Death of Jairo Mora Sandoval facts for kids
Quick facts for kids
Jairo Mora Sandoval
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Mora supervising a WIDECAST event in 2010
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| Born | March 22, 1987 |
| Died | May 31, 2013 (aged 26) Moín Beach, Limón province, Costa Rica
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| Occupation | environmentalist |
| Employer | Paradero Eco-Tour |
| Organization | Wider Caribbean Sea Turtle Conservation Network |
Jairo Mora Sandoval (born March 22, 1987 – died May 31, 2013) was a brave environmentalist from Costa Rica. He worked hard to protect leatherback turtle nests. These turtles are an important part of Costa Rica's wildlife.
On May 30, 2013, Jairo and four women volunteers were taken by a group of masked men. The women managed to escape and called the police. Sadly, Jairo's body was found on the beach the next morning.
Sea turtles are protected by law in Costa Rica. However, poaching (illegally taking animals or their parts) is still a big problem. Some people take turtle eggs to sell them illegally. This illegal trade is sometimes linked to organized crime. Environmentalists in Limón often face threats for trying to protect these eggs. Jairo Mora was one of these dedicated environmentalists.
After Jairo's death, the organization he worked with stopped their beach patrols in Costa Rica. His death caught international attention. The United Nations made a statement, and rewards were offered for information. In Costa Rica, his death led to calls for changes in environmental laws. The government met with environmentalists to discuss new plans. A plan was proposed to create a new protected area. It would also give park rangers more power to stop poachers. Many vigils were held across Costa Rica to honor Jairo. The government also set aside money to create a memorial for him.
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Why Sea Turtles Need Protection in Costa Rica
Costa Rica is famous for its beautiful nature and commitment to wildlife conservation. Sea turtles have been protected by national laws since 1966. The country's economy relies a lot on ecotourism, where people visit to enjoy nature. Thousands of tourists come each year to see its amazing sea turtles. Among these turtles is the leatherback turtle, which is a critically endangered species. This means they are at a very high risk of disappearing forever.
Laws Protecting Marine Turtles
The Marine Turtle Population Law of 2002 states that anyone who harms or disturbs marine turtles can face a three-year prison sentence. Despite this law, some people still illegally collect turtle eggs. They might use them themselves or sell them in local bars. A person can earn a lot of money in one night by selling eggs illegally. Poachers are often armed, sometimes even with assault rifles. Poaching is a major reason why sea turtle numbers are decreasing around the world.
Rising Poaching Concerns
While poaching isn't new, conservationists say it has been increasing in Costa Rica. Before Jairo's death, taking eggs became an easy way for some people to make extra money. In 2012, a group of men broke into a protected turtle nursery. This nursery was run by a group called Wider Caribbean Sea Turtle Conservation Network (WIDECAST). The men tied up volunteers and destroyed or stole over 1,500 sea turtle eggs. After this event, police started joining environmentalists on their nightly beach walks. It was later learned that this incident was a warning for environmentalists to stay away from the beaches. In 2012, 21 people were arrested for turtle poaching in Limón.
Jairo Mora's Life and Conservation Work
Jairo Mora was a research assistant for Paradero Eco-Tour. This was a government-supported group that rescued animals. He was born in Limón, Costa Rica, on March 22, 1987. From a young age, he loved to volunteer and help others.
Jairo often volunteered with WIDECAST. This organization works to protect turtle eggs across Central America. Jairo and other WIDECAST volunteers walked Costa Rican beaches every night. Their goal was to stop egg thieves. In 2011, the group protected about 3% of all turtle nests laid at Moín Beach. By 2012, they increased this to 30%. Jairo led the conservation efforts on Moín Beach. They helped protect 1,500 leatherback turtle nests, which was the most from any beach in Costa Rica.
Threats Faced by Jairo
Vanessa Lizano, the owner of Paradero Eco Tours, said her group often received threats from poachers. In 2012, Jairo was personally threatened with a gun. He was told to stop his beach patrols. He and Lizano also faced intimidation during the 2012 nesting season. Lizano remembered being followed by people with powerful weapons. After a threat against her family, Lizano moved away from Limón.
At the start of the 2013 leatherback turtle nesting season, police support for conservation efforts decreased. Guards were on duty only four days a week and no longer walked with volunteers. On April 23, 2013, Jairo asked his supporters on Facebook to ask the police for more help. He wrote, "Send messages to the police so they come to Moín Beach. Tell them not to be afraid but to come armed... we need help and fast." A few days later, Jairo told a newspaper that environmentalists were being threatened by "a mafia that was looting the nests for eggs." His friends said Jairo received frequent death threats.
On May 5, a newspaper reporter joined Jairo and Lizano on a typical night patrol. Jairo spoke about feeling alone and unprotected. He said that police were not helping as much as reported. When asked if he was afraid, Jairo said, "Yes, it's scary, the worst could happen at any time." After an incident on May 6 where many nests were stolen, the police and Coast Guard began patrolling Moín Beach more thoroughly.
Jairo Mora's Death
On the evening of May 30, 2013, Jairo and four female volunteers were patrolling Moín Beach in Limón province, Costa Rica. The volunteers were three from the United States and one from Spain. Around 11:30 pm, Jairo got out of his jeep to move a tree trunk. He was then attacked by at least five masked men with guns.
The men drove the car with the four women to an abandoned house. They took the women's phones, money, and other items. Three of the men drove away with Jairo. The women were tied up and left in the abandoned house. They eventually freed themselves and went to the police for help.
Jairo's body was found on the beach the next morning. He was 26 years old when he died.
Aftermath and Continued Conservation
After Jairo's death, WIDECAST stopped its beach patrol operations. The director, Didiher Chacón, said, "We can’t risk human lives for this project." He also noted that this was likely what the attackers wanted. Many volunteers left the project, leaving the organization short-staffed. Groups like WIDECAST rely heavily on volunteers from other countries. Chacón worried about the future of his organization if the situation continued.
Aimee Leslie, who works for the World Wildlife Foundation, called the situation "a critical point for conservation" in Costa Rica. She said it was a "national security issue." She explained that conservation efforts were already difficult without fearing for one's life. Vanessa Lizano said she was talking with the police about getting armed escorts for future patrols. She promised to keep working even if they refused. "If we forget about this beach, then Jairo died for nothing," she said.
On June 25, a nationwide protest was held in Costa Rica. Environmental groups joined these protests. They continued to demand justice for Jairo's murderers.
Jairo Mora's Legacy
In 2016, the Marine Section of the Society for Conservation Biology (SCB Marine) created the "Jairo Mora Sandoval Bravery Award." This award honors bravery and outstanding contributions to marine conservation. It specifically recognizes scientific work, public involvement, and conservation activism. The award includes $1,000 to support conservation efforts.
The award is given every two years. The first award was given to Jairo Mora Sandoval himself, after his death, in 2016. His mother received the money to start a non-profit organization. This organization continues Jairo's work to protect sea turtles in Costa Rica.
Jairo Mora Sandoval Gandoca-Manzanillo Mixed Wildlife Refuge
Environmentalists asked for the Gandoca-Manzanillo Wildlife Refuge to be renamed in Jairo's honor. This refuge is next to Gandoca, Jairo's hometown. His family supported this idea.
On September 2, 2013, the refuge was officially renamed. It is now known as the Jairo Mora Sandoval Gandoca-Manzanillo Mixed Wildlife Refuge. This helps keep Jairo's memory alive and reminds everyone of his important work.
Images for kids
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Mora in the beach hatchery at Ostional beach on the Pacific coast with fellow volunteers. 2011
