This year, Greece stands at the forefront of the efforts to safeguard the Mediterranean's marine wildlife by hosting the 8th Mediterranean Conference on Marine Turtles in Marathon, Attica. Organized by ARCHELON, the conference is held under the auspices of the Hellenic Republic’s Ministry of Environment and Energy and Ministry of Tourism, as well as the Convention on the Conservation of Migratory Species of Wild Animals (Bonn Convention). It also enjoys the support of the Mediterranean Action Plan (UNEP MAP-RAC/SPA) and the IUCN Marine Turtle Specialist Group (MTSP/IUCN).

For five days —from November 9 to 13— and coinciding with the International Week of Science and Peace, the Mediterranean Conference will serve as a dynamic platform for substantive dialogue and close collaboration within the international scientific community. The conference is expected to host 240 delegates from 20 Mediterranean countries, including leading researchers and scientists, as well as representatives from protected area management bodies and environmental organizations. The primary objective is to present new scientific data, exchange valuable experiences, and seek collective responses to contemporary threats. Representatives of the Greek government and prominent figures who have made significant international contributions to ocean conservation have been invited to attend, while world-renowned sea turtle experts will deliver keynote speeches addressing interactions with fisheries and sharing insights from their careers in environmental protection.

The conference program focuses on the most pressing challenges directly affecting sea turtle survival and the degradation of their habitats. Key issues, such as the impacts of climate change, bycatch, and the ever-increasing anthropogenic pressures on coastal zones, will be at the heart of the proceedings. Special emphasis will be placed on tourism activity, as the harmonious coexistence of tourism and sensitive nesting beaches is pivotal to the future of the turtles.

Hosting the conference in Greece is of particular significance. Our country serves as a vital refuge for sea turtles; Zakynthos and Kyparissia Bay are among the most important nesting beaches for the Loggerhead turtle (Caretta caretta) in the entire Mediterranean. At the same time, Greek waters are home to the Green turtle (Chelonia mydas), while the impressive Leatherback turtle (Dermochelys coriacea) is also recorded, albeit more rarely.

The institutional protection of all these species and the inclusion of their critical habitats in the European Natura 2000 network tangibly reinforce conservation efforts. This legacy is no coincidence; it is the result of 40 years of uninterrupted effort and systematic action by ARCHELON in collaboration with the State and other bodies and organizations in Greece, as well as broader Mediterranean-wide initiatives aimed at building a shared vision for our sea alongside counterpart organizations in other countries.

Aliki Panagopoulou, PhD, Co-Vice Chair of the IUCN Marine Turtle Specialist Group and Research Coordinator at ARCHELON has been elected to chair the 8th Mediterranean Conference, while members, staff, researchers, and volunteers from the organization are contributing to the event's organization. Centered on dialogue, knowledge, and synergy, this year’s conference aims to transform scientific knowledge and experience into stronger collaboration for the protection needed by the true "Guardians of our Ancient Sea."

More information:

• www.medturtleconf.gr
• info@medturtleconf.gr

PRESS PASS: If you are a journalist interested in covering the opening ceremony or the conference, you can contact us at info@medturtleconf.gr.