Since 1994, the Sea Turtle Rescue Centre of ARCHELON has been giving a second chance at life to injured and sick sea turtles found in Greece. This year, the Rescue Centre has received up until now 39 loggerheads and 4 green sea turtles highlighting the ongoing threats to marine environments.

The specialized staff of ARCHELON, along with volunteers from all over the world, dedicate all their efforts to offer care to these injured ancient swimmers. With love and dedication, they manage to create a safe haven where sea turtles can recover and find the strength to return to their natural environment.

"We have taken a significant step forward in our efforts to rehabilitate the animals by introducing advanced diagnostic tools,” says Eirini Kasimati, the Rescue and Rehabilitation Officer. “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. These innovative practices, made possible by the GREEN FUND, have positioned ARCHELON as a pioneer in sea turtle rehabilitation”, she adds.

While efforts to protect the environment and reduce marine pollution and overfishing are ongoing, it will take time to see significant results. Unfortunately, wildlife is already suffering, and the climate crisis is further destabilizing marine and coastal ecosystems. The long-term effects are uncertain, but scientists agree that protecting species is crucial for maintaining marine biodiversity and healthy ocean ecosystems.

Thanks to the tireless efforts of the rehabilitation team, the volunteers and everyone who supported the Rescue Centre, 23 sea turtles were successfully released into the sea this year. Little "Bawser," with a serious head injury, "Luigi," with a flipper injury from entanglement in fishing gear, and "Zoe," who had swallowed plastic debris, are just a few of the lucky turtles from the Rescue Centre who began their journeys again in the waters of the Mediterranean in 2024.

This year we celebrate 30 years of sea turtle care in Greece and remain committed to our mission as sea turtles are an indicator of the health of marine ecosystems.

Here is how you can help in our work.

The Project "Rescue, care and reintegration of sea turtles into the natural environment in 2024". "Green Fund Funding", Budget €45,000.00, of the Green Fund "NATURAL ENVIRONMENT & CLIMATE NEUTRALITY 2024" and specifically in PRIORITY AXIS 1: "PROTECTION OF THE NATURAL ENVIRONMENT - CLIMATE NEUTRALITY & OTHER ACTIONS" aims to support the operation of the STRC in 2024 aims to support the operation of the STRC during 2024.

We would like to express our sincere gratitude to the GREEN FUND for its ongoing support.