Four-month extension for Life Euroturtles with co-financing of the Ministry of Environment
The project was extended for four months as the pandemic caused many delays and difficulties in carrying out actions for most partners. ARCHELON is the Greek partner of this project, collaborating with the Hellenic Ministry of Environment and Energy and local bodies, and is heading towards the completion of the actions that have been foreseen.
Which actions were implemented by ARCHELON in 2020?
Despite the difficult conditions of due the pandemic, a total of over 700 nests were protected, all outside the areas where the ARCHELON’s volunteer projects are implemented. Marine areas with a large presence of turtles were also mapped according to information from drone flights launched for this purpose and turtle monitoring with GSM transmitters was also applied.
The draft National Action Plan for the loggerhead sea turtles was completed last year with the cooperation of ARCHELON and the LIFE IP4 Natura project of the Ministry of Environment and now is awaiting to be legislated. In 2020, the exterior of the "intensive care unit" at the Sea Turtle Rescue Center was replaced, which greatly reduced the recovery and rehabilitation time of injured and sick turtles.
However, awareness and educational activities were not left behind: an informative video was created on the activity and life cycle of sea turtles and the translation of the educational pack for schools into English was published, so that it could be used by other partners.
What remains to be done?
This summer, ARCHELON applies nest protection in North Kyparissia bay, the beach in the Kotychi lagoon, as well as other areas where infrequent nesting of sea turtles occurs. Several nests have already been protected in these areas.
Monitoring of sea turtle migrations also continues with the placement of 10 GSM monitoring transmitters on female turtles within Kyparissia bay. At the same time, the information and public awareness programs will continue, to the extent that conditions of the pandemic allows.
The good news is that the Green Fund of the Ministry of Environment will provide more external financial support to the Life Euroturtles project, covering a part of ARCHELON’s own contribution for this last year . This contribution is very important and will help in the successful completion of the project which will end this December.
Great luck to meet “Ella”, the beautiful fairy, again in Kalo Nero, Kyparissia bay
Sea turtles are still in danger in Laganas bay, Zakynthos
RECENT NEWS
- OUR NEWS18/05/2026
The nesting season has started in Greece: The first sea turtle nests for 2026 are spotted!
The first nests of the loggerhead sea turtle for 2026 have been found in Kyparissia Bay and in Zakynthos.
- OUR NEWS07/05/2026
ARCHELON’s Sea Turtle Tours presented in a Japanese Seminar for Sustainable Tourism
ur Sea Turtle Tours recently featured as a highlight in the Sustainable Tourism International Talk Sessions, organized by the Japan Alliance of Responsible Travel Agencies.
- OUR NEWS04/05/2026
Kids Turtle Festival 2026 "In Deep Water"
The ARCHELON Sea Turtle Rescue Centre opens its doors on World Turtle Day, June 13, and invites young and old to this year’s Kids Turtle Festival 2026 “In Deep Water”.
- OUR NEWS30/04/2026
Sea Turtle Beach Walk in Crete: A unique eco-tourism experience
The Sea Turtle Beach Walk is an organized activity that allows participants to get to know the natural environment of the sea turtle nesting site up close. Book your place now!
- OUR NEWS18/04/2026
How a sea turtle illuminated the unknown paths of the Aegean
Helen Jane was not just another dead sea turtle found on the Greek coastline. For ARCHELON researchers, she was a living beacon of information
- OUR NEWS17/04/2026
Is it Really 1 in 1,000? New Science Challenges the Iconic Sea Turtle Statistic
For decades, one quote has defined the struggle of sea turtle conservation: 1 in 1,000. This statistical information suggests that for every thousand hatchlings that enter the sea, only one will survive the long journey to adulthood.
- OUR NEWS10/04/2026
ARCHELON takes part in Chania's “Move It Now” initiative
Through educational activities, games and discussions, students had the opportunity to understand that every "green" choice in our daily lives is a direct help to the environment.
- OUR NEWS09/04/2026
Coming together for sustainable tourism in Chania
Looking towards the upcoming nesting season, the tourism community of Chania gathered at the city’s Town Hall.
- OUR NEWS08/04/2026
The Return of the “Giant”: Everest Swims Again in Greek Seas After Two Years of Rehabilitation
The story of 'Everest' began in May 2024 in Preveza, when the sea turtle was found with a severe, intentional head injury. Upon arrival at the Rescue Centre, its condition was critical: malnourished, weighing just 81 kg, and suffering from serious buoyancy problems that made survival in the sea impossible.
- OUR NEWS07/04/2026
Through the dust: Rethymno looks for a sustainable future with the sea turtles
Neither the African dust nor the sandstorm of last Wednesday stood in the way of ARCHELON's event at the Rethymno City Hall!
- OUR NEWS02/04/2026
Volunteering Has Never Been More Attractive: Special offers for 2026
ARCHELON invites you to join its field projects and actively protect sea turtles and their habitats.
- OUR NEWS09/03/2026
The Annual General Assembly of the Association
ARCHELON's Members were invited to attend the Annual General Assembly on Saturday, February 28 at the Sea Turtle Rescue Centre.
- OUR NEWS03/03/2026
Join us for the Online Presentation of 2025 Results!
On Monday, March 23rd, we have the chance to meet again online and share what we accomplished together in the past year.
- OUR NEWS03/03/2026
A Digital Adventure for Your Class with ARCHELON
Through a live connection with the Centre, students learn about the turtles’ rescue stories and discover how everyday human activities can negatively impact marine ecosystems.
- OUR NEWS24/02/2026
32 Years Returning to Nest: A Record Reproductive Lifespan for the Loggerhead Sea Turtle in Kyparissia Bay
When we analyzed the turtles’ codes, we realized that this was a turtle that had been tagged for the first time in the area 32 years ago! Specifically, turtle P4849 was tagged on July 7, 1993 and today is the turtle with the longest documented reproductive lifespan in Kyparissia Bay!