A stone with a 23-year history…
For the ʽsea turtle peopleʼ this rock meant that on 2 August 1988, an ARCHELON volunteer saw the tiny trail of a hatchling heading towards the sea – they might even have seen the turtle itself, if they were lucky enough. And now, 23 years later, ARCHELON volunteers can still be found on the same beach, carrying on the same morning patrols for the same reason: to locate, survey and protect the Laganas Gulf nests.
A lot has changed since then. With the creation of the Zakynthos National Marine Park by Presidential Decree in 1999 and the establishment of its Management Agency in 2000, a lot of steps relating to the management of the protected area have been taken, including serious attempts to protect the beaches on a 24-hour basis in order to avoid any disturbances during the nesting period, and to protect the coastal ecosystem – remarkable efforts.
Looking back, though, in the end there hasnʼt been a huge change on the part of the State: The staff of the Management Agency remain unpaid for the last eight months, the protection plan cannot be adequately implemented – despite the heroic efforts of the existing personnel – and the Agencyʼs research team has not been on the nesting beaches for the last two years. Volunteers from ARCHELON and other non-governmental environmental organizations are once again called upon to make up for the absence of the Greek State in the integrated, seamless and efficient management of the environment in Greece. Once again, Greece has been disgraced by the huge European Union fines it must pay for not adequately protecting the most significant Mediterranean habitat of the endangered Caretta caretta.
Why focus on the sea turtle? Because each person chooses an area in which to contribute, whether it is the environment, society, or something else. When we contribute collectively to one purpose, each in his/her own unique way, the results will be greater and more successful.
During a morning beach patrol, then, a stone may remind us again of our role, sending us an encouraging message: We were here, we are here, and we will continue to be here to protect the coast and the sea because of the sea turtles, and to serve as a reminder that the protection of the environment must become a key item on Greeceʼs political agenda for this reason. The environment consists of both the life forms living in it and also their right to a fair standard of living.
(Smaro Touliatou) (Translation by Joanne Stournara)
Protection of Sekania Beach, the core of the National Marine Park. On this 700 metre- long beach, an average of 600 sea turtles gather to build their nests every summer, according to ARCHELONʼs on-going nest-building observation programme, which began in 1983. For the protection of this internationally important beach, WWF Greece has bought the land behind the beach to insure that it will remain untouched and will continue to be a refuge for sea turtles in future.
Sea turtle dies of longline hook ingestion in southern Kyparissia Bay
Tourists meet ARCHELON
RECENT NEWS
- OUR NEWS20/01/2025
Thank You to our 2024 Field Leaders: The Heart of Sea Turtle Conservation
At ARCHELON, we owe much of our success to the dedication and passion of our Field Leaders. These incredible individuals guide our volunteers throughout their work in the field, ensuring that our mission to protect sea turtles is carried out with precision, care, and enthusiasm.
- OUR NEWS16/01/2025
The sweet side of healing: Why honey is a secret weapon for saving injured sea turtles.
The antibacterial and antimicrobial properties of honey help fight infections in open wounds, a common problem for injured sea turtles.
- OUR NEWS18/12/2024
An injured Loggerhead sea turtle returns to the ARCHELON Rescue Centre with plastics in its digestive system.
Greece has made progress in cutting down on plastic bag use, but we all need to do more. Sea pollution from plastic is still a major threat, harming both people and marine life.
- OUR NEWS06/12/2024
ARCHELON is on the Frontline of Sea Turtle Rescue in the Mediterranean.
For the first time, we have conducted CT scans for accurate diagnoses and started special blood tests and ultrasounds to monitor the health of sea turtles under our care.
- OUR NEWS03/12/2024
Summer 2025: Lead the Way in Sea Turtle Conservation and become a Field Leader with ARCHELON!
A limited number of experienced and capable volunteers are selected each year for the positions of Field Leaders on the ARCHELON projects. Applications and short CVs for 2025 are now accepted!
- OUR NEWS25/11/2024
Make this gift-giving season more magical: Adopt a Sea Turtle for your loved ones!
Whether it's for the wildlife lover in your life, or someone who cares about the planet, an adoption from ARCHELON is a present that keeps on giving.
- OUR NEWS18/11/2024
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.
- OUR NEWS12/11/2024
Turtle protection through satellite trackers: TUI Care Foundation and conservation organisation ARCHELON release sea turtle in Greece
Triton was released back into the Mediterranean Sea with a satellite transmitter after several months of rehabilitation at ARCHELON's Sea Turtle Rescue Centre. As part of the TUI Turtle Aid programme, the initiative aims to contribute valuable insights into sea turtle behaviour.
- OUR NEWS11/11/2024
A very exciting nesting record confirms the recovery of the Loggerhead population breeding in Kyparissia Bay, Greece!
This year, ARCHELON has recorded a new nesting record: 6,700 Loggerhead nests in the core nesting area of Kyparissia Bay.
- OUR NEWS28/10/2024
A wildlife symbol turned into a macabre tourist attraction
Αn embalmed Loggerhead sea turtle was found on public display in front of one of the Kastos island’s taverns.
- OUR NEWS23/10/2024
Growing Beyond Boundaries: A Volunteer's Transformation
“Through volunteering in Chania, I was able to go beyond my limits and discover a new world,” says Hyerim Ryu, explaining her motivation and sharing her experience of 5 weeks volunteering with ARCHELON.
- OUR NEWS18/10/2024
Is there any progress on establishing an all-embracing Marine Park in the Ionian Sea?
We are awaiting the results of the study with great interest, as the establishment of the new Marine Park in the Ionian Sea will be a landmark for the protection of sea turtles in the Mediterranean.
- OUR NEWS16/10/2024
Greece's Marine Protected Areas remain unprotected
A new report, by nine environmental organizations, identifies serious deficiencies in the protection of the most important Greek marine habitats, stressing the urgent need for immediate action
- OUR NEWS14/10/2024
2025 Projects: Is it your turn to save the sea turtles?
ARCHELON is thrilled to announce the volunteering projects for 2025. If you're passionate about nature conservation and eager to make a positive impact, we invite you to join our dedicated team of volunteers.
- OUR NEWS30/09/2024
Reunite with Your Passion: Become an ARCHELON Ambassador!
Are you passionate about sea turtle conservation and want to make a positive impact on their survival? Becoming an ARCHELON ambassador is a fantastic way to contribute to this important cause.