Moín Container Terminal promotes marine conservation with the release of more than 8,000 turtles at Moín Beach

• Joint project with Turtle Rescue Cahuita, universities, and national authorities reinforces protection of endangered species.
• Activities are open to the public and promote environmental education in the province of Limón.

Moín Container Terminal (MCT) kicked off a new sea turtle release season at Moín Beach, one of the most vital nesting sites on Costa Rica’s Caribbean coast. More than 8,000 newborn turtles, including hawksbill, green, and the iconic leatherback species—the latter classified as endangered—have already been released as part of an inter-institutional effort to protect marine biodiversity.

The initiative, led by MCT in partnership with Turtle Rescue Cahuita, is supported by a broad coalition of organizations and volunteers, including the National System of Conservation Areas (SINAC), the Municipality of Limón, the National Coast Guard Service, various public safety and investigative entities, and volunteers from the University of Costa Rica (UCR), the State Distance University (UNED), and PICNIC.

A vital ritual for survival

Each release, which takes place at dawn or dusk to minimize natural risks, allows the hatchlings to find their way to the ocean on their own. This instinctive behavior is key, as years later the turtles return to the same beach where they were born to reproduce.

“These actions have a direct impact on species protection: they increase the survival rate, reduce egg poaching, and strengthen community awareness of the importance of conserving our marine ecosystems,” said Krizia Cantón, MCT's Social Responsibility Coordinator.

The releases take place two to three times a week, depending on the natural birth rate. Each activity lasts approximately 30 to 60 minutes and is open to the public, offering an educational and emotional experience for all ages.

Protection from day one

The program includes a meticulous process of nest rescue and monitoring. The eggs are transferred to nurseries specially designed to replicate natural conditions, but with greater protection from predators or human threats.

Since the beginning of this season, 102 nests have been protected, with an average of 81 eggs per nest, representing approximately 8,262 marine lives in the process of active conservation.

Purposeful partnerships

This year, MCT reinforced its environmental commitment by adding Arcos Dorados, the franchise that operates the McDonald's brand in Latin America and the Caribbean, as one of its partners. The fast-food chain will provide refreshments to the teams participating in nighttime censuses and protection patrols alongside Turtle Rescue Cahuita.

This collaboration demonstrates how the union between purpose-driven companies can translate into tangible results for the protection of biodiversity.

A commitment to future generations

MCT's participation in this program is part of its sustainability focus, which is centered on building a resilient future for the next generations. The company actively promotes decarbonization, with the goal of achieving net zero emissions by 2040, supports the development of local communities, and promotes conservation initiatives in the areas where it operates.