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 NEWS20/01/2025
Thank You to our 2024 Field Leaders: The Heart of Sea Turtle Conservation
At ARCHELON, we owe much of our success to the dedication and passion of our Field Leaders. These incredible individuals guide our volunteers throughout their work in the field, ensuring that our mission to protect sea turtles is carried out with precision, care, and enthusiasm.
- OUR NEWS16/01/2025
The sweet side of healing: Why honey is a secret weapon for saving injured sea turtles.
The antibacterial and antimicrobial properties of honey help fight infections in open wounds, a common problem for injured sea turtles.
- OUR NEWS18/12/2024
An injured Loggerhead sea turtle returns to the ARCHELON Rescue Centre with plastics in its digestive system.
Greece has made progress in cutting down on plastic bag use, but we all need to do more. Sea pollution from plastic is still a major threat, harming both people and marine life.
- OUR NEWS06/12/2024
ARCHELON is on the Frontline of Sea Turtle Rescue in the Mediterranean.
For the first time, we have conducted CT scans for accurate diagnoses and started special blood tests and ultrasounds to monitor the health of sea turtles under our care.
- OUR NEWS03/12/2024
Summer 2025: Lead the Way in Sea Turtle Conservation and become a Field Leader with ARCHELON!
A limited number of experienced and capable volunteers are selected each year for the positions of Field Leaders on the ARCHELON projects. Applications and short CVs for 2025 are now accepted!
- OUR NEWS25/11/2024
Make this gift-giving season more magical: Adopt a Sea Turtle for your loved ones!
Whether it's for the wildlife lover in your life, or someone who cares about the planet, an adoption from ARCHELON is a present that keeps on giving.
- OUR NEWS18/11/2024
A Nest of Hope: Keanu's Journey with ARCHELON
Keanu Groeneveld, a Wildlife Management student from the Netherlands, recently completed an internship with ARCHELON at the Sea Turtle Conservation Project in Rethymno, Crete. His experience was more than ever expected; it was a transformative journey that ignited his passion for wildlife conservation.
- OUR NEWS12/11/2024
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Triton was released back into the Mediterranean Sea with a satellite transmitter after several months of rehabilitation at ARCHELON's Sea Turtle Rescue Centre. As part of the TUI Turtle Aid programme, the initiative aims to contribute valuable insights into sea turtle behaviour.
- OUR NEWS11/11/2024
A very exciting nesting record confirms the recovery of the Loggerhead population breeding in Kyparissia Bay, Greece!
This year, ARCHELON has recorded a new nesting record: 6,700 Loggerhead nests in the core nesting area of Kyparissia Bay.
- OUR NEWS28/10/2024
A wildlife symbol turned into a macabre tourist attraction
Αn embalmed Loggerhead sea turtle was found on public display in front of one of the Kastos island’s taverns.
- OUR NEWS23/10/2024
Growing Beyond Boundaries: A Volunteer's Transformation
“Through volunteering in Chania, I was able to go beyond my limits and discover a new world,” says Hyerim Ryu, explaining her motivation and sharing her experience of 5 weeks volunteering with ARCHELON.
- OUR NEWS18/10/2024
Is there any progress on establishing an all-embracing Marine Park in the Ionian Sea?
We are awaiting the results of the study with great interest, as the establishment of the new Marine Park in the Ionian Sea will be a landmark for the protection of sea turtles in the Mediterranean.
- OUR NEWS16/10/2024
Greece's Marine Protected Areas remain unprotected
A new report, by nine environmental organizations, identifies serious deficiencies in the protection of the most important Greek marine habitats, stressing the urgent need for immediate action
- OUR NEWS14/10/2024
2025 Projects: Is it your turn to save the sea turtles?
ARCHELON is thrilled to announce the volunteering projects for 2025. If you're passionate about nature conservation and eager to make a positive impact, we invite you to join our dedicated team of volunteers.
- OUR NEWS30/09/2024
Reunite with Your Passion: Become an ARCHELON Ambassador!
Are you passionate about sea turtle conservation and want to make a positive impact on their survival? Becoming an ARCHELON ambassador is a fantastic way to contribute to this important cause.