A Nest of Hope: Keanu's Journey with ARCHELON
Keanu Groeneveld, a Wildlife Management student from the Netherlands, recently completed an internship with ARCHELON at the Sea Turtle Conservation Project in Rethymno, Crete. His experience was more than ever expected; it was a transformative journey that ignited his passion for wildlife conservation. "I chose ARCHELON because I wanted to make a real impact with focus on research and conservation," Keanu explained. "The Rethymno Project in Crete offered the perfect opportunity to learn about sea turtle protection and contribute to their conservation efforts."
Keanu's days were filled with a variety of tasks, from conducting beach surveys to educating tourists about the threats facing sea turtles “The fun part about volunteering with ARCHELON is that there are so many different tasks you can do and learn from”, he explains. "One of the most rewarding experiences was witnessing a sea turtle laying her eggs! Seeing such an ancient creature fulfilling her natural instinct was simply breathtaking", he remembers.
Life in the ARCHELON camp was an integral part of Keanu's experience: "We'd often wake up early to start our beach surveys and we would be greeted with the most beautiful sunrises of the world," he recalls. "In my free time, I'd explore the local town to enjoy some Cretan culture and food or even prepare meals for the rest of the volunteers".
Keanu's time with ARCHELON left a lasting impression on him: "Back in the Netherlands you would hear how sea turtles are threatened, but witnessing the situation in person made me realize that those threats are more urgent than I ever imagined. Tourism, in particular, can have a devastating impact on their nesting beaches” he explains. “Fortunately there are some simple steps we can follow on those beaches to ensure their survival".
"I would highly recommend volunteering with ARCHELON to anyone who is passionate about conservation", Keanu concluded. "Not only will it change you as a person, help you develop new skills or gain new friends, but it will also make a real difference for the sea turtle population. You will take part in ensuring that these turtles remain in this world for many years to come".
Are you ready to embark on a transformative journey and make a difference? Join ARCHELON's 2025 Volunteering Projects! Together, we can protect sea turtles and preserve their habitats for generations to come.
Make this gift-giving season more magical: Adopt a Sea Turtle for your loved ones!
Turtle protection through satellite trackers: TUI Care Foundation and conservation organisation ARCHELON release sea turtle in Greece
RECENT NEWS
- OUR NEWS07/05/2026
ARCHELON’s Sea Turtle Tours presented in a Japanese Seminar for Sustainable Tourism
ur Sea Turtle Tours recently featured as a highlight in the Sustainable Tourism International Talk Sessions, organized by the Japan Alliance of Responsible Travel Agencies.
- OUR NEWS04/05/2026
Kids Turtle Festival 2026 "In Deep Water"
The ARCHELON Sea Turtle Rescue Centre opens its doors on World Turtle Day, May 23, and invites young and old to this year’s Kids Turtle Festival 2026 “In Deep Water”.
- OUR NEWS30/04/2026
Sea Turtle Beach Walk in Crete: A unique eco-tourism experience
The Sea Turtle Beach Walk is an organized activity that allows participants to get to know the natural environment of the sea turtle nesting site up close. Book your place now!
- OUR NEWS18/04/2026
How a sea turtle illuminated the unknown paths of the Aegean
Helen Jane was not just another dead sea turtle found on the Greek coastline. For ARCHELON researchers, she was a living beacon of information
- OUR NEWS17/04/2026
Is it Really 1 in 1,000? New Science Challenges the Iconic Sea Turtle Statistic
For decades, one quote has defined the struggle of sea turtle conservation: 1 in 1,000. This statistical information suggests that for every thousand hatchlings that enter the sea, only one will survive the long journey to adulthood.
- OUR NEWS10/04/2026
ARCHELON takes part in Chania's “Move It Now” initiative
Through educational activities, games and discussions, students had the opportunity to understand that every "green" choice in our daily lives is a direct help to the environment.
- OUR NEWS09/04/2026
Coming together for sustainable tourism in Chania
Looking towards the upcoming nesting season, the tourism community of Chania gathered at the city’s Town Hall.
- OUR NEWS08/04/2026
The Return of the “Giant”: Everest Swims Again in Greek Seas After Two Years of Rehabilitation
The story of 'Everest' began in May 2024 in Preveza, when the sea turtle was found with a severe, intentional head injury. Upon arrival at the Rescue Centre, its condition was critical: malnourished, weighing just 81 kg, and suffering from serious buoyancy problems that made survival in the sea impossible.
- OUR NEWS07/04/2026
Through the dust: Rethymno looks for a sustainable future with the sea turtles
Neither the African dust nor the sandstorm of last Wednesday stood in the way of ARCHELON's event at the Rethymno City Hall!
- OUR NEWS02/04/2026
Volunteering Has Never Been More Attractive: Special offers for 2026
ARCHELON invites you to join its field projects and actively protect sea turtles and their habitats.
- OUR NEWS09/03/2026
The Annual General Assembly of the Association
ARCHELON's Members were invited to attend the Annual General Assembly on Saturday, February 28 at the Sea Turtle Rescue Centre.
- OUR NEWS03/03/2026
Join us for the Online Presentation of 2025 Results!
On Monday, March 23rd, we have the chance to meet again online and share what we accomplished together in the past year.
- OUR NEWS03/03/2026
A Digital Adventure for Your Class with ARCHELON
Through a live connection with the Centre, students learn about the turtles’ rescue stories and discover how everyday human activities can negatively impact marine ecosystems.
- OUR NEWS24/02/2026
32 Years Returning to Nest: A Record Reproductive Lifespan for the Loggerhead Sea Turtle in Kyparissia Bay
When we analyzed the turtles’ codes, we realized that this was a turtle that had been tagged for the first time in the area 32 years ago! Specifically, turtle P4849 was tagged on July 7, 1993 and today is the turtle with the longest documented reproductive lifespan in Kyparissia Bay!
- OUR NEWS18/02/2026
"The Mediterranean We Protect" ARCHELON Presented the 2025 Results and the New LIFE MareNatura Exhibition
The presentation of our Accounts for 2025 was held with great success on Saturday, February 14th in Glyfada, honoring the people who are on the front lines for the protection of the Mediterranean.