KETO Foundation
Costa Rica’s marine area reaches
500.000 km2, much larger than its land area of only 51 100
km2. Therefore, our scientific focus targets the marine
ecosystems found in the Pacific and Caribbean coasts of
Costa Rica.
Nevertheless, basic biological and ecological
information in regards to marine organisms and populations
is scarce. On the list of the forgotten, cetaceans (whales,
dolphins, and porpoises), marine turtles and manatees are
number one. Cetaceans have very few natural predators; therefore,
it is relevant to comprehend their behavior as part of the
food chain. In addition, their longevity foretells their
potential as bio-indicators of aquatic systems. Moreover,
an extra economic value must be added to coastal communities
due to cetacean-watching activities, marine turtles' nesting
in several beaches, and the indirect protection of wetlands'
conservation by working with manatees. Consequently, biological
and ecological descriptive research regarding these species
would ease the comprehension of their environment, vulnerability,
and habitats (coasts, reefs, channels, open sea, etc).
The Keto Foundation is a non-profit organization
focused in the study of biology, management and conservation
of cetaceans, marine turtles and manatees in the Mesoamerican
region. The Foundation was created to reduce lack of information
and to minimize the impact caused by constant solid waste
pollution, sonic alterations, chemical waste in the ocean,
and illegal hunt or fishery. In addition, one of the Foundation’s
primary objectives is to incorporate and educate coastal
communities that have direct contact and influence over
these animals. Therefore, Keto is willing to collaborate
in research projects and environmental education with institutes
and public or private organizations.
Mission
We are a non-governmental, non-profit organization, focused
on activities for conservation, preservation and rational
management of aquatic mammals and marine turtles in the
Mesoamerican Region. The Foundation is integrated by scientists
linked to biology and environment's conservation. We pursue
to extend our goals to all society sectors with potential
interest in this matter
Objectives
To promote and support scientific research focused in biology,
management, and conservation of aquatic mammals and marine
turtles in the Mesoamerican Region
To strengthen environmental education focusing
on the importance of aquatic mammals and marine turtles'
management and conservation
