[Teacher Name] presents: Safeguarding Whales and Dolphins in Costa Rica

EARTHWATCH.ORG/EDUCATION/STUDENT-GROUP-EXPEDITIONS

[Teacher Name] presents:

Safeguarding Whales and Dolphins in Costa Rica

EARTHWATCHSTUDENT EXPEDITIONS

[NAME OF HIGH SCHOOL]


WHAT IS EARTHWATCH?

Since 1971, Earthwatch has made it possible for people from all walks of life to join leading scientists around the world to help with crucial environmental research.

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THE MISSION OF STUDENT EXPEDITIONS

To engage students worldwide in scientific field research and education to promote the understanding and action necessary for a sustainable environment.

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EARTHWATCH AROUND THE GLOBE

Earthwatch has 20 Student Expeditions in 16 countries.

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EARTHWATCH RESEARCH PILLARS

Earthwatch offers a one-of-a-kind opportunity to conserve and explore our planet while delving into

one of four research areas.

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EARTHWATCH BY THE NUMBERS

Last year, Earthwatch:• Sent 3,150 participants aged 10 to 80 on research

expeditions.• Supported 141,520 hours of research done by volunteers

across our whole portfolio of expeditions.Research teams are typically composed of three to five staff members, plus one or more teacher chaperones—so your teen is in excellent hands!

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BENEFITS OF EARTHWATCH EXPEDITIONS

• Learn experientially through scientific field research.• Work directly with environmental science experts.• Get a boost for university applications and résumés. • Explore career paths in the sciences.• Support local communities and local educational

initiatives.• Grow personally and gain confidence.

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BENEFITS OF INTERNATIONAL TRAVEL

Students who travel internationally before the age

of 18 do better.• In high school: more than 80% had a GPA of 3.0 or

higher.• In college: more than 88% received a college degree.• At work: half of travelers surveyed reported a household

income of more than $75,000 as adults.

Source: The Student Youth & Travel Association, The Impact of Early Travel Experiences (2010 survey).

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A TYPICAL EARTHWATCH EXPERIENCE

• Teams for run 7 to 15 days. • Teams accommodate 7 to 20 volunteers.• Students will take on 2 to 5 research tasks per team.• Students stay in simple but comfortable accommodations

in the field.

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OVERVIEW: SAFEGUARDING WHALES AND DOLPHINS IN COSTA RICAWhales and dolphins depend on the waters of Golfo Dulce. But recreational boating and water pollution from coastal development are threatening these vulnerable species. Help protect the delicate balance between nature and tourism, before it’s too late.

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THE RESEARCH: SAFEGUARDING WHALES AND DOLPHINS IN COSTA RICA• Climb aboard a research vessel

each morning to carry out cetacean surveys around the Gulf.

• Spot whales and dolphins and note their locations with GPS. Then follow groups to record their behavior.

• The data you collect will ensure this critical marine environment gets the protection it deserves.

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MEALS & ACCOMMODATIONS: SAFEGUARDING WHALES AND DOLPHINS IN COSTA RICA• Stay at El Chontal, a beautiful

ecolodge run by a local family that’s about an hour drive from the town of Puerto Jimenez.

• Share cabins with bunk beds and attached bathrooms with flush toilets and cool showers.

• Eat home-cooked Costa Rican fare like rice and black beans, meat, vegetables, fruit, and fresh juice. For lunch, you’ll take sandwiches and snacks out on the boat each day.

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LEAD SCIENTIST: SAFEGUARDING WHALES AND DOLPHINS IN COSTA RICA

Lenin E. Oviedo CorreaCenter for Cetacean Research of Costa Rica (CEIC)

Lenin Oviedo Correa has a wealth of experience directing marine biodiversity and habitat analyses projects in his home country Venezuela, as well as Costa Rica and Africa. His research focuses on the habitats of cetaceans like humpback whales, bottlenose dolphins, and spotted dolphins.

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SAFETY & WELFARE: SAFEGUARDING WHALES AND DOLPHINS IN COSTA RICA• Each Earthwatch project has a comprehensive

emergency response plan, with medical and evacuation insurance included.

• The Earthwatch scientist is certified in CPR and first aid, and boat crew members are certified in water safety.

• All volunteers will have up-to-date immunizations.

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OTHER CONSIDERATIONS

• Passports & Visas: Citizens of the U.S. and Europe DO need a passport, but DO NOT need tourist visas. Minors must also have a notarized letter from all parents or legal guardians stipulating that they may travel in the presence of an adult other than their parent or guardian.

• Insurance: Your contribution to Earthwatch includes insurance and medical evacuation coverage.

• Flights: The teacher leading the expedition will coordinate travel.

• Language: All Earthwatch expeditions are led in English.• Packing Requirements: Earthwatch will provide an

expedition briefing 90 days before the expedition with details of what to bring (and lots of other information).

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NEXT STEPS

• Provide a $300 deposit and complete the Group Volunteer Registration Form by [Month, XX, 20XX].

• Call me with any questions or to enroll your teen.

CONTACT INFO: [Ms./Mr. Teacher][Name of High School][[email protected]][(XXX) XXX-XXXX]

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[Teacher Name] presents: Safeguarding Whales and Dolphins in Costa Rica

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