Every journey we take in the city leaves some kind of footprint, positive or negative, on the climate. Sustainable mobility education starts at school and reaches the bottom of our seas.

ARCHELON actively participates in the new Move It Now initiative of the Municipality of Chania, which aims to raise awareness among students by linking education with road safety, sustainable transportation and environmental awareness. More than 40 organizations, services of the Municipality and 37 school units participate in the initiative, creating a network for children engagement and education. The initiative is held with the support of the Greek Ministry of Education and Chania's Deputy Mayor of Education Antonis Vardakis, and is implemented under the coordination of Anna Nepavlaki.

ARCHELON's contribution

During February and March 2026, Danae Tsaparli, ARCHELON's Crete Project Manager, implemented educational programs on marine biodiversity and the life cycle of the sea turtle, aiming to connect daily travel with the environmental footprint. The visits were made to the following units in Chania:

• EEEEK Chania (Special Education Laboratory)
• ENEEGYL Chania (Unified Special Education High School - Lyceum)
• 1st Experimental High School of Chania
• KDAP MEA Atlantis (Creative Center for Children and Adults with Disabilities).

Why does urban mobility affect sea turtles?

Climate change, which is fueled, among other things, by emissions from our transportation, is having a dramatic impact on marine biodiversity. As Danae explained to the students: “Climate change causes various changes in the life cycle of sea turtles. For example, the rise in temperature in the sand where turtles lay their eggs causes only female turtles to hatch, disrupting the species’ populations. Climate change also causes sea level rise, which limits the number of beaches available for nesting.”

Building environmental awareness

Through educational activities, games and discussions, students had the opportunity to understand that every "green" choice in our daily lives is a direct help to the environment. "Move It Now" proves in practice that education for a sustainable future starts at school and reaches all the way to the bottom of the ocean!