ARCHELON’s 2020 projects with regard to coronavirus COVID-19 – Important Update 31st March 2020
The global efforts to deal with the spread of COVID19 coronavirus are escalating. It has become obvious that the participation of volunteers from abroad to ARCHELON projects will not be possible for some time. As a result, we have asked all confirmed volunteers to currently refrain from making any travel arrangements to Greece for our projects, especially those due to travel in April and May.
Will ARCHELON carry on the monitoring and protection of nests these coming months?
Yes, teams will be organized to carry out monitoring and protecting nests in project areas. ARCHELON’s staff and volunteers who are residents in Greece will participate in these teams for the first weeks. We hope that travel restrictions will be removed at some point in time so that we can then welcome volunteers coming from abroad, without any quarantine.
Will ARCHELON continue operating the Rescue Centre these coming months?
Yes, the Rescue Centre is continuously operating with ARCHELON’s staff, local volunteers and a team of volunteers from abroad, who chose to stay and take care of the turtles for an extended period. We are very grateful to all of them.
Will ARCHELON accept new applications for 2020?
Yes, the application procedure is still on and we would love to have you aboard this year’s exciting projects. As you can see, we are continuously checking and adapting to the imposed travel restrictions and measures to fight the spread of the coronavirus COVID19. Please check the frequently asked questions (FAQs) published on March 13th on ARCHELON’s website https://bit.ly/3dH9MC5.
New applications, requests for participation date changes as well as cancellation requests will be handled after mid-May.
From April 1st to May 15th, ARCHELON will be operating with limited staff. We need to economize in order to be able to carry on with the rescue and conservation projects throughout the year. This is why we urgently ask for your donations during this challenging time. You can donate on line here http://bit.ly/2lJFlF7
We sincerely hope that travel restrictions will not last for long. The next 4 weeks will be crucial for the COVID-19 coronavirus fight and ARCHELON will carry on to the best of its abilities.
STAY AT HOME, HELP THOSE IN NEED and STAY TUNED!
Donate now, more than ever
COVID-19 coronavirus and ARCHELON’s 2020 sea turtle conservation projects: FAQs
RECENT NEWS
- OUR NEWS23/06/2025
Enjoy the Beaches Responsibly: Together We Protect the Sea Turtles of Kyparissia Bay!
So far, more than 2,000 nests have been recorded in the area. In order to best manage the protected beaches, we have adapted our field work protocols.
- OUR NEWS16/06/2025
World Sea Turtle Day: We can all live together!
Today, June 16th, we celebrate World Sea Turtle Day. On this occasion, ARCHELON expresses its warmest thanks to all citizens, volunteers, donors and supporters who actively contribute to our work.
- OUR NEWS10/06/2025
New Adaptation Strategies for Sea Turtles and Mediterranean Monk Seals
Institutions, associations and researchers will work for 5 years alongside the coastal communities to evaluate and respond to the effects of rising sea levels and ocean warming. These are to be developed through the ‘LIDE ADAPTS’ project which is being carried out in Italy, Greece and Cyprus.
- OUR NEWS08/06/2025
World Oceans Day: Conservation and Anthropogenic “Wounds” in Laganas Bay, Zakynthos
On the occasion of World Oceans Day, ARCHELON brings to the fore the challenges facing Laganas Bay, Zakynthos - one of the most important refuges of the loggerhead sea turtle in the Mediterranean.
- OUR NEWS06/06/2025
Sekania: History of the most precious refuge for the Loggerhead in Zakynthos
Sekania, a secluded 600-meter-long beach in Zakynthos, is a global model of success in biodiversity conservation, with more than 24,000 sea turtle nests recorded over the last 40 years.
- OUR NEWS05/06/2025
World Environment Day: Keeping Sea Turtle Nesting Beaches Safe from Plastics and Bulldozers
On June 5th, we celebrate World Environment Day, a day established by the United Nations in 1972. This year’s theme is #BeatPlasticPollution, and ARCHELON is calling for action on the sea turtle nesting beaches.
- OUR NEWS02/06/2025
Sea Turtles Return to Crete: A Shared Victory for Nature and Sustainable Travel
ARCHELON volunteers have just located the first sea turtle nests of the season on the beaches of Rethymno, Messara, and Chania. Now the challenge to prove that tourism destinations on Crete can make a significant move towards sustainability is on again.
- OUR NEWS29/05/2025
Amvrakikos Project 2025: Special Call for a Field Leader
ARCHELON is looking for a highly motivated person to lead its project in Amvrakikos Gulf, one of the few foraging sites for loggerhead turtles in Greece linking several populations nesting across the Mediterranean region.
- OUR NEWS22/05/2025
Sea turtle nesting has begun in Greece: learn what to look out for!
The first nests for 2025 have already been located and protected at Laganas beach in Zakynthos, Elaia beach in Kyparissia Bay and Pachia Ammos beach in Messara Bay in Crete!
- OUR NEWS16/05/2025
Advancing sea turtle photo-ID research with artificial intelligence
Sea turtle facial scales remain stable throughout a turtle’s life allowing researchers to recognise individuals from photos, often taken over decades!
- OUR NEWS15/05/2025
Kyparissia Bay: Balancing Nature and Tourism
Αs the popularity of the protected area increases and pressures from tourism and climate change intensify, the question that arises is: How many people can this beach “bear” without degrading the environment?
- OUR NEWS07/05/2025
Discover the secret nature of Crete: Sea Turtle Beach Walk with ARCHELON
Live a unique ecotourism experience in Crete by participating in ARCHELON Sea Turtle Beach Walks on the nesting beaches of the Loggerhead, starting on May 15th in Chania and Rethymno. Now open for reservations on our website!
- OUR NEWS24/04/2025
Are You Over 50? The Sea Turtles Need You!
If you’re 50 or older and ready to dive into a unique conservation experience, we warmly invite you to join us. Help protect sea turtles, meet like-minded people, and discover the natural beauty of Greece with ARCHELON by your side.
- OUR NEWS22/04/2025
Turning the Tide: Sea Turtle Populations Show Signs of Recovery Worldwide
The first, after a decade, global study brings encouraging news for sea turtle conservation: more than half of their populations across the globe show signs of recovery. Listed among the authors is the Research Coordinator of ARCHELON, Aliki Panagopoulou PhD, who is mobilizing the long term field work of our Society on the nesting beaches of Greece.
- OUR NEWS17/04/2025
Special 2-week volunteering opportunity on the nesting beaches – we need you this May and June!