ARCHELON takes part in Chania's “Move It Now” initiative
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!
RECENT NEWS
- OUR NEWS09/04/2026
Coming together for sustainable tourism in Chania
Looking towards the upcoming nesting season, the tourism community of Chania gathered at the city’s Town Hall.
- OUR NEWS08/04/2026
The Return of the “Giant”: Everest Swims Again in Greek Seas After Two Years of Rehabilitation
The story of 'Everest' began in May 2024 in Preveza, when the sea turtle was found with a severe, intentional head injury. Upon arrival at the Rescue Centre, its condition was critical: malnourished, weighing just 81 kg, and suffering from serious buoyancy problems that made survival in the sea impossible.
- OUR NEWS07/04/2026
Through the dust: Rethymno looks for a sustainable future with the sea turtles
Neither the African dust nor the sandstorm of last Wednesday stood in the way of ARCHELON's event at the Rethymno City Hall!
- OUR NEWS02/04/2026
Volunteering Has Never Been More Attractive: Special offers for 2026
ARCHELON invites you to join its field projects and actively protect sea turtles and their habitats.
- OUR NEWS09/03/2026
The Annual General Assembly of the Association
ARCHELON's Members were invited to attend the Annual General Assembly on Saturday, February 28 at the Sea Turtle Rescue Centre.
- OUR NEWS03/03/2026
Join us for the Online Presentation of 2025 Results!
On Monday, March 23rd, we have the chance to meet again online and share what we accomplished together in the past year.
- OUR NEWS03/03/2026
A Digital Adventure for Your Class with ARCHELON
Through a live connection with the Centre, students learn about the turtles’ rescue stories and discover how everyday human activities can negatively impact marine ecosystems.
- OUR NEWS24/02/2026
32 Years Returning to Nest: A Record Reproductive Lifespan for the Loggerhead Sea Turtle in Kyparissia Bay
When we analyzed the turtles’ codes, we realized that this was a turtle that had been tagged for the first time in the area 32 years ago! Specifically, turtle P4849 was tagged on July 7, 1993 and today is the turtle with the longest documented reproductive lifespan in Kyparissia Bay!
- OUR NEWS18/02/2026
"The Mediterranean We Protect" ARCHELON Presented the 2025 Results and the New LIFE MareNatura Exhibition
The presentation of our Accounts for 2025 was held with great success on Saturday, February 14th in Glyfada, honoring the people who are on the front lines for the protection of the Mediterranean.
- OUR NEWS11/02/2026
ARCHELON in the Lakonikos Bay: Nature, Research, Volunteering
The year 2025 was a milestone: a total of 1,253 nests were recorded and protected, while 7 female turtles were equipped with satellite transmitters, sending valuable data about their journeys across the Mediterranean.
- OUR NEWS23/01/2026
A turtle we treated 10 years ago was found in Spain!
“Castello” is a male Loggerhead turtle that was treated at our Rescue Centre in 2015. In 2025 he was found again at a Rescue Centre in Spain!
- OUR NEWS02/01/2026
Against All Odds: A Story of Marine Resilience from Amvrakikos Gulf
One turtle has been surviving for at least six years without a lower jaw!
- OUR NEWS29/12/2025
“Meetings with Remarkable Animals” A Heartwarming Reward for Our Efforts
Kristi Stassinopoulou shared with us a very personal moment: a sketch and a few pages from her book “Meetings with Remarkable Animals"
- OUR NEWS17/12/2025
ARCHELON’s Research: Expanding the Map of Mediterranean Green Turtles
In recent years, some green turtle nests have been recorded in Greece, indicating that the geographical spread of this species’ nesting areas in the Mediterranean is beginning to expand.
- OUR NEWS12/12/2025
The Power Behind Sea Turtle Conservation: Our 2025 Field Leaders
With deep gratitude, we honor all the Field Leaders who contributed to the success of the 2025 Field Projects.