Sos Nicaragua (2024)

When Sos Nicaragua began working in Los Brasiles Island in 2019, they discovered that 100% of the estimated 800 sea turtle nests laid annually were being poached due to weak enforcement and a thriving black market for turtle eggs. Recognizing that economic hardship drives resource depletion, SOS Nicaragua implemented a payment-for-environmental-services program to gain local support for conservation. By protecting olive ridley, leatherback, and green turtle nests, they have begun reversing the cycle of environmental degradation. However, to ensure long-term success, they aim to establish a permanent conservation program by gradually involving local egg collectors and their families in protecting sea turtles, fostering a sense of shared responsibility for conservation.

Community engagement is central to Sos Nicaragua’s efforts, with environmental education initiatives targeting the children of egg harvesters and encouraging them to participate in hatchling releases. By raising awareness and demonstrating the economic value of conservation, they are successfully shifting attitudes, with more poachers now collaborating with our project.