ARCHELON CELEBRATES THE 10–YEAR ANNIVERSARY OF THE NATIONAL MARINE PARK OF ZAKYNTHOS
These days the National Marine Park of Zakynthos is reaching 10 years since its establishment. Indeed, in December 1999, the then President of the Hellenic Republic Kostis Stefanopoulos signed the Presidential Decree for the creation of the Park.The Decree, which was the conclusion to long term deliberations and daring political decisions, was also signed by Evangelos Venizelos (Minister of Development), Ν. Christodoulakis (Financial Minister), G. Anomeritis (Minister of Agriculture), Th. Κoliopanos (Deputy Minister of Environment), St. Soumakis (Minister of Mercantile Marine), and Μ. Chrisohoidis (Minister of Public Order). The contribution of the next Deputy Minister of Environment Ilias Efthimiopoulos, as well as the General Secretary of Environment Ilias Beriatos, was very significant to the implementation of the Decree.
With a basic goal to preserve the largest in the Mediterranean breeding habitat of the endangered Loggerhead Sea Turtle Caretta caretta, the Decree crowned the long-term conservation work of ARCHELON, the Sea Turtle Protection Society of Greece, in Zakynthos. ARCHELON documented scientifically the ecological importance of Laganas Bay and furthermore, with the assistance of other environmental organizations, lobbyed for the creation of the Park. This struggle of the environmental organizations, often escorted by intense negative reactions, broke through the borders of Greece and reached the European Parliament, the European Council, and other supranational bodies.
The creation of the National Marine Park, and its associated Management Agency established in April 2000, was the commendable solution to the preservation of the habitatʼs integrity combined with a “soft” development scheme, based on specific protection terms.
Unfortunately, the same situation doesnʼt apply in the marine area. Specific regulations, as the boats speed limit, are not controlled adequately. “Turtle-spotting-boats”, through which many locals receive an extra income, have not been organized properly, their numbers keep increasing, and now cause a considerable disturbance to the turtles in the Bay. Further, the last few years more and more turtles are found dead, mostly by being caught in nets and long-lines, a very severe problem that should be resolved immediately, before undermines protective work done on land.
37 sea turtles were healed and released during 2009!
ARCHELONʼS PROJECT “FISHERMEN AND SEA TURTLES” ONE OF THE BEST IN THE EUROPEAN UNION
RECENT NEWS
- OUR NEWS02/02/2025
2 years of joint systematic efforts to protect Greece's largest wetland
- OUR NEWS28/01/2025
The ARCHELON Recap for 2024: We kept on fighting for Sea Turtles and the protection of the Oceans
2024 was the year that the recovery of the loggerhead sea turtle breeding population in Kyparissia Bay has been confirmed! This site now hosts the largest breeding population in the Mediterranean, which has been growing steadily in the past years thanks to the consistent long-term nest protection efforts of ARCHELON. It was also the warmest year globally on record when, on the side of our heavy core business workload, we made time to strengthen our commitment to volunteerism and sustainable tourism.
- 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