ARCHELON Launches Comprehensive Study to Protect Sea Turtle Nesting Sites
The entire Mediterranean Sea serves as a vital habitat for the loggerhead sea turtle, with Greece hosting some of the most significant nesting beaches for this species in the Mediterranean. Despite the fact that most loggerhead nesting habitats are to some extent protected by law, they continue to face numerous threats, such as the degradation of coastal habitat due to negative human interventions and the consequences of climate change.
As part of the Greek Wildlife Alliance, ARCHELON is launching a new initiative in collaboration with WWF Greece, aiming to assess the conservation status of these nesting sites, identify the main threats, and develop effective conservation strategies. This rapid biodiversity assessment is an action of the Sea Turtle Action Plan. Through close cooperation with local communities and leveraging citizen participation, the program will contribute to preserving these vital areas for future generations.
"This study is crucial for understanding the challenges faced by the loggerhead turtles in Greece," said Aliki Panagopoulou, the Research Coordinator of ARCHELON. "By assessing the conservation status of nesting sites, we can develop targeted solutions to protect sea turtle habitats."
The program will focus on areas of the Natura 2000 network, although additional nesting sites may also be evaluated. The collected data will provide valuable information to the responsible authorities, enabling them to make informed decisions to protect these precious ecosystems.
The project is funded by WWF Greece, within the framework of the "Greek Wildlife Alliance" initiative. The "Greek Wildlife Alliance" initiative represents the collaborative effort of 11 environmental, Non-Governmental Organizations, to enhance the impact of their work, through a shared vision for the well being of wildlife and humans.
For more information visit: www.greekwildlifealliance.gr/en/
Local Resort leads the way in protecting Zakynthos' sea turtles
A Major Leap for Sea Turtle Conservation: Tracking Loggerheads Across the Mediterranean
RECENT NEWS
- 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.
- OUR NEWS27/09/2024
Transforming Rethymno: Sustainable tourism opportunities with the sea turtle as ambassador
With sea turtles as its ambassadors, Rethymno has the opportunity to become a global leader in sustainable tourism. By offering responsible ecotourism experiences, the tourism industry can create a legion of passionate advocates for ocean conservation.
- OUR NEWS18/09/2024
Counting the Loggerhead nests in Zakynthos - the work of an army of ants
For the past 41+ years, ARCHELON has been counting annually nests laid by loggerhead turtles on the island of Zakynthos, one of most important nesting areas in the Mediterranean.
- OUR NEWS17/09/2024
Successful wrap up of Amvrakikos project for 2024 marking two decades of dedicated work
ARCHELON is a beacon of hope for sea turtles in Greece's Amvrakikos Gulf. From rescuing injured turtles to monitoring their population characteristics and their migration patterns, ARCHELON's work has been contributing to the survival of these protected animals for the last 20 years.
- OUR NEWS09/09/2024
Educational Programs 2024-2025: Inspire the Next Generation of Conservationists with ARCHELON!
Last year, 15,000 students arrived at the Rescue Centre and were fascinated by the wonders of sea turtle conservation.
- OUR NEWS02/09/2024
LIFE MareNatura Marine Conservation School: ARCHELON and NECCA train staff to protect sea turtles
This pioneer Training Seminar titled "Management and protection of the Caretta caretta and Chelonia mydas species" was designed with the aim of transferring special and necessary knowledge for the protection of the sea turtles from the competent bodies.
- OUR NEWS30/08/2024
Local Resort leads the way in protecting Zakynthos' sea turtles
In the summer of 2023, Domes Aulus Zante, Autograph Collection Resort stepped forward to support ARCHELON's mission adopting 70 turtle nests!