop Conservation Activities information centre to support the local Guide's Association and cabin owners/families in operation at Sixaola town (border). Progress Measures Other (Number of info center) Value at Grant Completion One info center Conservation Activities communal workshops for the elaboration of crafts, identification and diversification of new products derived from drift materials found on the nesting Progress Measures Other (Number of communal workshops) Value at Grant Completion 3 communal workshops Conservation Activities electronic catalogue produced featuring eco-crafts of community partners Progress Measures Other (Number of catalogues) Value at Grant Completion 1 catalogue developed Conservation Activities new agreements for volunteers and ecotourism for both places as: OET, Horizontes, Swiss Travel, Geovisions, ACTUAR and Abroad view Progress Measures Other (Number of agreements) Value at Grant Completion 7 new agreements Conservation Activities training and refreshing workshop focused on the legal framework related to sea turtles and critical habitats, for key authority stakeholders Progress Measures Other (Number of workshop) Value at Grant Completion 1 workshop Conservation Activities activities to promote the presence of authorities Progress Measures Other (Number of activities) Value at Grant Completion 6 activities to promote Conservation Activities actions of cooperation with the local stakeholders and other relevant entities with technical/legal consultations in environmental cases Progress Measures Other (Number of actions) Value at Grant Completion 4 actions Conservation Activities Cases to expose, through local and national media, irregularities and infractions associated with development in restricted/critical zones Progress Measures Other (Number of cases) Value at Grant Completion Two cases Conservation Activities Creation of the Sea Turtle Management Local Board in Gandoca Progress Measures Other (Local Board approved) Value at Grant Completion 1 board approved Conservation Activities Posters and bumper stickers produced Progress Measures Other (Number of printed materials) Value at Grant Completion 3 printed materials Conservation Activities information signs describing beach etiquette and eco-friendly behavior were installed for the benefit of visitors to the nesting beaches Progress Measures Other (Numer of signs) Value at Grant Completion 8 signs Conservation Activities Turtle week celebration Progress Measures Other (Number of celebrations) Value at Grant Completion One celebration Conservation Activities Established agreements with local schools for student exchange for participation in project activities Progress Measures Other (Number of agreements) Value at Grant Completion 6 agreements

Conservation Outcome(s) Sources of Contamination on nesting beaches

Final Programmatic Report Narrative

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1. Summary of Accomplishments

This third year of NFWF support provided stability and standardization for bi-national efforts to protect sea turtles nesting in Caribbean Costa Rica and adjoining Panama. The mortality of nesting females was reduced to minimum numbers, and then to 0%. In addition, >95% of nests were protected; sources of waste were identified and dialogue with authorities and responsible people was consolidated; and 100% of the waste produced in involved communities was disposed of in a proper manner. The project is characterized by strong local participation, generation of socio-economic alternatives and income for local families, and open participation for stakeholders in the bi-national study area (see map).

2. Project Activities & Outcomes

Activities • Describe and quantify (using the approved metrics referenced in your grant agreement) the primary activities conducted during this grant.

Outcome 1.1. Sources of contamination (plastic and organic) on the nesting beaches identified.

Activity 1.1.1. Waste collection recorded and sources analyzed. Activity 1.1.2. Removal and sorting of Marine Plastic Debris (MPD) from nesting beaches (G, C, SS1) and coral reef areas (C) twice each week

1 G=GandocaThe Beach views (Costa and conclusions Rica), C=Cahuita contained inBeach this document (Costa Rica),are those SS=San of the authorsSan Beach and should(Panamá) not be interpreted as representing the opinions or policies of the National Fish and Wildlife Foundation. Mention of trade names or commercial products does not constitute their endorsement by the National Fish and Wildlife Foundation. Outcome 1.2. Mechanisms for the disposal and management of waste in the communities involved in the program implemented.

Activity 1.2.1. One mobile collection center installed; the center is mobile and serves all study sites (it can be moved for fairs, weekend activities, schools, etc.) Activity 1.2.2. Coordination with RECICARIBE (partner organization specializing in recycling) completed. (G, SS) Activity 1.2.3. 100% collection and separation of garbage in all households and businesses working directly with the project. (G, SS)

Outcome 1.3. Improved knowledge and awareness of the impacts of contamination on terrestrial and marine critical habitats.

Activity 1.3.1. Several printed materials designed, with an emphasis on the impacts of waste on sea turtles and other marine life, to inform and educate stakeholders and society in the bi-national study area about the correct handling and disposal of waste. Activity 1.3.2. More than 300 visitors to the nesting areas learned about correct disposal of waste by installing signs at beach entrances and lodging facilities. (G, SS) Activity 1.3.3. One workshop was convened for the agricultural companies of both countries on how to use and dispose of solid and liquid waste adequately; also plastic bags used in plantations were donated to the “Weaving for Nature” project. Activity 1.3.4. Twelve local families in Gandoca and 15 local families in San San actively participating in beach clean-up campaigns and the inventory of MPDs throughout the nesting season. (G, C, SS) Activity 1.3.5. Six monthly video presentations in communal houses in communities involved in the project, about issues related to the ecology and biology of sea turtles, with an emphasis on the impacts of waste on sea turtles. Activity 1.3.6. Four meetings and organized visits to conservation or recycling centers to inform and promote discussion between community leaders about the problematic of waste disposal and alternative uses of waste items as an economic activity.

Outcome 1.4. Reduction of nests lost due to natural threats.

Activity 1.4.1. Rapid Ecological Assessment (REA) used to identify key areas for reforestation with native species to promote beach stability and reduce beach erosion in the long-term. (G, SS). Activity 1.4.2. 40% of the nests were threatened by erosion or inundation; these were relocated to safe areas of the beach or to beach hatcheries. High risk areas will be similarly identified using the same REA tool during 2010 season (G, C, SS). Also, we implemented WWF protocols for monitoring beach erosion and temperature change, as learned during the 2010 WIDECAST Annual Meeting in Martinique, West Indies.

Outcome 2.1. Standardization of research protocols in both countries

Activity 2.1.1 One Bi-national Sea Turtle Population Monitoring Workshop for the standardization of research protocols was convened with the target groups being not only the organizations that execute the beach monitoring projects, but also representatives of the authorities which administer the relevant protected areas in both countries. Activity 2.1.2. 2,000 copies of the research protocol manual with standardized methods were printed. Activity 2.1.3. Panamanian partners are now using the same conservation protocol as that used in Costa Rica. Activity 2.1.4. One common bi-national database is in use.

Outcome 2.2. Increased participation of community members in monitoring actions.

Activity 2.2.1. Collaboration promoted between two local groups in Gandoca and one in San San (partners were stimulated to use existing models to form nature guide and crafting associations). Activity 2.2.2. Adequate equipment was supplied to local teams, including metric tapes, data sheets, clipboards, back- packs, flashlights, batteries, etc. (G, C, SS) Activity 2.2.3. 20 Hired local assistants to conduct daily and night patrols in both countries. (G, C, SS)

Outcome 3.1. Diversification and promotion of small-scale, locally run businesses based in activities which are compatible with the conservation of sea turtles and their critical habitats in the bi-national region.

Activity 3.1.1. One training workshop for the guides in the region, with emphasis on nesting beaches. Activity 3.1.2. One information centre to support the local Guide's Association and cabin owners/families in operation at Sixaola town (border). (G, SS) Activity 3.1.3. Three communal workshops for the elaboration of crafts, identification and diversification of new products derived from drift materials found on the nesting beach, including driftwood, seeds, non-recyclable plastic, and used plastic grocery bags. (G, SS) Activity 3.1.4. One electronic catalogue produced featuring eco-crafts of community partners. Activity 3.1.5. Seven new agreements for volunteers and ecotourism for both places as: OET, Horizontes, Swiss Travel, Geovisions, ACTUAR and Abroad view.

Outcome 4.1. Reduction of poacher presence on nesting beaches through adequate law enforcement.

Activity 4.1.1. One training and refreshing workshop focused on the legal framework related to sea turtles and critical habitats, for key authority stakeholders of both countries. Activity 4.1.2. Six activities to promote the presence of authorities such as Police, Coast Guard, and Park Rangers in areas of high incidence of illegal poaching of nests and females (Cahuita and Sixaola - Costa Rica and San San – Panama) through written and oral requests and public petitions. Activity 4.1.3. Four actions of cooperation with the local stakeholders and other relevant entities with technical/legal consultations in environmental cases presented in court as National Sea Turtle Network, ADESGAMA and CCC.

Outcome 4.2. Management plans for the marine and coastal areas located in the program area are promoted and respected.

Activity 4.2.1. Induce the authorities (CORAC) and other entities to continuously review, improve and strive to imple- ment the management plans for the marine protected areas (MPAs) at Cahuita and Gandoca. Activity 4.2.2. Two cases to expose, through local and national media, irregularities and infractions associated with development in restricted/critical zones (Puerto Viejo and Gandoca-Manzanillo, Costa Rica).

Outcome 4.3 Achieve long-term sustainability; promote equity and increase security and autonomy in community initiatives in the local management of natural resources.

Activity 4.3.1. Promote a legal framework that allows the communities to be part of the official administration of the protected areas, through talks and negotiations with the authorities at a regional and national level and the creation of the Sea Turtle Management Local Board in Gandoca.

Outcome 5.1. Increased knowledge of community members and visitors about sea turtle conservation.

Activity 5.1.1. Two posters and one “bumper sticker” were designed and published. Activity 5.1.2. Eight information signs describing beach etiquette and eco-friendly behavior were installed for the benefit of visitors to the nesting beaches and nearby areas.

Outcome 5.2. Improve the level of outreach of the Program

Activity 5.2.1. One Sea Turtle Week Celebration each July. Activity 5.2.2. Six established agreements with local schools for student exchange for participation in project activities.

No discrepancies were identified between activities conducted and those approved under the aegis of the NFWF grant. Indeed, we significantly increased the number and/or scale and result of our activities because we raised additional support (in-kind, cash) from other partners, which produced a better impact (or more outcomes) to the activity planned.

Outcomes • Describe and quantify progress towards achieving the project outcomes described in your grant agreement. (Quantify using the approved metrics referenced in your grant agreement or by using more relevant metrics not included in the application.)

 90% of the available nesting beach (in total, 40 km) was cleaned, except near areas around river mouths (Sixaola and Changuinola).  Garbage collected recorded.  WIDECAST was accepted as part of the Talamanca Caribbean Biological Corridor, the NGO in presently in charge of the RECICARIBE project.  Local partners informed about garbage management.  Two public fairs completed with WIDECAT booths, sales, and outreach.  Ten meetings with county government, health minister, and banana companies to talk about garbage management, and especially the open disposal issue.  The bi-national program is part of CEPRONA, renewing the membership to 2010.  One student developed a basic inventory of the categories of marine debris. Future Plan: focus on large towns along the Sixaola riverside (need: trained garbagologists…)  65% of the total volume of the waste collected was plastic, from 55 different kinds of items; this amount is the average for the bi-national area.  A Center was designed, with permits requested from Government, collectors selected, and labels designed. An informative mobile center was also inaugurated. The purpose of these Centers is to teach people about solid waste and how to recognise, separate, and recycle it.  In 12 months we collected 7,000 kg of MPD plastics on the beach, and 4500 kg from house collectors.  100% of cabin owners in Gandoca, 100% of AAMVECONA members. WIDECAST and AAMVECONA are in discussion with banana companies in both countries to improve their solid waste management also use some of those plastics in the bag and plastic recycled wood initiatives.  Chiquita Company financed to AAMVECONA the production of 10 recycled litter collectors, produced by WIDECAST in Costa Rica http://www.tropenprojekt-panama.de/index.php?option=com_content&view=article&id=8&Itemid=4&lang=en  All signs designed, installed.  Several meetings with Banana Companies in both countries, also they cooperate with Environmental Education activities. Several outcomes get with them, especially in Panamá. Future Plan: approach with partner in Costa Rica called CORBANA.  Twice per week all nesting beaches were cleaned.  One Power point presentation prepared and showed to local partners, visitors and others.  One visit to PRODUCOL, RECICARIBE and RECIPLAST.  Local partners are producing plastic wood melting the different kinds of plastics and producing handcrafts. The Georgia Sea Turtle Conservation Center (USA) is buying our melted plastic handcrafts.  REA developed and different risk categories located; hatchery built in Gandoca and San San to receive nests from high erosion areas.  2.5%, depending on the location, of nests were lost to erosion. 750 nests recorded for Cahuita, Gandoca, Sixaola and San San from three species (until June 2010).  100% of the nests under risk were relocated to areas previously determined by the REA in Gandoca to an area under active WIDECAST management.  100% of bi-national personnel were trained under the same protocol, based on a bi-national technical workshop convened for a training period of one week.

The views and conclusions contained in this document are those of the authors and should not be interpreted as representing the opinions or policies of the National Fish and Wildlife Foundation. Mention of trade names or commercial products does not constitute their endorsement by the National Fish and Wildlife Foundation.  35 People from other projects and countries were trained, especially from projects at north of Costa Rica with important nesting areas for same leatherbacks population (Tortuga Feliz Foundation, Mondonguillo Reserve, Las Tortugas Station and Ecoparadero).  40 kits of sea turtle conservation distributed during the bi-national training, also 40 kits about global warming impact donated by Sea Turtle Program of WWF (Coordinator: Marianne Fish).  Reduction of variance/error in the scientific observations.  Currently 100% of the data introduced in the WIDECAST database.  100% of bi-national partners were trained to manage the WIDECAST database.  Cabin Owners Association, Nature Guides Association, ADESGAMA, local school groups, and local people all participate in control and protection activities.  100% of participants receive basic kits including flashlights, red filters, bag packs, metric tapes, datasheets, etc.; also, all participants receive the pertinent presentations and practice for training.  100% of the beach monitors hired were locals for our four beaches in both countries.  Local use of eggs and turtle meat reduced to a 3.98% poaching rate in the bi-national area, on average, and 0% females killed in Panama!  High poaching “hot spots” were Cahuita (to the south, outside the National Park) and Sixaola over the border zone.  Over 550 volunteers paid for lodging and meals in our local communities.  Over 300 people paid tour guides trained by the project to observe nesting females and manatees.  Over US$ 10,000 in handcrafts sales supported our conservation and community work.  An estimation of $20,000 paid by visitors as transportation services for locals.  Final amount of gross income is over US$ 250,000 for local partners in services and good sales (2009 season).  550 volunteers and more that 300 tourist trained and informed about sea turtle status and threats (the final number will be higher because visitation is ongoing).  Workshop to create alternative jewellery developed in San San, Panama, with the participation of 15 women (Angelica Campos, Auxiliadora Sanarrucia, Delia Sanarrucia, María Sanarrucia, Martha Badilla, Jessica Sanarrucia, Ines Sandoval, Adelina López, Joela Matute, Elena Carrillo, Reinaldina Molina, Paulina Ponce, Nidia Novoa, Arelis Briones, Mayra Briones).  Workshop to create handcrafts using cow horn, cow bone, coconut wood, drift wood and melted plastic, developed in Costa Rica, with the participation of 15 people from both countries (Felix del Barrio, Eric Gabarrete, Juan Ramos, Greivin Rojas, Kendall McCarthey, Ariana Alguera, Geovanni Quesada, Dennis Gómez, Kherson Ruiz, Gilberto Mora, Gilbert Matarrita, José Luis Sandoval, Jairo Mora, Auxiliadora Sanarrucia, Gerardo Matute).  Workshop to create recycled paper using driftwood from coast and used paper from offices or our partners, developed in Costa Rica. 15 people participate in this workshop (José Luis Sandoval, Jairo Mora, Felix del Barrio, Evelin Rivas, Kendall McCarthey, Norberto Palacio, Eric Gabarrete, Juan McDonald, Oscar Herrera, Arquimedes Martínez, Eibar Uribe, Elizabeth McElroy, María Miranda, Heidi Mendoza, Dennis Gómez).  Workshop to create new products from used grocery plastic bags as coin totes, belts, passport bags, etc.  70 places between Limón City, Costa Rica to Changuinola city were visited to display information to ecotourism in binational area. Also was contacted the Bocas del Toro tourism alliance.  New relationships with agencies like: Banana Azul, Gecko, Tropical Adventures, imagenes tropicales, Swiss travel, Goetravel.  AAMVECONA and WIDECAST develop agreements to receive volunteers in our communities with: SEE-Ocean Revolution I to I International Volunteers and Students European School Costa Rica Language Academy Central American Direct A pass de Loupe Rain Forest and Reef Ecoteach Volunteers Abroad Geovisions Agencia Cultural de Intercambio IECR The views and conclusions contained in this document are those of the authors and should not be interpreted as representing the opinions or policies of the National Fish and Wildlife Foundation. Mention of trade names or commercial products does not constitute their endorsement by the National Fish and Wildlife Foundation. Uvolunteer Global visions NICE Goeco-Israel Nepenthes CELL Community Collaborations

 Volunteer manual developed and edited in Spanish, English and French.  Local handcrafts catalogue developed, edited and distributed.  Plastic bag crafting patterns were developed and edited.  Conversations with hipn´verde to develop training for our women’s group partners to create bags using recycled pieces of batic.  Discussions are ongoing to create a new ecotourism management decree, draft is ready.  ANAM (Panama) carried out cases against illegal sea turtle hunters, also move on agreement to give to AAMVECONA (NGO) the administration of the San San National Wildlife Refuge.  Both governmental organizations develop at least one control activity each week over the course of the project.  We are trying to approach bi-national management project to manage the Sixaola River watershed (http://www.mag.go.cr/Programas/prog-sixaola-inicio.html#HERMES_TABS_1_0)  One workshop about law application with police, coastguards, custom authorities, immigration authorities and MINAET, with a detailed legal manual prepared for law enforcement participants.  All poached and illegal hunting percentages were below expected.  One poacher arrested in Costa Rica and two investigations opened in Panama.  Over 150 informative posters about law and fines installed in Sixaola, Cahuita, Gandoca, Hone Creek, Punta Riel and Puerto Viejo.  11,000 posters printed (see pictures attached)  WIDECAST participate in two CORAC (Regional Environmental Committee) to advise on coastal management issues, including nesting beaches.  WIDECAST recommended creation of a local committee for marine-coastal issues.  WIDECAST participated in GRUAS to create the national marine strategy. http://www.gruas.go.cr/marino/  AAMVECONA participated with ANAM in a workshop to strength the San San Wildlife Management, also national workshop about sea turtle conservation and review of the national WIDECAST Sea Turtle Recovery Action Plan (STRAP) for Costa Rica.  Critical and priority land protection plan done for Gandoca area; this document will be used to Purchase Land Strategy by local projects.  CORAC produce a resolution about Sea Turtle Conservation in their Protected Marine Areas.  One local representative and one NGO representative are part of the CORAC.  Currently, the activities are promoting local information, participation and behaviour changes.  100% of local cabin owners participate in the project, and 100% of cabin owner’s families’ participant in the project as well.  80% of tour guides working with the program (20% are birds and forest guides).  100% of local handcrafters working in partnership with the program.  Environmental education guide printed, sticker printed, informative poster for leatherback and hawksbill sea turtles printed.  Two informative boards in each place were installed in Gandoca and Sixaola Border.  8 informative signals installed and maintained in the road between Bribri town-Gandoca and Sixaola Border.  One informative and tourism centre opened on the Costa Rica and Panama border.  Two release turtle activities done in partnership with SEE Turtles.  Over 350 school students visited our beaches during supervised educational tours.  10 students from Universities participant in our bi-national project.  Students of Photography, Filming, Natural Resources Management, MBA and Psychology developing research in the project.  90% of students from schools around work area visited the project.  Katherine Hard produced a study about local conservation perceptions in Cahuita, and Christine Figgener produced a genetic study of the leatherback.

• Briefly explain discrepancies between what actually happened compared to what was anticipated to happen.

We think the differences are more positive than negative because we achieved more outcomes in number or reach than we anticipated. The reason for this was because we were able to use the NFWF grant to leverage additional support from our partners. The support of government was not the best in either country, but this we interpret as confidence in our work to get the necessary job done … combined with a strong limitation of resources of each government.

• Provide any further information (such as unexpected outcomes) important for understanding project activities and outcome results.

 WIDECAST and AAMVECONA have taken then lead in reducing the practice of local people burning plastic litter in their yards once or twice a week, and we are collecting enormous quantities of plastic each week from marine debris. We proposed to melt the debris, especially the plastics, and create plastic wood to be used in different ways – now we are producing handcrafts and tiles for pathways in the rain forest.

 WIDECAST will develop an agreement with CONAMP and the Veracruz Aquarium (Veracruz, México) to develop technical training workshops for local conservation teams in Veracruz.

 WIDECAST and AAMVECONA, with the support of WIDECAST headquarters (USA) and the National Aquarium in Baltimore, deployed 2 SPOT5 satellite transmitters on 2 nesting females (“Fredja” and “Julia”) with the objective to evaluate the inter-nesting migration and post-nesting movement away from the Caribbean coast. Preliminary maps show that these females visit waters and beaches in both Costa Rica and Panama. Fredja is currently 900 km away from bi-national area.

 WIDECAST received 2 more satellite transmitters with a value over US$7500 to be installed on two Hawksbill turtles. This donation comes from National Aquarium in Baltimore (NAIB) and National Oceanographic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA).

 WIDECAST participated in a regional workshop in Cancun, México, to evaluate the status of the Caribbean Hawksbill Sea Turtle Population, sponsored by regional treaty secretariats.

 WIDECAST was invited to participate in TALCIN (March 2010) http://www.panda.org/who_we_are/wwf_offices/suriname/index.cfm?uProjectID=9Z1395.

 WIDECAST receive a partial support from a private company called Cayuga (Ecotourism Corporation) to publish an environmental education guide for primary school kids in Costa Rica. AAMVECONA is requesting same support from Chiquita Company in Panama, and we hope that in 2010 the educational guide will be ready.

 AAMVECONA received a donation from Chiquita Company/REWE to purchase 110 hectares of property inside the fragile San San wetland to be used in conservation and reforestation.

 WIDECAST and AAMVECONA were integrated into CEPRONA, an important recycling organization, and invited to participate in six different environmental fairs where our community crafts were featured and our conservation message displayed.

 WIDECAST developed a relationship with the National Bank in Costa Rica (BNCR) to collect plastic bags from all of their agencies in the country, and send these bags to the local plastic bag weaver groups.

 WIDECAST developed an agreement with Western Union office to produce plastic bags containers, and during the first quarter of 2010 the containers were distributed in 10 different locations.

 WIDECAST participated in and is member of the National Marine Affairs Group, especially focused on Impacts of Marinas and Piers, Oil exploration and exploitation and Leatherback National Park project.

 Also, WIDECAST and AAMVECONA we are promoting the bi-national alliance to all leatherback projects in Costa Rica and Panama, focused on standardization of field techniques, database management, educational materials and activities, and data sharing. The agreement document is already done, and soon will be signed.

 WIDECAST is active member of the national sea turtle conservation network in Costa Rica, recently the Network achieved its legal status under Costa Rica law and WIDECAST was designated the Secretariat of the Board.

3. Lessons Learned Describe the key lessons learned from this project, such as the least and most effective conservation practices or notable aspects of the project’s methods, monitoring, or results. How could other conservation organizations adapt their projects to build upon some of these key lessons about what worked best and what did not?

Convening training or outreach workshops, especially for governmental participation, will be improved with: a. Invitations will be extended to all levels (including Ministerial level) b. Invitations will be extended at least 3 weeks in advance c. A confirmation process will be developed to include calling invitees at least once per week, increasing approach and calls one week prior to the workshop. d. Meeting schedules will consider the framework of public personnel; e.g., not extend more than 8 hours, breaks, etc.

Continuing efforts to move sea turtle nests away from high risk zones are hampered by changing weather, excessive rain, and rising ocean levels that are drowning coastal vegetation and affecting potential reforestation zones. We envision that if Global Warming effects continue, in some areas we will be forced to move nests to incubate in Styrofoam boxes.

Conservation efforts in a bi-national context are hindered by border bureaucracy and excessive paperwork which is required to be submitted in order to cross the border even to move volunteers and recycled plastic bag products, to attend meetings, etc. These produce a lot of work and delays. Our solution is to try to have some kind of government letter providing us with a “green light” to cross without lines and delays.

4. Dissemination Briefly identify any dissemination of lessons learned or other project results to external audiences, such as the public or other conservation organizations.

Our plan is publish the scientific data, also the social data as management model. Also, all reports are available online at our webside. Finally, we share our information in several scenarios, such as:

National Network meetings Regional Conservation Board Local, regional and national authorities International meetings, symposia, and IAC meetings

5. Project Documents Include in your final programmatic report, via the Uploads section of this task, the following:

• 2-10 representative photos from the project. Photos need to have a minimum resolution of 300 dpi; • report publications, GIS data, brochures, videos, outreach tools, press releases, media coverage; • any project deliverables per the terms of your grant agreement.