PLAYA GRANDE, COSTA RICA. OCTOBER 24, 2014 – The Leatherback Trust has been awarded a $25,000 grant from the Disney Worldwide Conservation Fund (DWCF). The conservation grant recognizes The Leatherback Trust’s efforts to implementing strategies to protect the leatherback turtle from extinction along the North Pacific coast of Costa Rica. Incorporating scientific research, conservation, and community education to promote sustainable resource use and support for protected areas.

“East Pacific leatherback turtles have declined by over 95% during the past two decades” said Dr. George Shillinger, Executive Director of The Leatherback Trust. “Funding from DWCF will further our efforts to reverse the decline of East Pacific leatherbacks, whose survival depends upon successful conservation efforts at Las Baulas National Park and at other key nesting beaches throughout Costa Rica.”

The fund seeks to enhance the conservation efforts made in Playa Grande sea turtle project, providing staff time and materials to develop the community outreach program.

“This grant will support projects that are planned to promote the conservation of sea turtles and their habitats in Playa Grande, all together with government, private organizations and communities” said Christian Díaz Chuquisengo, Community Outreach Manager in Playa Grande, Costa Rica.

The Disney Worldwide Conservation Fund focuses on protecting wildlife and connecting kids and families with nature. Since its founding in 1995, DWCF has provided more than $25 million to support conservation programs in 114 countries. Projects were selected to receive awards based upon their efforts to study wildlife, protect habitats and develop community conservation and education programs in critical ecosystems.

For information on Disney’s commitment to conserve nature and a complete list of 2014 grant recipients, visit www.disney.com/conservation.

The Leatherback Trust