To mark the new direct air service between Paris and Zakynthos, which was inaugurated in early July, Fraport Greece and Air France are actively supporting the ARCHELON project, which has been running protecting sea turtles and their habitats on the Ionian Island for almost 40 years.

More specifically, the support plan provides for a sponsorship that covers the expenses of 6 volunteers who will enhance the ARCHELON public awareness actions for visitors from August onwards. The volunteers are being selected through a specific call of interest published in mid-July and will further strengthen the existing team of ARCHELON researchers/ volunteers in Zakynthos.

ARCHELON has had a continuous presence in Laganas Bay, Zakynthos, since the early 1980s, carrying out research activities related to monitoring and protecting sea turtle reproduction, while systematic nest counts started in 1984. The information and awareness activities of ARCHELON aim to cultivate sustainable responsible tourism, which will lead to limiting the impacts of tourism on the environment, ensuring a sustainable future for sea turtles in Zakynthos.

On the occasion of the partnership between Fraport Greece and Air France in support of ARCHELON’s activities in Zakynthos, the Executive Director, Commercial &

Business Development of Fraport Greece, George Vilos, stated: “We are particularly pleased to announce our partnership with Air France in support of the work carried by ARCHELON.

It should be noted that this initiative is fully in line with Fraport Greece’s central strategic priority of promotion of sustainable development, protection of the environment, and implementation of actions that benefit the local communities where we are active.”

Mr. Yiannis Pantazopoulos, Regional Director of Air France – KLM said: “We are very proud to support the awareness program of ARCHELON in collaboration with Fraport Greece on the island of Zakynthos. Such initiatives, in addition to helping the environment, which is our main goal, also inspire more people to make more sustainable choices. Endangered species protection should raise awareness among both locals and visitors. All of us, as travelers, must respect the areas we visit and the environment we live in, and during our holidays."

“When there is a will there is way” said Thomas Arapis, the President of ARCHELON. ”Volunteers are the backbone of ARCHELON’s activities and we needed more people in order to strengthen the public awareness activities on Zakynthos this summer. We thus greatly appreciate this sponsorship, which, in addition, will enable the participation of people who would not be able to join our projects otherwise.”

The mission of ARCHELON is to design and implement projects and actions for the conservation of sea turtles and their habitats, combining scientific work with volunteering service and aiming at mobilizing society through awareness and education for a better and sustainable planet.

We can all live together; this is the motto of ARCHELON since 1983!