On the morning of Monday, 30th May 2016 the first Caretta caretta nest was spotted in the Laconic Gulf. More specifically it is located on the beach of Valtaki.

This year’s summer program for the study and protection of the Laconic Gulf, which started on May 28th, will last until the 17th of September and includes, among other things, recording the nesting of the turtles, locating and observing the nests, protecting the nests from possible disasters, informing visitors of the region. Specifically in the area of the Laconic Gulf the participation of about 150 people is expected, mainly of young scientists who are arriving from around the world to contribute to the protection of the sea turtles of the area.

The region is of great significance since it constitutes one of the main nesting areas for the Caretta caretta in the Peloponnese. This fact combined with the cooperation of local institutions can lead to the promotion of the Laconic Gulf and to the attraction of visitors on a European level.

Besides, let us not forget that by protecting the sea turtle, we protect the environment and therefore the human species as well! By throwing plastic bags not only do we harm turtles, but also ourselves, since this waste ends up inside our own body through the food chain! If we build on the beaches and hence destroy the dunes, not only do we reduce the available nesting space, but we also lead the beaches to a short- term erosion which will result in a long- term disappearance of our favorite beaches! If we leave cigarette butts on our beaches they will end up at sea and, by causing pollution, they will kill the fish which constitute main food for us! So we had better be careful in order to maintain what we have! We wish you a nice summer with respect and love towards everything that surrounds us!

Information: Polymnia Nestoridou, Peloponnese Project Coordinator, Tel.:: +30 6951009785

Μετάφραση: Μπέτη Παγουρδάκη