ECO MAYTO A.C. was founded in 2005, and since then, we have worked tirelessly with the 10 coastal communities of Cabo Corrientes in order to raise awareness of the importance of scientific research projects, due to the fact that many species, especially the sea turtle, were exploited for several years in this region, driving populations to near disappearance in the area.

The project is funded by the thousands of students and volunteers that participate in our program year after year. Therefore, our main objective is to provide these students with the necessary tools to develop an understanding in sea turtle fieldwork biology, while at the same time making the experience memorable and enjoyable. This is provided through educational and practical workshops, in which students become active agents of environmental protection, not only during their stay, but also when they return to their hometowns.

Patrolling the 12 Km beach and relocating sea turtle nests are daily activities at camp, however, our comprehensive program contemplates a wide range of activities for all visitors such as: reforestation of timber and mangrove trees in the region, collection, separation and recycling of plastic waste, as well as interactive activities such as hiking local trails to experience different varieties of flora and fauna, bird watching, mammal tracking and observing marine fauna such as whales, dolphins and turtles, in an open water setting.

The main source of income for the local community is fishery activities, meaning that their work takes place in the same area as our research. The success of this project could not have been achieved without the support of the communities surrounding Mayto. The fishermen and divers come into contact with sea turtles on a daily basis and now also form an important role in their research. The residents of these coastal communities now also have the opportunity to benefit economically from these research projects and over the years have changed the way they think about these reptiles and now love and appreciate them as creatures. These relationships between scientists and the local community allow students to experience the ins and outs of scientific research, while also being witness to different cultures coming together for one same objective, a passion for the ocean.