The Kyparissia volunteer group, under the direction of Brian Ground, located and protected the nest in the area of Vounaki, South Kyparissian Gulf. The nest had to be moved further back from the shore in order to prevent it from being destroyed or damaged by waves. After the nest was relocated, special metal netting was used to protect the eggs from foraging dogs and foxes. The 106 eggs are now safe from natural threats, but they are still in danger from beach vehicles and disturbance by people. When they hatch and try to reach the sea, many of the baby turtles will become disoriented by the man-made lights and noise, while many mother turtles become trapped in fishing nets and longlines which commercial fishermen use uncontrolled in the area.

The start of the nesting season (eight days later than in 2010) also marks the start of the this yearʼs season of study and protection of sea turtles, as mandated by Greek, European Union and international law. In particular, their protection is covered in the international CITES treaty, the Bonn Treaty, the Berne Treaty (in section IV of the Guide to Ecological Sites, 92/43/EOK), Presidential Decrees 617/80 and 67/81, which forbid the collection, trade, abuse, killing, or possession of sea turtles.

ARCHELON has renovated the old Agiannaki railroad station building near Kalo Nero and transformed it into an Environmental Information Centre, where presentations are given to schools and organized groups.

Letʼs hope that this year will be better, and that the trend of fewer nests each year in the coastal nesting areas – which is a result of human actions – will not continue. ARCHELON, with its approximately 500 volunteers from all over the world, will continue to try to protect both the turtles and their nests.

Translation by Joanne Stournara