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/
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