Christine Figgener hides sea turtle eggs for a living. It’s an unusual but crucial job for the marine biologist, who works to protect these reptiles in Costa Rica. On top of the numerous environmental challenges they face, sea turtles are in a battle against illegal poaching. To reduce the number of stolen eggs, Figgener conducts nightly beach patrols during nesting season to hide eggs in safer spots. But this is only a short-term response.
Fundamental to solving the poaching problem is understanding why it happens to begin with. “If there were no poverty, local communities wouldn’t need to take turtle eggs illegally,” Figgener explains. With her non-profit organisations, Nāmaka Conservation Science and Costa Rican Alliance for Sea Turtle Conservation & Science (COASTS), she engages with nearby communities, educates locals and hires them to assist in her efforts. “If I am able to create an alternative livelihood for the community while protecting turtles, then I’ve succeeded,” she says.
Christine Figgener's instagram: https://www.instagram.com/cfiggener/?hl=en
COASTS: http://www.coasts-cr.org/"