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 NEWS14/03/2025
Enriching the lives of rescued sea turtles
A recent study at ARCHELON's Sea Turtle Rescue Centre highlights the importance of environmental enrichment in improving the physical and psychological well-being of rescued sea turtles, aiding their rehabilitation and preparing them for successful release back into the wild.
- OUR NEWS24/02/2025
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!
A sea turtle, previously rehabilitated at the ARCHELON’s Rescue Centre, has once again made headlines, this time internationally. The tagged turtle was discovered weak and injured on an Egyptian beach after the recent rough seas. This incident, as reported by the Egyptian news agency, underscores the ongoing need to protect the fragile Mediterranean marine environment.
- OUR NEWS17/02/2025
ARCHELON's turtle toy travels the country with students and teachers
We would like to warmly thank all the schools that participated in the Online Tours during the 2023-2024 school year and spread the message of sea turtle protection to the ends of the country! The online tours for the current school year have already started.
- OUR NEWS12/02/2025
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.
- OUR NEWS04/02/2025
Joanne's Lifelong Passion: volunteering at the ARCHELON Sea Turtle Rescue Centre
Joanne's lifelong passion for sea turtles led her to volunteer at the ARCHELON Sea Turtle Rescue Centre in Greece, where she dedicates her time to educating visitors and contributing to the organization's conservation efforts.
- OUR NEWS02/02/2025
2 years of joint systematic efforts to protect Greece's largest wetland
- OUR NEWS28/01/2025
The ARCHELON Recap for 2024: We kept on fighting for Sea Turtles and the protection of the Oceans
2024 was the year that the recovery of the loggerhead sea turtle breeding population in Kyparissia Bay has been confirmed! This site now hosts the largest breeding population in the Mediterranean, which has been growing steadily in the past years thanks to the consistent long-term nest protection efforts of ARCHELON. It was also the warmest year globally on record when, on the side of our heavy core business workload, we made time to strengthen our commitment to volunteerism and sustainable tourism.
- 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.