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 NEWS09/11/2026
The 8th Mediterranean Conference on Marine Turtles Begins in Marathon, Attica – Organized by ARCHELON
The week’s scientific program includes 9 keynote addresses, 12 workshops, 48 oral presentations, and 150 poster presentations of research work.
- OUR NEWS23/10/2026
ARCHELON's Virtual Tours Return for the 2026–2027 School Year!
A new school year filled with knowledge, creativity, and sea turtles is about to begin! Bookings for ARCHELON's virtual tours open on Monday, October 26, while the first tours will take place on Monday, November 2, 2026.
- OUR NEWS21/10/2026
Incident on Polyaigos Island: ARCHELON Calls on Authorities to Investigate the Death of a Sea Turtle
- OUR NEWS14/10/2026
The examinations behind every diagnosis: A vital step in sea turtle rehabilitation
This is where diagnostic examinations play a crucial role. X-rays are an invaluable tool for our rehabilitation team, both upon admission and throughout the recovery process, helping us determine the appropriate treatment and monitor each turtle’s progress.
- OUR NEWS09/10/2026
“Guardians of our ancient sea”: The 8th Mediterranean Conference on Marine Turtles takes place in Greece
The conference is expected to host 240 delegates from 20 Mediterranean countries, including leading researchers and scientists, as well as representatives from protected area management bodies and environmental organizations.
- OUR NEWS06/10/2026
A Wildlife Weekend at the Museum
On the weekend of October 3rd and 4th, ARCHELON participated in the "Wild Weekend", a two-day celebration dedicated to wildlife at the Goulandris Natural History Museum.
- OUR NEWS01/10/2026
October for sea turtles: Help us care for our sea turtle patients this winter
This October, we are launching a fundraising campaign with one clear goal: to raise €5,000 to support the care of our sea turtle patients through the end of 2026.
- OUR NEWS25/09/2026
Together for Crete’s nesting beaches: "Turtle-Friendly Hotel" award ceremonies in Chania and Rethymno
ARCHELON hosted the award ceremonies for the new Turtle-Friendly Hotel certification, as part of the TUI Turtle Aid Greece program in Crete.
- OUR NEWS23/09/2026
We bade farewell to Omiros, the blind sea turtle that traveled from Greece to Cornwall
In September 2026 Omiros, a male Loggerhead sea turtle with a remarkable story, passed away. He had spent the last 16 years of his life at the Blue Reef Aquarium in Cornwall, having traveled there from Greece.
- OUR NEWS10/09/2026
Sea turtles kept in a restaurant tank in Chania: True love for nature begins with respect.
We all feel a sense of excitement when we encounter a wild animal up close. It is only natural to want to connect with nature, observe it and understand it better.
- OUR NEWS09/09/2026
Schools are back at ARCHELON! A new year full of learning and action
The new school year is beginning, and with it, the voices, questions, and excitement of thousands of students return to ARCHELON’s Sea Turtle Rescue Centre.
- OUR NEWS06/09/2026
Sea Turtle Hatchlings Captivated All Ages in Corfu
- OUR NEWS01/09/2026
Taking time off work to volunteer for the sea turtles in Greece: Amy’s month with ARCHELON in southern Peloponnese
When Amy Carey was 10 years old, she came face to face with a sea turtle while on holiday in Greece. Decades later, at 47, she decided it was time to turn that childhood memory into reality.
- OUR NEWS13/08/2026
Hatchlings need help in September and October: Special volunteer offer for 2 weeks!
In order to protect the nests and the last hatchlings of this year, we need the help of more volunteers!
- OUR NEWS10/08/2026
One beach party canceled, 66 nests saved in Chania!
A significant victory for the protection of sea turtles in Chania, thanks to the direct cooperation of ARCHELON and NECCA.