Let's work together to restore Costa Rica's coral reefs by traveling with Terra Caribea
It’s official: Terra Caribea is launching a fundraising campaign in partnership with Raising Coral.
🪸 Since July 2024, Terra Caribea is pleased to announce its new partnership with Raising Coral, and all our travelers will help fund this fundraising campaign. Every person who books with us (directly or indirectly) will be contributing financially to this wonderful local cause. 🪸
$10 per customer will be donated directly to the organization. This applies to all recent travelers who have taken a trip with us to Costa Rica since July 2024.
🪸 Raising Coral is a local nonprofit organization based in Costa Rica dedicated to the protection and restoration of coral reefs. Founded by a group of marine environment enthusiasts and scientists, this organization works tirelessly to preserve coral ecosystems, which are essential to marine biodiversity and the health of our oceans.🪸
Joanie Kleypas is the executive director of this project. She is a scientist at the National Center for Atmospheric Research in Boulder, CO, and studies the impact of climate change and ocean acidification on coral reefs. She has been conducting research on coral reefs for over 30 years and is currently focused on finding solutions to the decline of coral reefs.
WHY ARE CORALS SO IMPORTANT?
25% of marine species and 500 million people depend on corals for their livelihoods.
They represent both:
- exceptional biodiversity
- coastal protection
- significant food and economic value
- significant tourism potential
- a future in medicine
Operating in the Golfo Dulce and the Caribbean, Raising Corals has planted approximately 4,000 corals since its inception in 2016.
The year 2023 was particularly difficult, as the corals experienced their highest mortality rateon record due to record-breaking ocean temperatures. This resulted in the loss of nearly half of their plantings for the year, even though the mortality rate for natural coral is 95%.
The organization is known for its innovative coral restoration initiatives. Using coral cloning and transplantation techniques, Raising Coral aims to regenerate reefs damaged by bleaching and other environmental threats. By working closely with local communities, scientists, and volunteers, the organization carries out educational and outreach projects to promote marine conservation in the southern Caribbean region of Costa Rica as well as in the southern Pacific region, in the heart of the Golfo Dulce.
THEIR MAIN PROJECTS
- Planting corals in nurseries and restoration sites.
- Development of sustainable tourism through snorkeling trails.
- Educating young people and training members of local communities to become guides and experts in coral planting.
All of this is made possible by a close-knit team of 16 people, including managers, advisors, and scientific “gardeners.”
THEIR FINANCIAL CHALLENGES
- training programs for their employees
- boat rentals
- oxygen tanks
- diving equipment
- specialists’ salaries
Together, Raising Coral and Terra Caribea are committed to building a sustainable future for marine ecosystems in Costa Rica and beyond.
This alliance promises new opportunities for marine conservation and highlights the importance of international cooperation in addressing environmental challenges. By joining forces, Raising Coral and our travel agency hope to inspire other organizations and individuals to actively engage in ocean conservation.
THERE IS STILL TIME.
TERRA CARIBEA IS TAKING ACTION NOW.
