The results of the effort invested by the Zakynthos project last summer in informing and raising public awareness is impressive. Over 27,000 visitors responded to the actions for the protection of the sea turtles on the island. Fraport Greece in collaboration with Air France supported the participation of volunteers for this purpose.

The National Marine Park of Zakynthos stands out for its unique coastal landscape and biodiversity, including, of course, the loggerhead sea turtles that nest on the beaches of Laganas Bay every summer. ARCHELON volunteers monitor the loggerhead nesting activity in collaboration with the Marine Park every summer, while at the same time systematically try to convey the message for a better and more sustainable planet in Zakynthos.

Thousands of visitors are arriving to the island for their holidays in recent years and they often do not know the rules of conduct they must follow on the beaches. The increased number of tourists in the summer of 2022 brought the need to strengthen the public awareness activities of the projects. "In July we had to attract more volunteers in order to carry out the public awareness actions effectively in Zakynthos", explains ARCHELON’s Director, Daphne Mavrogiorgos. "Fraport Greece and Air France responded to this need by sponsoring the participation of volunteers who might not have been able to participate at their own expense", she continues.

Mr. Savvas Karagiannis, Corporate Communications Manager of Fraport Greece, said: "Our partnership with Air France, with the aim of supporting the work of ARCHELON work for the protection of sea turtles is the practical proof of Fraport Greece's commitment to the promotion and cultivation of environmental awareness, for everyone. We must not forget that such actions increase the ecological footprint in the local community, a condition that for us at Fraport Greece, is an integral pillar of our corporate identity".

ARCHELON’s seasonal Information Station in the city of Zakynthos operated for over 900 hours providing information on sea turtles, the threats they face and ways to protect them. However, ARCHELON’s volunteers did not stop there. They made over 700 presentations to 18 partner businesses to inform as many visitors as possible. Finally, more than 27,000 people responded to this effort!

This summer, the turtles will return to Laganas Bay to lay their eggs and tourists will return to Laganas Bay to spend their holidays. Volunteer applications have already begun. Find out how you too can become a volunteer in ARCHELON's protection programs here.