1
00:00:01,433 --> 00:00:10,233
♪

2
00:00:10,233 --> 00:00:12,400
Ariel: Surfing is 
a very unique sport

3
00:00:12,400 --> 00:00:14,900
because you're connected 
directly with nature,

4
00:00:14,900 --> 00:00:18,900
and it is like yourself 
and the ocean.

5
00:00:18,900 --> 00:00:22,400
Branden: Surfers are 
very in-tune.

6
00:00:22,400 --> 00:00:26,900
We pay attention 
to the winds, to the tides.

7
00:00:26,900 --> 00:00:31,133
We basically live our lives 
around the elements.

8
00:00:32,300 --> 00:00:35,700
Narrator: From beach breaks 
to remote coasts,

9
00:00:35,700 --> 00:00:39,833
surfers around the world 
have long been committed

10
00:00:39,833 --> 00:00:43,833
to protecting the waves 
that shape their lives.

11
00:00:43,833 --> 00:00:45,333
♪

12
00:00:45,333 --> 00:00:49,333
Diego: Surfers are 
an undervalued asset

13
00:00:49,333 --> 00:00:50,766
in conservation.

14
00:00:50,766 --> 00:00:52,266
You know, whether it's 
sea-level rise,

15
00:00:52,266 --> 00:00:54,300
whether it's pollution, 
whether it's water quality,

16
00:00:54,300 --> 00:00:56,633
surfers are really the canaries 
in the coal mine.

17
00:00:56,633 --> 00:00:59,300
♪

18
00:00:59,300 --> 00:01:02,066
Narrator: Supporting 
the surfing community

19
00:01:02,066 --> 00:01:06,566
is the Save the Waves Coalition, 
an international non-profit

20
00:01:06,566 --> 00:01:09,966
dedicated to the protection 
of surf breaks

21
00:01:09,966 --> 00:01:12,066
and surf ecosystems.

22
00:01:13,533 --> 00:01:17,033
Diego: We work very closely 
with local partners.

23
00:01:17,033 --> 00:01:19,433
And when we're invited 
to a place, we collaborate

24
00:01:19,433 --> 00:01:23,033
in whichever way we can to 
support that community's goals.

25
00:01:23,033 --> 00:01:28,066
♪

26
00:01:28,066 --> 00:01:30,200
Narrator: 
To assist local efforts,

27
00:01:30,200 --> 00:01:33,666
Save the Waves built 
the Surf Conservation Index

28
00:01:33,666 --> 00:01:37,533
to identify surf breaks 
where biodiversity,

29
00:01:37,533 --> 00:01:41,033
threats, and potential 
for change intersect.

30
00:01:42,500 --> 00:01:45,166
They're also working 
with local communities

31
00:01:45,166 --> 00:01:47,700
to create 
World Surfing Reserves,

32
00:01:47,700 --> 00:01:49,766
a non-binding recognition

33
00:01:49,766 --> 00:01:52,000
that empowers 
these communities to create

34
00:01:52,000 --> 00:01:54,633
lasting protections.

35
00:01:54,633 --> 00:01:56,800
Diego: 
When Save the Waves declares

36
00:01:56,800 --> 00:01:58,800
a World Surfing Reserve, 
it forms

37
00:01:58,800 --> 00:02:01,833
a Local Stewardship Council, 
which is that community

38
00:02:01,833 --> 00:02:03,600
that got together 
and applied to become

39
00:02:03,600 --> 00:02:05,600
a World Surfing Reserve 
because they understand

40
00:02:05,600 --> 00:02:07,600
that this surf ecosystem 
needs protection.

41
00:02:07,600 --> 00:02:09,600
♪

42
00:02:09,600 --> 00:02:12,600
Narrator: Since 2010, 
Save the Waves has

43
00:02:12,600 --> 00:02:16,100
designated 13 
World Surfing Reserves--

44
00:02:16,100 --> 00:02:19,600
from Australia to Peru 
to Portugal.

45
00:02:19,600 --> 00:02:21,600
In 2022,

46
00:02:21,600 --> 00:02:24,600
the 7-kilometer surf break 
at Playa Hermosa

47
00:02:24,600 --> 00:02:27,600
in Costa Rica became 
the first reserve

48
00:02:27,600 --> 00:02:29,600
in Central America.

49
00:02:29,600 --> 00:02:34,100
♪

50
00:02:34,100 --> 00:02:36,600
Playa Hermosa is 
celebrated not only

51
00:02:36,600 --> 00:02:40,333
for its epic surf breaks 
and consistent swells,

52
00:02:40,333 --> 00:02:43,633
but also for its vital 
ecosystems,

53
00:02:43,633 --> 00:02:46,933
which include estuaries 
and mangroves.

54
00:02:46,933 --> 00:02:49,533
Rich in biodiversity,

55
00:02:49,533 --> 00:02:52,533
it is home to 61 
threatened species,

56
00:02:52,533 --> 00:02:57,200
among them the iconic 
scarlet macaw.

57
00:02:57,200 --> 00:03:01,266
By day, its warm waters 
are a sanctuary

58
00:03:01,266 --> 00:03:04,033
for surfers 
and crocodiles alike,

59
00:03:04,033 --> 00:03:08,033
while by night, it transforms 
into a nesting ground

60
00:03:08,033 --> 00:03:12,533
for three endangered species 
of sea turtles.

61
00:03:12,533 --> 00:03:14,533
♪

62
00:03:14,533 --> 00:03:17,533
The local surfing community 
began protecting

63
00:03:17,533 --> 00:03:20,966
small sections of beach 
in the 1990s.

64
00:03:20,966 --> 00:03:23,966
More recently, 
sustainability advocate

65
00:03:23,966 --> 00:03:27,466
and surfer Laura Zumbado 
recognized

66
00:03:27,466 --> 00:03:29,966
the need to expand 
these protections

67
00:03:29,966 --> 00:03:34,466
for Playa Hermosa's 
cherished surf ecosystem.

68
00:03:34,466 --> 00:03:35,966
Laura: 
Each World Surfing Reserve

69
00:03:35,966 --> 00:03:37,466
has different threats.

70
00:03:37,466 --> 00:03:39,800
Here in Playa Hermosa, 
our biggest threat

71
00:03:39,800 --> 00:03:42,466
is the unsustainable 
development

72
00:03:42,466 --> 00:03:45,100
and urban growth 
that threaten

73
00:03:45,100 --> 00:03:48,100
the natural ecosystems 
and services.

74
00:03:48,100 --> 00:03:51,200
♪

75
00:03:51,200 --> 00:03:52,700
[Children shouting]

76
00:03:52,700 --> 00:03:55,566
Laura: If we really want 
to live in a place

77
00:03:55,566 --> 00:03:59,433
that holds these values, 
and especially surf values,

78
00:03:59,433 --> 00:04:03,600
we really need to develop 
in a sustainable way.

79
00:04:03,600 --> 00:04:06,600
Diego: What this 
World Surf Reserve does,

80
00:04:06,600 --> 00:04:09,366
is that it really creates 
consciousness,

81
00:04:09,366 --> 00:04:12,533
and I think that with that 
comes the responsibility,

82
00:04:12,533 --> 00:04:15,866
since we got it, to take it 
to the next level.

83
00:04:15,866 --> 00:04:18,733
[Indistinct shouting]

84
00:04:18,733 --> 00:04:20,900
Narrator: How will 
the community unite

85
00:04:20,900 --> 00:04:24,166
to protect this fragile 
surf ecosystem?

86
00:04:24,166 --> 00:04:26,466
And what challenges 
lie ahead

87
00:04:26,466 --> 00:04:30,166
in safeguarding 
Playa Hermosa's powerful waves

88
00:04:30,166 --> 00:04:32,966
for generations to come?

89
00:04:32,966 --> 00:04:34,966
[Theme music playing]

90
00:04:34,966 --> 00:04:54,466
♪

91
00:04:54,466 --> 00:04:57,466
Announcer: Major funding 
for this program was provided

92
00:04:57,466 --> 00:05:00,966
by the Batchelor Foundation, 
encouraging people

93
00:05:00,966 --> 00:05:05,866
to preserve and protect 
America's underwater resources.

94
00:05:05,866 --> 00:05:10,200
Additional funding was provided 
by the Parrot Family Endowment

95
00:05:10,200 --> 00:05:13,233
for Environmental Education.

96
00:05:14,400 --> 00:05:23,366
♪

97
00:05:23,366 --> 00:05:26,800
Narrator: Nestled along 
Costa Rica's Pacific coast,

98
00:05:26,800 --> 00:05:29,866
the beach break 
at Playa Hermosa draws in

99
00:05:29,866 --> 00:05:32,566
only the bravest 
of surfers.

100
00:05:32,566 --> 00:05:35,233
As breathtaking 
as it is formidable,

101
00:05:35,233 --> 00:05:38,733
this world-renowned wave 
captures the heart

102
00:05:38,733 --> 00:05:41,800
of everyone who dares 
to ride it.

103
00:05:43,266 --> 00:05:45,600
Anyone who comes 
to the Central Pacific area

104
00:05:45,600 --> 00:05:48,366
of Costa Rica will come surf 
Playa Hermosa.

105
00:05:48,366 --> 00:05:51,366
It's--you know, it's kind of 
a surfer's rite of passage.

106
00:05:51,366 --> 00:05:52,900
Surfer: Ha ha!

107
00:05:52,900 --> 00:05:56,900
Branden: It's just 
a paradise for surfers.

108
00:05:56,900 --> 00:05:59,366
People travel here from all 
over the world to surf.

109
00:05:59,366 --> 00:06:03,033
It has waves every single day 
of good to epic conditions.

110
00:06:03,033 --> 00:06:06,533
The entire Pacific 
propagates swell

111
00:06:06,533 --> 00:06:09,433
in this little corner 
here year-round.

112
00:06:09,433 --> 00:06:12,433
Alejandro: We have waves, 
tons of waves,

113
00:06:12,433 --> 00:06:14,433
thousands of waves, 
every day.

114
00:06:14,433 --> 00:06:18,100
And that brings people 
from all around the world

115
00:06:18,100 --> 00:06:22,133
to try the wave and to see if 
they have the skills to surf it.

116
00:06:22,133 --> 00:06:23,966
♪

117
00:06:23,966 --> 00:06:27,333
Narrator: Known as Costa Rica's 
"National Surf Stadium,"

118
00:06:27,333 --> 00:06:31,333
Playa Hermosa hosts 
world-class surf competitions

119
00:06:31,333 --> 00:06:34,333
and is a hub 
where Olympic athletes

120
00:06:34,333 --> 00:06:38,266
and aspiring pros 
hone their craft.

121
00:06:38,266 --> 00:06:40,766
Daniel: Playa Hermosa 
is probably

122
00:06:40,766 --> 00:06:43,200
the most important wave 
in Costa Rica.

123
00:06:43,200 --> 00:06:46,533
It's our training ground 
and what will take

124
00:06:46,533 --> 00:06:49,200
Costa Rican surfing 
to another level.

125
00:06:49,200 --> 00:06:51,166
♪

126
00:06:51,166 --> 00:06:55,000
Playa Hermosa is a very, 
very powerful beach break.

127
00:06:55,000 --> 00:06:57,500
It's super-strong, 
and the waves have

128
00:06:57,500 --> 00:07:00,500
these amazing characteristics, 
like some are super-tubular,

129
00:07:00,500 --> 00:07:04,800
some are super-fast 
and steep, so this

130
00:07:04,800 --> 00:07:09,700
is mainly for advanced 
or pro surfers.

131
00:07:09,700 --> 00:07:13,633
Isabella: Las pequeñas 
son muy difíciles de manejar.

132
00:07:13,633 --> 00:07:18,133
Las grandes son un poquito 
difíciles también,

133
00:07:18,133 --> 00:07:20,466
porque son un poquito 
más grandes.

134
00:07:20,466 --> 00:07:23,300
Las medianas son perfectas.

135
00:07:23,300 --> 00:07:25,466
♪

136
00:07:25,466 --> 00:07:28,066
Narrator: This consistent 
and challenging surf break

137
00:07:28,066 --> 00:07:30,866
has also become 
the training ground

138
00:07:30,866 --> 00:07:35,033
for the next generation 
of Costa Rican surfers.

139
00:07:35,033 --> 00:07:39,200
Branden: The kids here that surf 
are at an amazing level,

140
00:07:39,200 --> 00:07:41,700
and they're all 
progressing very fast.

141
00:07:41,700 --> 00:07:45,200
And it's creating 
a community of kids here

142
00:07:45,200 --> 00:07:48,200
that are just 
incredible surfers.

143
00:07:48,200 --> 00:07:50,200
♪

144
00:07:50,200 --> 00:07:52,200
Ariel: You see 
new people coming,

145
00:07:52,200 --> 00:07:54,533
new young people starting,

146
00:07:54,533 --> 00:07:58,533
and it's very exciting 
to see what the future is.

147
00:07:58,533 --> 00:08:08,500
♪

148
00:08:08,500 --> 00:08:12,566
Narrator: Surfing is also vital 
to local livelihoods.

149
00:08:12,566 --> 00:08:16,566
Hotels, restaurants, shops, 
and surf instructors

150
00:08:16,566 --> 00:08:18,933
all rely on the wave 
of income

151
00:08:18,933 --> 00:08:22,200
brought in 
by Playa Hermosa's swell.

152
00:08:22,200 --> 00:08:24,200
To measure this impact,

153
00:08:24,200 --> 00:08:27,700
Save the Waves developed 
"surfonomics"

154
00:08:27,700 --> 00:08:32,300
to quantify the economic value 
of the surf break.

155
00:08:32,300 --> 00:08:34,466
It's really a tool 
that allows us to explain

156
00:08:34,466 --> 00:08:36,800
to government and other 
stakeholders the value

157
00:08:36,800 --> 00:08:38,866
of this wave 
in economic terms.

158
00:08:38,866 --> 00:08:41,333
Because of that wave, 
that money's coming in.

159
00:08:41,333 --> 00:08:44,366
If that wave wasn't there, 
that money wouldn't come in.

160
00:08:44,366 --> 00:08:48,366
Narrator: A 2021 
surfonomics study showed

161
00:08:48,366 --> 00:08:51,566
that this small town 
of about 1,000 residents

162
00:08:51,566 --> 00:08:56,066
hosts 15,000 
surf visitors each year.

163
00:08:56,066 --> 00:09:01,000
Those visitors bring 
over $14 million in revenue,

164
00:09:01,000 --> 00:09:04,566
making Playa Hermosa's 
world-class surf break

165
00:09:04,566 --> 00:09:08,333
a crucial source of income 
for the local community.

166
00:09:08,333 --> 00:09:11,000
Diego: So it's a really 
big part of the economy.

167
00:09:11,000 --> 00:09:14,166
Everyone relies on this wave, 
not only for the economy,

168
00:09:14,166 --> 00:09:16,700
but all these other benefits 
that it brings.

169
00:09:16,700 --> 00:09:22,733
♪

170
00:09:22,733 --> 00:09:24,733
Narrator: 
Among those benefits

171
00:09:24,733 --> 00:09:29,600
is the intangible Costa Rican 
spirit of "Pura Vida."

172
00:09:29,600 --> 00:09:34,133
Catching a wave is simply 
a way of life.

173
00:09:34,133 --> 00:09:36,133
Diego: The surf break here 
in Playa Hermosa

174
00:09:36,133 --> 00:09:37,633
is key to the community.

175
00:09:37,633 --> 00:09:39,133
You know, 
when the waves are good,

176
00:09:39,133 --> 00:09:40,500
you feel it in the air.

177
00:09:40,500 --> 00:09:42,000
The whole community's 
happy.

178
00:09:42,000 --> 00:09:44,066
Everyone's super-stoked 
to be out there.

179
00:09:44,066 --> 00:09:46,566
We depend on surf, we live surf,

180
00:09:46,566 --> 00:09:49,066
and it's completely embedded 
into the lifestyle

181
00:09:49,066 --> 00:09:51,300
of this community.

182
00:09:51,300 --> 00:09:54,300
♪

183
00:09:54,300 --> 00:09:57,500
Narrator: The vital importance 
of Playa Hermosa's waves

184
00:09:57,500 --> 00:10:01,000
has been clear to the community 
for decades.

185
00:10:01,000 --> 00:10:04,333
Early protections 
eventually expanded into

186
00:10:04,333 --> 00:10:08,333
the Playa Hermosa-Punta Mala 
National Wildlife Refuge,

187
00:10:08,333 --> 00:10:12,333
safeguarding most of the beach 
and the coastal mangroves.

188
00:10:12,333 --> 00:10:16,500
Now, the World Surfing Reserve 
plays a crucial role

189
00:10:16,500 --> 00:10:19,500
in advocating 
for broader protections

190
00:10:19,500 --> 00:10:23,500
of essential elements 
of the surf ecosystem.

191
00:10:23,500 --> 00:10:26,000
Laura: The World Surfing Reserve 
limits are shaped

192
00:10:26,000 --> 00:10:28,333
by the rivers 
and their watersheds.

193
00:10:28,333 --> 00:10:31,700
It's key 
to have healthy rivers,

194
00:10:31,700 --> 00:10:34,466
to have healthy surf spots.

195
00:10:34,466 --> 00:10:37,866
♪

196
00:10:37,866 --> 00:10:39,866
Diego: The surf ecosystem 
is really

197
00:10:39,866 --> 00:10:41,566
that land-to-sea connection.

198
00:10:41,566 --> 00:10:43,566
Everything you do 
on land affects

199
00:10:43,566 --> 00:10:46,566
the nearshore environment 
where that wave exists.

200
00:10:46,566 --> 00:10:49,566
So, here in Playa Hermosa, 
the water flows down

201
00:10:49,566 --> 00:10:52,566
these mountains, brings all 
the sediment, and then creates

202
00:10:52,566 --> 00:10:55,066
the sandbars that then 
create those waves.

203
00:10:55,066 --> 00:10:57,066
♪

204
00:10:57,066 --> 00:10:59,566
Narrator: Sandbars are 
crucial for surfers

205
00:10:59,566 --> 00:11:02,300
because they allow waves 
to break farther

206
00:11:02,300 --> 00:11:05,800
from the shore, creating 
a clean, open face

207
00:11:05,800 --> 00:11:07,866
perfect for riding.

208
00:11:07,866 --> 00:11:10,366
Without these sandbars,

209
00:11:10,366 --> 00:11:12,866
waves break directly 
on the beach,

210
00:11:12,866 --> 00:11:16,566
leading to increased 
shoreline erosion.

211
00:11:17,766 --> 00:11:20,600
The Tulin River carries 
the sediment that forms

212
00:11:20,600 --> 00:11:25,500
the sandbar and also nourishes 
the mangroves at its mouth.

213
00:11:25,500 --> 00:11:29,833
These natural barriers provide 
habitat for crocodiles,

214
00:11:29,833 --> 00:11:32,466
local birds, 
and other wildlife,

215
00:11:32,466 --> 00:11:36,466
and further protect 
the shoreline from erosion.

216
00:11:36,466 --> 00:11:39,266
Laura: This mangrove 
is really a survivor.

217
00:11:39,266 --> 00:11:42,066
It's a small batch 
of mangrove, but it's

218
00:11:42,066 --> 00:11:46,400
very threatened because 
of agricultural activities

219
00:11:46,400 --> 00:11:49,400
and urban development, 
and it's key for us

220
00:11:49,400 --> 00:11:53,133
to protect it 
and to regenerate it.

221
00:11:53,133 --> 00:11:56,300
Narrator: Another crucial 
element of the surf ecosystem

222
00:11:56,300 --> 00:11:59,300
is the wetlands 
along Playa Hermosa.

223
00:11:59,300 --> 00:12:03,133
In areas where these wetlands 
have already been altered,

224
00:12:03,133 --> 00:12:07,300
faster-running water is now 
eroding sections of the beach,

225
00:12:07,300 --> 00:12:11,800
making it unusable 
for both surfers and wildlife.

226
00:12:11,800 --> 00:12:14,100
Diego: Here in Playa Hermosa, 
the surf ecosystem

227
00:12:14,100 --> 00:12:17,266
is highly influenced by water, 
and whatever you do

228
00:12:17,266 --> 00:12:20,133
to water movement in this area, 
whatever changes

229
00:12:20,133 --> 00:12:23,900
in any of these catchments 
will ultimately impact the wave.

230
00:12:23,900 --> 00:12:27,733
Even when it rains 
really hard, it'll hold off

231
00:12:27,733 --> 00:12:31,366
from eroding that coastline 
or that part of the beach.

232
00:12:31,366 --> 00:12:34,366
But as you develop, as you 
channel some of that water,

233
00:12:34,366 --> 00:12:36,533
and those wetlands get 
destroyed, you start

234
00:12:36,533 --> 00:12:39,533
to see the water flow 
much faster.

235
00:12:39,533 --> 00:12:41,866
Laura: We really need 
to think about, "OK,

236
00:12:41,866 --> 00:12:44,300
"the water inland matters,

237
00:12:44,300 --> 00:12:47,566
"because if it comes 
in different quantity

238
00:12:47,566 --> 00:12:51,500
"and quality than it 
naturally comes,

239
00:12:51,500 --> 00:12:55,000
it will affect 
our surf quality."

240
00:12:55,000 --> 00:12:58,000
And we are damaging 
that balance

241
00:12:58,000 --> 00:13:01,200
with our current level 
of development.

242
00:13:01,200 --> 00:13:03,200
♪

243
00:13:03,200 --> 00:13:05,900
Narrator: As more 
of Playa Hermosa is built up,

244
00:13:05,900 --> 00:13:09,400
members of the Reserve's 
Local Stewardship Council

245
00:13:09,400 --> 00:13:12,233
are increasingly concerned 
about how

246
00:13:12,233 --> 00:13:14,633
this growth will unfold.

247
00:13:14,633 --> 00:13:17,633
What we really aim 
in the World Surfing Reserve

248
00:13:17,633 --> 00:13:19,633
is to have 
a different vision

249
00:13:19,633 --> 00:13:22,633
of how we can grow 
in a sustainable way.

250
00:13:22,633 --> 00:13:24,633
We really want smart,

251
00:13:24,633 --> 00:13:28,633
climate-ready investments 
to happen here in Playa Hermosa.

252
00:13:28,633 --> 00:13:32,833
It's because it also 
makes economical sense.

253
00:13:32,833 --> 00:13:37,833
Alejandro: So, the idea 
is trying to...get together

254
00:13:37,833 --> 00:13:41,833
with the developers to do 
a right developing

255
00:13:41,833 --> 00:13:44,200
of the area.

256
00:13:44,200 --> 00:13:46,866
A sustainable development 
first understands

257
00:13:46,866 --> 00:13:49,500
the characteristics 
of the place, the character,

258
00:13:49,500 --> 00:13:52,500
the essence, 
what makes it so unique,

259
00:13:52,500 --> 00:13:56,066
not only for us humans, 
also for other species.

260
00:13:56,066 --> 00:14:00,066
♪

261
00:14:00,066 --> 00:14:02,133
Narrator: While surfers try 
to balance their needs

262
00:14:02,133 --> 00:14:04,166
with developers by day,

263
00:14:04,166 --> 00:14:06,666
a threatened species relies

264
00:14:06,666 --> 00:14:09,933
on Playa Hermosa's 
beach by night.

265
00:14:09,933 --> 00:14:11,933
♪

266
00:14:11,933 --> 00:14:13,933
Each year, thousands

267
00:14:13,933 --> 00:14:16,933
of Olive Ridley turtles 
return to these shores

268
00:14:16,933 --> 00:14:22,000
to lay their nests under 
the cover of darkness.

269
00:14:22,000 --> 00:14:25,000
Las tortugas se utilizan 
como especie sombrilla,

270
00:14:25,000 --> 00:14:29,000
son indicadores 
para determinar

271
00:14:29,000 --> 00:14:30,833
y ayudar al ecosistema.

272
00:14:30,833 --> 00:14:34,500
La lora es una especie 
que está en peligro

273
00:14:34,500 --> 00:14:38,000
de extinción, es vulnerable, 
y por lo tanto,

274
00:14:38,000 --> 00:14:40,366
la debemos de trabajar.

275
00:14:40,366 --> 00:14:43,033
Narrator: At the 
Playa Hermosa-Punta Mala

276
00:14:43,033 --> 00:14:46,366
Wildlife Refuge, 
park rangers collaborate

277
00:14:46,366 --> 00:14:49,700
with trained volunteers 
during turtle nesting season

278
00:14:49,700 --> 00:14:52,800
to monitor the beaches 
of Playa Hermosa

279
00:14:52,800 --> 00:14:55,300
and Punta Mala.

280
00:14:55,300 --> 00:15:00,100
La importancia de la playa 
es esencial en el ciclo

281
00:15:00,100 --> 00:15:02,333
de reproducción, 
porque es la zona

282
00:15:02,333 --> 00:15:04,700
donde la tortuga 
viene a nacer.

283
00:15:04,700 --> 00:15:08,200
Todas las tortugas regresan 
a esas playas.

284
00:15:08,200 --> 00:15:10,200
Narrator: In Playa Hermosa,

285
00:15:10,200 --> 00:15:13,200
Olive Ridleys are 
solitary nesters.

286
00:15:13,200 --> 00:15:16,200
A lone female will crawl 
to the upper beach

287
00:15:16,200 --> 00:15:18,866
in the early morning hours 
and lay

288
00:15:18,866 --> 00:15:22,733
nearly 100 eggs 
in a single nest.

289
00:15:22,733 --> 00:15:25,700
After securing the nest 
by patting it down,

290
00:15:25,700 --> 00:15:28,033
she will leave her eggs 
to incubate

291
00:15:28,033 --> 00:15:30,033
deep in the sand

292
00:15:30,033 --> 00:15:34,200
before slipping silently 
into the dark sea.

293
00:15:34,200 --> 00:15:39,200
♪

294
00:15:39,200 --> 00:15:42,700
As part of the conservation 
process, when rangers

295
00:15:42,700 --> 00:15:46,133
or trained volunteers find 
a newly-laid nest,

296
00:15:46,133 --> 00:15:49,300
they carefully collect 
the eggs to protect them

297
00:15:49,300 --> 00:15:52,800
from wild predators, 
as well as human poachers,

298
00:15:52,800 --> 00:15:55,233
who sell them 
as a delicacy.

299
00:15:55,233 --> 00:15:59,733
It's estimated that only one 
in 1,000 eggs

300
00:15:59,733 --> 00:16:03,766
will produce a turtle 
that reaches sexual maturity.

301
00:16:03,766 --> 00:16:05,766
With such odds,

302
00:16:05,766 --> 00:16:08,766
every hatchling 
must be protected.

303
00:16:08,766 --> 00:16:11,266
♪

304
00:16:11,266 --> 00:16:13,533
The collected eggs are 
then transported

305
00:16:13,533 --> 00:16:18,000
directly to the hatchery 
at Punta Mala Wildlife Refuge.

306
00:16:18,000 --> 00:16:22,600
♪

307
00:16:22,600 --> 00:16:24,600
With the monitoring process, 
with the volunteers,

308
00:16:24,600 --> 00:16:28,100
we always aim to take 
as many nests as possible.

309
00:16:28,100 --> 00:16:31,100
Last year, approximately 
30% of the nests

310
00:16:31,100 --> 00:16:33,100
were stolen for food,

311
00:16:33,100 --> 00:16:35,700
30% were eaten 
by other animals,

312
00:16:35,700 --> 00:16:38,733
and we took 
approximately 9%.

313
00:16:38,733 --> 00:16:41,700
♪

314
00:16:41,700 --> 00:16:45,333
Hace que sea esencial 
el traer el nido

315
00:16:45,333 --> 00:16:49,566
al vivero para que aquí 
la tortuga tenga una oportunidad

316
00:16:49,566 --> 00:16:52,600
de nacer y podamos hacer 
que regrese.

317
00:16:52,600 --> 00:16:55,600
Si lo dejamos en la playa, 
esa tasa

318
00:16:55,600 --> 00:16:58,200
de nacimiento caería mucho.

319
00:16:58,200 --> 00:17:01,833
El vivero se vuelve 
una herramienta de conservación.

320
00:17:01,833 --> 00:17:06,233
Narrator: At the hatchery, 
the eggs are carefully reburied.

321
00:17:06,233 --> 00:17:08,566
Every effort is made 
to replicate

322
00:17:08,566 --> 00:17:11,566
the natural conditions 
of the original nest,

323
00:17:11,566 --> 00:17:15,066
including depth and shape; 
sand consistency;

324
00:17:15,066 --> 00:17:19,066
and moisture levels-- 
to provide the best chance

325
00:17:19,066 --> 00:17:21,066
for survival.

326
00:17:21,066 --> 00:17:23,566
♪

327
00:17:23,566 --> 00:17:27,233
To monitor hatching rates 
and threats like poaching,

328
00:17:27,233 --> 00:17:30,700
predation, beach erosion, 
and pollution, rangers

329
00:17:30,700 --> 00:17:35,133
and volunteers conduct yearly 
National Protocol surveys.

330
00:17:35,133 --> 00:17:37,400
At dawn 
during nesting season,

331
00:17:37,400 --> 00:17:40,833
they patrol the beaches, 
documenting nest locations,

332
00:17:40,833 --> 00:17:43,333
turtle tracks, 
and any signs

333
00:17:43,333 --> 00:17:46,366
of disturbance 
or poaching.

334
00:17:46,366 --> 00:17:50,200
The Protocol, 
we started in 2022,

335
00:17:50,200 --> 00:17:52,466
so we have already 
three years of data,

336
00:17:52,466 --> 00:17:55,466
because the idea is to compare 
season after season.

337
00:17:55,466 --> 00:17:57,833
But we need to compare 
with another season

338
00:17:57,833 --> 00:18:00,533
because, with sea turtles, 
they are, like,

339
00:18:00,533 --> 00:18:03,866
a long-term study 
because they live long lives.

340
00:18:03,866 --> 00:18:07,166
So, we need at least a base 
of five to ten years

341
00:18:07,166 --> 00:18:09,200
to see if it's the normal 
tendency of the population,

342
00:18:09,200 --> 00:18:11,533
or if it's caused by 
the human impact.

343
00:18:11,533 --> 00:18:13,533
♪

344
00:18:13,533 --> 00:18:15,533
Narrator: Rangers can 
clearly assess threats

345
00:18:15,533 --> 00:18:19,033
from illegal poaching 
and predation by local animals

346
00:18:19,033 --> 00:18:23,033
like coatis, raccoons, 
and possums,

347
00:18:23,033 --> 00:18:25,700
but these are not 
the only dangers

348
00:18:25,700 --> 00:18:29,033
to the viability of nests 
on the beach.

349
00:18:29,033 --> 00:18:31,433
So, in Hermosa, you face 
another challenge

350
00:18:31,433 --> 00:18:33,933
like development 
that already exists

351
00:18:33,933 --> 00:18:36,600
and the development 
that is coming.

352
00:18:36,600 --> 00:18:41,500
So, there's a lot of noise 
in the future, light pollution.

353
00:18:41,500 --> 00:18:45,500
There's cars all the time 
coming and going.

354
00:18:45,500 --> 00:18:49,500
There's many factors 
that affect the turtles.

355
00:18:49,500 --> 00:18:59,300
♪

356
00:18:59,300 --> 00:19:01,366
Narrator: 
Back at the hatchery,

357
00:19:01,366 --> 00:19:03,366
nests that have been 
carefully monitored

358
00:19:03,366 --> 00:19:06,300
during their 45- 
to 60-day incubation

359
00:19:06,300 --> 00:19:10,300
are opened to remove 
the successful hatchlings.

360
00:19:10,300 --> 00:19:13,300
The baby turtles are then 
released at the exact spot

361
00:19:13,300 --> 00:19:18,133
on the beach where the eggs 
were originally collected.

362
00:19:18,133 --> 00:19:21,066
¿Este proceso es sumamente 
importante para las tortugas

363
00:19:21,066 --> 00:19:24,866
en esa etapa, 
porque es es el momento

364
00:19:24,866 --> 00:19:26,866
en el que las tortugas, 
verdad?

365
00:19:26,866 --> 00:19:30,500
¿Como que marcan 
en su GPS interno, verdad?

366
00:19:30,500 --> 00:19:32,866
El lugar de donde 
ellas están naciendo.

367
00:19:32,866 --> 00:19:35,200
Si nosotros no hacemos 
este proceso, bien,

368
00:19:35,200 --> 00:19:37,866
ellas no pueden marcar 
su GPS interno.

369
00:19:37,866 --> 00:19:41,033
¿Y entonces no podrán volver 
a nuestras playas, verdad?

370
00:19:41,033 --> 00:19:43,866
Costarricense para 
depositar sus huevos.

371
00:19:43,866 --> 00:19:50,466
♪

372
00:19:50,466 --> 00:19:53,600
Creo que la tortuga 
es una especie que enamora,

373
00:19:53,600 --> 00:19:57,633
enamora porque la podés 
ver cuando llega,

374
00:19:57,633 --> 00:20:02,500
cuando pone el huevo 
y usted trabaja con eso,

375
00:20:02,500 --> 00:20:05,666
usted lo planta, usted se 
vuelve una mamá tortuga.

376
00:20:05,666 --> 00:20:08,800
Usted al final termina siendo 
también una tortuga.

377
00:20:08,800 --> 00:20:11,966
Y cuando esas tortugas 
nacen, son como tus hijos.

378
00:20:11,966 --> 00:20:17,666
Entonces ese afecto que genera 
este proceso es cautivador.

379
00:20:17,666 --> 00:20:23,400
Es muy importante y ver a futuro 
dentro de 12 15 años regresar

380
00:20:23,400 --> 00:20:29,300
tortugas, y que tal vez pienses, 
"esta tortuga yo la vi nacer."

381
00:20:31,100 --> 00:20:34,600
♪

382
00:20:34,600 --> 00:20:36,600
Narrator: While 
the World Surfing Reserve's

383
00:20:36,600 --> 00:20:41,100
Local Stewardship Council works 
to expand the wildlife refuge

384
00:20:41,100 --> 00:20:44,300
and establish legally 
enforceable protections,

385
00:20:44,300 --> 00:20:47,800
it also focuses 
on community-driven projects

386
00:20:47,800 --> 00:20:51,933
aimed at preserving 
the ecosystem wherever possible.

387
00:20:51,933 --> 00:20:54,100
One such effort

388
00:20:54,100 --> 00:20:56,800
is the restoration 
of the coastal forests

389
00:20:56,800 --> 00:20:59,266
that once lined 
this surf break,

390
00:20:59,266 --> 00:21:01,500
providing shade 
for surfers

391
00:21:01,500 --> 00:21:04,300
and habitat 
for scarlet macaws.

392
00:21:04,300 --> 00:21:06,300
♪

393
00:21:06,300 --> 00:21:08,466
Daniel: Coastal forests are 
actually very important

394
00:21:08,466 --> 00:21:10,966
to surfing, especially 
these places that are

395
00:21:10,966 --> 00:21:13,966
beach breaks because 
they control erosion,

396
00:21:13,966 --> 00:21:15,966
so they stabilize 
the sand dunes,

397
00:21:15,966 --> 00:21:18,966
and the quality of the waves 
are determined

398
00:21:18,966 --> 00:21:21,400
by those sand dunes. 
So, if we have no forest

399
00:21:21,400 --> 00:21:23,566
and there's a lot 
of erosion,

400
00:21:23,566 --> 00:21:25,933
we're probably going to lose 
the quality of the wave.

401
00:21:25,933 --> 00:21:27,933
♪

402
00:21:27,933 --> 00:21:31,633
Narrator: Local Stewardship 
Council member Daniel Uribe

403
00:21:31,633 --> 00:21:35,633
is the founder 
of Costas Verdes, a non-profit

404
00:21:35,633 --> 00:21:39,133
dedicated to reforesting 
coastal ecosystems.

405
00:21:39,133 --> 00:21:42,633
Since 2009, 
his team has planted

406
00:21:42,633 --> 00:21:45,633
nearly 100,000 tree starts

407
00:21:45,633 --> 00:21:48,633
along Costa Rican beaches.

408
00:21:48,633 --> 00:21:51,800
Now, Costas Verdes 
has partnered

409
00:21:51,800 --> 00:21:55,966
with the World Surfing Reserve 
to restore the micro-watershed

410
00:21:55,966 --> 00:21:57,966
at the north end 
of Playa Hermosa,

411
00:21:57,966 --> 00:22:02,466
a more commercial area 
outside the wildlife refuge.

412
00:22:02,466 --> 00:22:04,466
♪

413
00:22:04,466 --> 00:22:07,700
Laura: We chose to work 
in this micro-watershed

414
00:22:07,700 --> 00:22:11,200
because it's the last patch 
of forest that connects

415
00:22:11,200 --> 00:22:14,300
the ocean with these 
Playa Hermosa mountains,

416
00:22:14,300 --> 00:22:18,433
and it's this last bit 
of how Playa Hermosa was.

417
00:22:18,433 --> 00:22:21,933
So, we chose this 
as a model of how

418
00:22:21,933 --> 00:22:24,300
we can regenerate 
Playa Hermosa

419
00:22:24,300 --> 00:22:27,466
and to bring people 
in contact with nature.

420
00:22:27,466 --> 00:22:29,600
[Indistinct shouting]

421
00:22:29,600 --> 00:22:33,100
♪

422
00:22:33,100 --> 00:22:36,200
Narrator: Another partner 
in restoring this watershed

423
00:22:36,200 --> 00:22:39,700
is the Surf Dojo, which recently 
gave young surfers

424
00:22:39,700 --> 00:22:43,766
the opportunity to plant 
native trees at the site.

425
00:22:43,766 --> 00:22:46,533
Branden: In ten years 
or twenty years, they're going

426
00:22:46,533 --> 00:22:49,700
to be able to go in there 
and show their kids, "You know,

427
00:22:49,700 --> 00:22:53,200
look at the trees we planted, 
and look at this place now."

428
00:22:53,200 --> 00:22:55,700
You know, and that's what 
we want to create,

429
00:22:55,700 --> 00:22:59,366
are environmental stewards 
who actually have done the work

430
00:22:59,366 --> 00:23:02,366
and who have gotten 
their hands dirty

431
00:23:02,366 --> 00:23:06,066
and understand that what 
they do is important.

432
00:23:06,066 --> 00:23:08,466
Daniel: So, all the trees 
that have been planted there

433
00:23:08,466 --> 00:23:10,833
have been planted 
by the local schools,

434
00:23:10,833 --> 00:23:15,166
by local businesses, 
visitors,

435
00:23:15,166 --> 00:23:17,366
and it's been 
a successful project, right?

436
00:23:17,366 --> 00:23:19,500
They've seen it grow, 
and I think

437
00:23:19,500 --> 00:23:23,000
that if anybody threatens it, 
they're the first ones

438
00:23:23,000 --> 00:23:25,100
who are going to protect it. 
So, it's caused

439
00:23:25,100 --> 00:23:28,100
a lot of community pride 
and unity.

440
00:23:28,100 --> 00:23:30,266
[Indistinct chatter]

441
00:23:30,266 --> 00:23:32,266
♪

442
00:23:32,266 --> 00:23:34,500
Narrator: Playa Hermosa's 
next generation

443
00:23:34,500 --> 00:23:37,900
is also participating 
in turtle conservation

444
00:23:37,900 --> 00:23:41,100
through events hosted 
by the Wildlife Refuge,

445
00:23:41,100 --> 00:23:44,500
including releases 
of newly hatched turtles.

446
00:23:44,500 --> 00:23:46,500
♪

447
00:23:46,500 --> 00:23:49,166
La gente, el ver el asombro 
de la gente

448
00:23:49,166 --> 00:23:51,833
cuando los niños 
y las comunidades.

449
00:23:51,833 --> 00:23:55,333
Vas a liberar las tortugas 
y ellos pueden participar,

450
00:23:55,333 --> 00:23:58,500
y ver esas tortugas 
caminar en la playa,

451
00:23:58,500 --> 00:24:01,166
y eso me llena de orgullo.

452
00:24:01,166 --> 00:24:03,333
Y ver a los niños 
ponerles nombre,

453
00:24:03,333 --> 00:24:06,633
decir, todas estas cosas 
es súper cautivador.

454
00:24:06,633 --> 00:24:08,900
Es muy importante.

455
00:24:08,900 --> 00:24:11,833
Esto es algo que nosotros 
hacemos ahora,

456
00:24:11,833 --> 00:24:13,466
pero no lo vemos ahora.

457
00:24:13,466 --> 00:24:15,800
O sea, lo vamos a ver dentro 
de muchos años.

458
00:24:15,800 --> 00:24:21,333
Entonces mi esperanza 
sería poder lograr ver eso,

459
00:24:21,333 --> 00:24:22,533
poder lograr saber 
qué el esfuerzo que estamos

460
00:24:22,533 --> 00:24:25,866
haciendo ahora tiene futuro.

461
00:24:25,866 --> 00:24:29,366
♪

462
00:24:29,366 --> 00:24:32,866
Narrator: These combined efforts 
represent the first glimpse

463
00:24:32,866 --> 00:24:36,366
of a larger vision 
for the World Surfing Reserve

464
00:24:36,366 --> 00:24:39,700
and the surf ecosystem 
it seeks to protect,

465
00:24:39,700 --> 00:24:43,200
a sanctuary 
where future generations

466
00:24:43,200 --> 00:24:46,800
of surfers and turtles 
can continue

467
00:24:46,800 --> 00:24:50,700
to return to the beach 
they love.

468
00:24:50,700 --> 00:24:53,933
♪

469
00:24:53,933 --> 00:24:56,100
Diego: It's really important 
that people integrate

470
00:24:56,100 --> 00:24:58,100
this vision 
of surf ecosystem.

471
00:24:58,100 --> 00:25:00,533
It's not just the wave, 
but it's everything inland.

472
00:25:00,533 --> 00:25:02,600
It's everything 
at the beach.

473
00:25:02,600 --> 00:25:04,600
It's the constant changes 
that we're seeing

474
00:25:04,600 --> 00:25:06,766
through climate change, 
sea-level rise, erosion.

475
00:25:06,766 --> 00:25:09,266
All of that is going 
to factor in when you consider

476
00:25:09,266 --> 00:25:11,266
how is this wave going 
to change in time and how we

477
00:25:11,266 --> 00:25:13,766
should manage it 
into the future.

478
00:25:13,766 --> 00:25:17,366
♪

479
00:25:17,366 --> 00:25:22,033
It has been really amazing to be 
part of this huge coalition

480
00:25:22,033 --> 00:25:24,700
and to make Playa Hermosa 
part of this family

481
00:25:24,700 --> 00:25:28,033
of World Surfing Reserves-- 
people that truly believe

482
00:25:28,033 --> 00:25:30,966
in what they do 
and do it with a purpose.

483
00:25:30,966 --> 00:25:34,866
People that are hopeful 
about a better future.

484
00:25:34,866 --> 00:25:36,866
[Children clamoring]

485
00:25:36,866 --> 00:25:46,866
♪

486
00:25:48,033 --> 00:26:14,133
♪

487
00:26:14,133 --> 00:26:17,333
♪

488
00:26:18,466 --> 00:26:21,466
Announcer: Major funding 
for this program was provided

489
00:26:21,466 --> 00:26:24,966
by the Batchelor Foundation, 
encouraging people

490
00:26:24,966 --> 00:26:29,466
to preserve and protect 
America's underwater resources.

491
00:26:29,466 --> 00:26:31,800
Additional funding 
was provided

492
00:26:31,800 --> 00:26:36,766
by the Parrot Family Endowment 
for Environmental Education.

493
00:26:37,933 --> 00:26:40,566
♪