York University interns have been coming to the biological station since 2004 through their York International Intern Program. They have focused on the mammal and turtle projects, as well as providing support to community projects.
As well as providing us with much needed assistance in the field during their 12 week placements York Interns gain valuable experience in different biological field techniques and the opportunity to develop their leadership skills.
As well as providing us with much needed assistance in the field during their 12 week placements York Interns gain valuable experience in different biological field techniques and the opportunity to develop their leadership skills.
2013 York Intern Interview
Part 1: Introduction and surprises and adjustments the interns had to make on arrival
Part 2: Favourite memories and how to get the most from your time here
Part 3: What to bring and what to expect on surveys
Part 4: How it feels to be going home after 3 months
Part 2: Favourite memories and how to get the most from your time here
Part 3: What to bring and what to expect on surveys
Part 4: How it feels to be going home after 3 months
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Sarah - YIIP 2012
I came to Cano Palma expecting to see the theories I have learned at university in practice (which I have), but I have learned much more here than I could have ever learned from a textbook.
One of the most important things I have learned is how tricky the balance is between conservation and the social needs of San Francisco, especially in relation to the turtle project on Playa Norte. I’ve seen just how important this balance is, and how it must be constantly adjusted in order to suit the needs of a specific community.
No amount of studying at York could replace this kind of first hand experience, nor could it better emphasize how complex and important effective conservation is.
One of the most important things I have learned is how tricky the balance is between conservation and the social needs of San Francisco, especially in relation to the turtle project on Playa Norte. I’ve seen just how important this balance is, and how it must be constantly adjusted in order to suit the needs of a specific community.
No amount of studying at York could replace this kind of first hand experience, nor could it better emphasize how complex and important effective conservation is.
Kirsten - YIIP 2012
Being at Cano Palma piqued my curiosity for how interactions between different stakeholders affect one another, and because of COTERC, for my masters, I have been able to conduct interviews with different groups in order to better understand how conservation on Playa Norte works. It allowed me to explore the relationships between the community, the station, other conservation organizations and government ministries, and how each affects one another – specifically, how sea turtle research impacts policies and laws.
Overall, the experience that I have gained at Cano Palma has been invaluable for helping to build a foundation for my understanding of conservation, and for understanding the complexities which conservationists face in practical settings.
Overall, the experience that I have gained at Cano Palma has been invaluable for helping to build a foundation for my understanding of conservation, and for understanding the complexities which conservationists face in practical settings.
Danai - YIIP 2011
Biodiversity was an important word and concept in my university classrooms and it still is. Despite all the teachings, readings, lectures and seminars that I was exposed to at York University, none of them were able to fully describe biodiversity the way Cano Palma Biological Station did.
Creating transects for the Large Mammal Monitoring Project in the Manicarian swamp forest opened up my senses to the dense, vibrant and very much so alive assemblage that encompasses the station. Amongst a myriad of things I learnt how to use a compass, track mammals, excavate turtle’s nests, appreciate nature, shower with frogs and ‘fight the mould’.
Cano Palma, a place with its challenges.
The population of San Francisco Township grows, in an area with very little economic opportunity for the locals outside of tourism. It occupied a very interesting place in my daily Cano Palma life after I was recruited into one of the football teams. Football with the boys in afternoon some of whom would turn into poachers later that evening!
Nevertheless I left Costa Rica with no regrets, I had accomplished what I hoped I would, that was to: see, touch, smell & hear (so many different sounds) the rainforest.
Three months was never enough…
Creating transects for the Large Mammal Monitoring Project in the Manicarian swamp forest opened up my senses to the dense, vibrant and very much so alive assemblage that encompasses the station. Amongst a myriad of things I learnt how to use a compass, track mammals, excavate turtle’s nests, appreciate nature, shower with frogs and ‘fight the mould’.
Cano Palma, a place with its challenges.
The population of San Francisco Township grows, in an area with very little economic opportunity for the locals outside of tourism. It occupied a very interesting place in my daily Cano Palma life after I was recruited into one of the football teams. Football with the boys in afternoon some of whom would turn into poachers later that evening!
Nevertheless I left Costa Rica with no regrets, I had accomplished what I hoped I would, that was to: see, touch, smell & hear (so many different sounds) the rainforest.
Three months was never enough…