Among the best nature conservation initiatives in Europe!
The presence of ARCHELON in Kyparissia bay is continuous since the beginning of the 1980s, carrying out surveys and research with regard to the conservation of loggerhead sea turtles and monitoring of reproductive activity started in 1984.
This year, ARCHELON’s long standing Mediterranean loggerhead sea turtle protection project in the Kyparissia Bay Natura 2000 site is among the finalists for the European Commission's prestigious NATURA 2000 Award! This pan-European Award recognizes conservation achievements, showcasing the sites of the Natura 2000 Network and increasing public awareness of Europe's valuable natural heritage.
Thousands of ARCHELON volunteers from all over the world have contributed up to now to this effort. Over 30 years, activities to protect nests, eggs and young turtles from threats have led to a significant increase in nest numbers of this globally-threatened species at the largest nesting population in the Mediterranean.
According to the Award Jury, this initiative demonstrates the benefits of careful, long-term conservation efforts to protect loggerhead sea turtles in the Mediterranean.
ARCHELON’s project is one of only two Greek finalists in the Marine Conservation category.
Find out more about the project here: https://ec.europa.eu/environment/natura-2000-award/current-edition/protecting-mediterranean-loggerhead-sea-turtle_en
ARCHELON is competing for the Citizens’ Award and you can support us and vote for us until April 27 th here: https://n2000citizenaward.eu/22019
First oiled sea turtle response training presented in Greece
Field Coordinator for the AMVRAKIKOS Project needed
RECENT NEWS
- OUR NEWS05/08/2026
Greek fishermen release rare Leatherback Turtle in the North Aegean!
In mid-July, we received a video of an impressive sea turtle that had been caught in the nets of a fishing boat.
- OUR NEWS30/07/2026
Join our Sea Turtle Nest Excavations in Peloponnese and Crete
ARCHELON invites you to a unique experience of environmental education and scientific observation!
- OUR NEWS20/07/2026
43 Years of Tagging Sea Turtles in Greece Reveal Their Journeys in the Mediterranean
A new scientific publication highlights the important marine areas turtles use in the Mediterranean, through ARCHELON’s tagging program in Zakynthos, Kyparissia Bay and Rethymno.
- OUR NEWS17/07/2026
The first hatchlings of 2026 in Zakynthos!
The first nest hatched on Dafni beach in Laganas Bay in Zakynthos. Our team discovered the tiny tracks in the early hours of Tuesday, July 14th.
- OUR NEWS15/07/2026
A rare giant of the Greek seas: What our new study reveals about the Leatherback turtle
A new scientific publication brings together for the first time all available records of the Leatherback sea turtle (Dermochelys coriacea) in Greek waters.
- OUR NEWS10/07/2026
Raising awareness for the sea turtles in Corfu
To mark the launch of the project, ARCHELON carried out a series of outreach activities across Corfu, bringing local communities and visitors closer to sea turtle conservation.
- OUR NEWS08/07/2026
Protecting loggerhead sea turtles contributes to maintaining the balance of marine ecosystems.
Sea turtles play a vital role in maintaining healthy marine ecosystems. As part of marine food webs, they contribute to the balance and functioning of coastal and marine habitats.
- OUR NEWS05/07/2026
Is the Zakynthos National Marine Park Truly Protected?
Two cases of environmental law violations in Zakynthos that went unpunished.
- OUR NEWS29/06/2026
New Sea Turtle Protection Project in Corfu
ARCHELON partners with the Ionian Environment Foundation and the Mar-Bella Collection Hotel Group to Protect the Nesting Beaches of Corfu
- OUR NEWS26/06/2026
ARCHELON & TUI Turtle Aid Greece: 3 successful years in Crete
With the completion of the “TUI Turtle Aid Greece” project, ARCHELON presents impressive results in nest protection, the hotel employees training and raising awareness among 66,000 tourists.
- OUR NEWS24/06/2026
Effective turtle conservation begins with safeguarding the nesting beaches
Field surveys were carried out over two consecutive nesting seasons (2024–2025), assessing 167 nesting beaches across Greece, covering 270 km of coastline.
- OUR NEWS22/06/2026
ARCHELON expresses its sorrow at the loss of Mona Khalil
- OUR NEWS19/06/2026
The world of marine megafauna: New Photo Exhibition at Agiannakis Environmental Station
The Exhibition is part of the LIFE MareNatura Project and is open to the public every Saturday 18:00 - 21:00.
- OUR NEWS16/06/2026
New data reveals that sea turtles follow much more complex migration strategies
World Sea Turtle Day is an opportunity to celebrate our achievements, but also to remember why we continue to research and protect these ancient ocean travellers.
- OUR NEWS16/06/2026
Coordinated action in Greece, Cyprus and Italy to protect sea turtles against the climate crisis
Today, June 16, the world celebrates World Sea Turtle Day. In the Mediterranean, this celebration comes at a critical turning point.