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 NEWS24/04/2025
Are You Over 50? The Sea Turtles Need You!
If you’re 50 or older and ready to dive into a unique conservation experience, we warmly invite you to join us. Help protect sea turtles, meet like-minded people, and discover the natural beauty of Greece with ARCHELON by your side.
- OUR NEWS22/04/2025
Turning the Tide: Sea Turtle Populations Show Signs of Recovery Worldwide
The first, after a decade, global study brings encouraging news for sea turtle conservation: more than half of their populations across the globe show signs of recovery. Listed among the authors is the Research Coordinator of ARCHELON, Aliki Panagopoulou PhD, who is mobilizing the long term field work of our Society on the nesting beaches of Greece.
- OUR NEWS17/04/2025
Special 2-week volunteering opportunity on the nesting beaches – we need you this May and June!
- OUR NEWS14/04/2025
Groundbreaking Study on Microplastic Pollution of Marine Turtle Nesting Beaches
ARCHELON took part in a recent global study that has uncovered alarming levels of microplastic contamination on marine turtle nesting beaches around the world.
- OUR NEWS09/04/2025
Become a Sea Turtle Guardian in Lakonikos Bay
Gracie and Claire, two dedicated individuals who made a significant impact on the sea turtle project of Lakonikos Bay in 2024, talked about their experience.
- OUR NEWS08/04/2025
Meeting of organizations, authorities and businessmen in Rethymno: Crete is preparing for the arrival of the turtles!
On Monday, April 7, we met for another year in the hospitable city of Rethymno to participate in the meeting organized by the Regional Unit of Rethymno on the topic of management measures for the protection of the loggerhead sea turtle!
- OUR NEWS31/03/2025
150 satellite tags for the protection of sea turtles
Since 2002, ARCHELON and its partners have placed 150 satellite and GSM tags on sea turtles monitoring their vast journeys across the Mediterranean!
- OUR NEWS24/03/2025
Become a Guardian of the Night: Volunteer with ARCHELON
On some select beaches, volunteer duties also include night patrols. During the hours when the presence of people on the nesting beaches is prohibited so as not to disturb the turtles, our trained volunteers start their shift, equipped with measuring instruments, research notebooks and red flashlights.
- OUR NEWS14/03/2025
Enriching the lives of rescued sea turtles
A recent study at ARCHELON's Sea Turtle Rescue Centre highlights the importance of environmental enrichment in improving the physical and psychological well-being of rescued sea turtles, aiding their rehabilitation and preparing them for successful release back into the wild.
- OUR NEWS24/02/2025
ARCHELON's Annual General Assembly
According to article 8 of the Statutes of ARCHELON Association, its’ members were invited to attend the Annual General Assembly on Saturday, 22 February 2025.
- OUR NEWS20/02/2025
From the ARCHELON’s Rescue Centre in Egypt!
A sea turtle, previously rehabilitated at the ARCHELON’s Rescue Centre, has once again made headlines, this time internationally. The tagged turtle was discovered weak and injured on an Egyptian beach after the recent rough seas. This incident, as reported by the Egyptian news agency, underscores the ongoing need to protect the fragile Mediterranean marine environment.
- OUR NEWS17/02/2025
ARCHELON's turtle toy travels the country with students and teachers
We would like to warmly thank all the schools that participated in the Online Tours during the 2023-2024 school year and spread the message of sea turtle protection to the ends of the country! The online tours for the current school year have already started.
- OUR NEWS12/02/2025
Online Presentation of Results 2024
Last year, 500 volunteers from all over the world came to help turtles in Greece! What did they achieve? Join us to find out!
- OUR NEWS11/02/2025
Historic Green Sea Turtle Nest Discovered on Rhodes Island, Greece
This species is globally endangered and the recent discovery is particularly significant as it suggests a possible shift in green turtle breeding areas.
- OUR NEWS04/02/2025
Joanne's Lifelong Passion: volunteering at the ARCHELON Sea Turtle Rescue Centre
Joanne's lifelong passion for sea turtles led her to volunteer at the ARCHELON Sea Turtle Rescue Centre in Greece, where she dedicates her time to educating visitors and contributing to the organization's conservation efforts.