Costa Rica – Wildlife protection and conservation A number of regions within Costa Rica suffered from extensive deforestation through the last century, which negatively impacted the huge array of wildlife living here. But, in the last decades much has been done to recover this situation and you’ll help support on-going efforts to continue that good work such as with monitoring biodiversity, building bird boxes and supporting primate conservation. UN Sustainable Development Goals Climate action Take urgent action to combat climate change and its impacts Life on land Protect, restore and promote sustainable use of terrestrial ecosystems, sustainably manage forests, combat desertification, and halt and reverse land degradation and halt biodiversity loss
Costa Rica – Community development The indigenous communities of Central America have missed out on much of the economic development of the region. You’ll help to support one of our ongoing projects such as constructing a special educational needs centre and a community playground. UN Sustainable Development Goals Good health and well-being Ensure healthy lives and promote well-being for all at all ages Quality education Ensure inclusive and equitable quality education and promote lifelong learning opportunities for all Reduce inequalities Reduce inequality within and among countries Climate action Take urgent action to combat climate change and its impacts
How long has Camps International been running expeditions to Costa Rica? Camps International was founded in 2002 and opened Camp Costa Rica in 2017. Whilst our Costa Rica programme is newer than some of our other destinations, it sits within a global operation with over two decades of experience and draws on the same community-based model and long-term local partnerships that underpin all of our programmes, including an established partnership with SINAC, the government national parks authority.
What community project work is included on the Costa Rica Expedition? Students take part in community infrastructure projects, which could include building communal structures for community events or other important local facilities, and may also include working with a local women’s group as part of a broader range of community and conservation projects. All projects are co-designed with local communities and our long-term Costa Rican partner organisations to address genuine locally identified needs.
What conservation work will students do on the Costa Rica Expedition? Conservation work is a major feature of this expedition across multiple locations. Students may take a trek to a conservation project for reforestation, path building or animal monitoring with a night in forest cabins. Students also work directly alongside the rangers of SINAC, the government national parks authority, on conservation projects including animal tracking, planting saplings for reforestation and mangrove conservation. Other project work may include making beehives and creating boundary markers for an adjacent wetland national park, one of the most important migratory bird conservation areas in the world.
What wildlife might students see during the Costa Rica Expedition? Costa Rica is one of the world’s most biodiverse countries and wildlife is a constant presence throughout the expedition. Students may spot dolphins or whales along the coastline, though as with all wild animals there are no guarantees. Camps are set within or near dry forest national park and wetland habitats home to caiman, sloths and a huge variety of birds, with the chance to take a boat tour of an internationally significant wetland habitat.
Is the Costa Rica Expedition safe for school students? Yes. Camps International has over 23 years of experience delivering international school expeditions safely. Our Costa Rica programme is managed by experienced locally based teams with comprehensive risk assessments reviewed before every departure. Conservation activities are conducted alongside SINAC, the government national parks authority, under their established protocols. 24/7 in-country emergency support is maintained throughout and we follow Smartraveller guidance (smartraveller.gov.au).
What is included and excluded in the Costa Rica Expedition cost? Included: international flights, accommodation across all camps including forest cabins and city accommodation in San Jose, all meals, in-country transport, project materials, boat tour of the wetland, leadership and staff costs, travel insurance, orientation and language lessons and 24-hour emergency support. Not included: personal spending money, visas and vaccinations.
