ARCHELON volunteers and sea turtles in Crete star in a new film by EyeQ Productions
Have you ever wondered what is going on in one of ARCHELON’s Sea Turtle Protection Projects? Get a taste of the volunteering actions in the new video filmed on the beach of Rethymno...
Every year, from May to October, i.e. during the sea turtle nesting season, volunteers from all over the world arrive in Zakynthos, Peloponnese and Crete, Greece. Determined to offer a part of their summer to the sea turtles, they camp at the organized Research Stations that ARCHELON operates in these areas.
The film "Volunteers protecting sea turtles in Greece" was created in collaboration with EyeQ Productions based in Heraklion, Crete. The production team met Lydia Koutrouditsou, ARCHELON’s Project Manager for Crete, who welcomed them to the Rethymno project.
"We chose to live with ARCHELON volunteers in Rethymno and record their daily life. We wanted to understand why so many people from all over the world choose to spend their summer protecting sea turtles. Our experience there, the smiles and stories of the volunteers as well as the little turtles we saw running towards the sea, was our answer!", says director Vangelis Kalaitzis from EYEQ, who took over the mini doc.
"We collected a large amount of material of great interest, which could become a longer documentary. But we had to make a shorter film that still captures the energy and the work that happens there", he adds.
The film was shot in Rethymno, but the work and the lives of the volunteers are similar in all the sea turtle protection projects that ARCHELON has been organizing for almost 40 years.
"At the end of the projects on the nesting beaches every year, we ask the opinion of all the volunteers on various issues related to their experience, through a questionnaire", says Fryni Papanikolaou, ARCHELON’s Volunteers Officer. "In the summer of 2022, however, we had the opportunity to capture their views and experiences at the Rethymno project through this short film", she continues.
If you are wondering what your participation in one of the projects could be like, you can watch the short film on ARCHELON’s YouTube channel and... apply here.
ARCHELON shared a message for a better and more sustainable planet in Zakynthos
Open Call for Field Leaders: If you can dream it, you can do it!
RECENT NEWS
- OUR NEWS05/12/2025
Saving Sea Turtles Together – A Tribute to Volunteers
On Volunteer Day, we take a moment to celebrate all those who came from near and far, put on the blue T-shirt, and embraced this important responsibility.
- OUR NEWS01/12/2025
Laganas Bay, Zakynthos: Successful Loggerhead Reproduction, Ongoing Habitat Problems
On the beaches of the Zakynthos National Marine Park, around 2,155 turtle nests successfully hatched thanks to active protection measures, but human pressures on coastal and marine habitats continue.
- OUR NEWS26/11/2025
A Second Chance: Two Loggerhead Sea Turtles Return to the Sea Thanks to Dedicated Rescues
This summer, two adult loggerhead sea turtles, ‘Aktaia’ and ‘Herbert’, arrived at ARCHELON’s Sea Turtle Rescue Centre needing urgent help after sustaining severe head injuries.
- OUR NEWS11/11/2025
Volunteering Projects 2026: Sea Turtles Need You, the Planet Needs Us!
ARCHELON welcomes volunteers from all over the world and of all ages (over 18) and no prior experience is required! If you speak English, are at least 18 years old, and are in good physical condition, you can do this!
- OUR NEWS10/11/2025
Outstanding Recognition for ARCHELON at the Effective Dialogue Conference 2025
On Thursday, November 6, 2025, ARCHELON received an honorary distinction for its substantial contribution to effective dialogue on sustainability, social responsibility, and the environment
- OUR NEWS06/11/2025
6th Year of Online Tours: The sea turtles are traveling across Greece once again!
Students from every corner of the country, as well as from international schools, have the opportunity to learn up close about the lives of the turtles cared for at the Sea Turtle Rescue Centre in Glyfada, Attica, and to discover how rescue efforts impact the marine world.
- OUR NEWS31/10/2025
The lecture turned into reality: A real turtle rescue for the students from Kallithea!
The students spotted a sea turtle floating in the water right after their educational tour of the ARCHELON Rescue Centre and immediately notified the rescuers.
- OUR NEWS24/10/2025
Filming of the LIFE MareNatura documentary is completed
From seabird monitoring and genetic sampling, to unique underwater footage of marine mammals, the testimonies of scientists bring to life the hidden stories of the sea.
- OUR NEWS23/10/2025
ARCHELON participates in the "Science Festival 2025 – The Voice of the Ocean"
The French Institute of Greece is organizing a celebration from 10 to 27 November 2025 dedicated to science and the ocean! World premiere of the LIFE MareNatura documentary on November 13th.
- OUR NEWS22/10/2025
Kyparissia Bay: ARCHELON Records 6,100 Nests and Calls on the State to Immediately Implement the National Action Plan for the Loggerhead
In 2025 approximately 6,100 nests were recorded, marking a 74% increase compared to the average of the previous 12 years!
- OUR NEWS10/10/2025
We bid farewell to a devoted environmentalist and friend, Yiannis Roussopoulos.
- OUR NEWS02/10/2025
Jane Goodall’s words still warm our hearts
Thank you, Dr. Goodall, for all that you have taught us and for the life example you have left behind.
- OUR NEWS29/09/2025
Turtles, Dolphins, and Birds: Local Communities and Scientists come together for the future of Amvrakikos Gulf
A one-day conference held on Wednesday, September 24, in Menidi, Amfilochia, united the voice of the local community with leading scientists and environmental organizations for Amvrakikos Gulf.
- OUR NEWS26/09/2025
Biologists from the 'LIFE ADAPTS' project send their message to the community
- OUR NEWS23/09/2025
Aquila Rithymna Beach Hotel becomes an Advocate for ARCHELON in Rethymno
The hotel's generous donation directly supports the costs of conservation activities during the 2025 and 2026 nesting seasons.