Did you know sea-turtles nest here in Crete?
“No…”
“Really?”
“Here, on these beaches?”
are answers we hear all too often in Crete.
After volunteering in Zakynthos, this is very strange to hear. Turtles are such an attraction, turtle-themed souvenirs pour from every shop and returning visitors to the island come back specifically because they may see a turtle.
Rapid development in the 80s, before Archelon having the man-power to extend their conservation efforts to Crete, saw a lot of nesting beaches severely affected. The addition of wave-breakers and building directly on the back of the beach, swarms of sunbeds and beaches bathed in light meant that not only have the nesting areas shrunk, but what remains is becoming more unsuitable for nesting.
I honestly believe the best way to help preserve a species is to inform as many people as possible in all the many ways they can help. This is exactly why the Public Awareness (PA) programme of Archelon is just as important as the monitoring work conducted on the beaches. This year the Public Awareness programme in Rethymno had a little makeover. In addition to the usual information tables, kiosk and slideshows at hotels, we secured a position on ‘Barbarossa’ the pirate boat which offers daily trips out to the bay of Rethymno.
This year we also held a ‘Public Awareness Day’, where volunteers donned hand-painted billboards, an inflatable turtle and armed with leaflets did a walk of the nesting beaches to speak with as many people as possible. It was a resounding success and a boost for morale to volunteers. Not only did we speak with interested people and answer their questions but many were very interested in coming to volunteer!
We also invited everyone to our public excavations. In Crete where many people who visit are unaware that turtles exist here and chances to otherwise finance the project are low, these events present a really good opportunity to capture attention, and get people involved to see with their own eyes the issues faced by Caretta caretta in Crete.
I have many highlights from this season but there is one moment that sticks clearly in my mind. A German gent came after a slideshow to put a few euros in our donation box and said:
Joanne, whatʼs new at the Rescue Centre in July 2015?
Like a Turtle on its back: My Archelon Experience
RECENT NEWS
- OUR NEWS05/07/2025
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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
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- OUR NEWS22/04/2025
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- OUR NEWS17/04/2025
Special 2-week volunteering opportunity on the nesting beaches – we need you this May and June!
- OUR NEWS14/04/2025
Groundbreaking Study on Microplastic Pollution of Marine Turtle Nesting Beaches
ARCHELON took part in a recent global study that has uncovered alarming levels of microplastic contamination on marine turtle nesting beaches around the world.
- OUR NEWS09/04/2025
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Gracie and Claire, two dedicated individuals who made a significant impact on the sea turtle project of Lakonikos Bay in 2024, talked about their experience.
- OUR NEWS08/04/2025
Meeting of organizations, authorities and businessmen in Rethymno: Crete is preparing for the arrival of the turtles!
On Monday, April 7, we met for another year in the hospitable city of Rethymno to participate in the meeting organized by the Regional Unit of Rethymno on the topic of management measures for the protection of the loggerhead sea turtle!
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150 satellite tags for the protection of sea turtles
Since 2002, ARCHELON and its partners have placed 150 satellite and GSM tags on sea turtles monitoring their vast journeys across the Mediterranean!
- OUR NEWS24/03/2025
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On some select beaches, volunteer duties also include night patrols. During the hours when the presence of people on the nesting beaches is prohibited so as not to disturb the turtles, our trained volunteers start their shift, equipped with measuring instruments, research notebooks and red flashlights.
- OUR NEWS14/03/2025
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ARCHELON's Annual General Assembly
According to article 8 of the Statutes of ARCHELON Association, its’ members were invited to attend the Annual General Assembly on Saturday, 22 February 2025.
- OUR NEWS20/02/2025
From the ARCHELON’s Rescue Centre in Egypt!
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- OUR NEWS17/02/2025
ARCHELON's turtle toy travels the country with students and teachers
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Online Presentation of Results 2024
Last year, 500 volunteers from all over the world came to help turtles in Greece! What did they achieve? Join us to find out!
- OUR NEWS11/02/2025
Historic Green Sea Turtle Nest Discovered on Rhodes Island, Greece
This species is globally endangered and the recent discovery is particularly significant as it suggests a possible shift in green turtle breeding areas.