How good does 2016 promise to be for sea turtles in Crete?
Turtles that visit the island of Crete this year once again, appeared almost with a daytime accuracy.
The beginning of the summer was followed by 2 more nests in Crete. This time in the nesting beach of Kommos, in the Bay of Messara, which was enthusiastically announced on Wednesday 1 June by the voluntary group of ARCHELON. The 2nd one on Thursday 2 June, in the Maleme nesting beach in the Gulf of Chania, by the corresponding voluntary group.
That fact is very encouraging for both groups which face daily challenges on the beaches of Crete, because as it has been highlighted several times, Crete is among the most deprived places in Greece concerning the nesting.
However, Crete constantly feeds us with hopes for a better future for this rare and very unique species which exists millions of years here in the world and continues visiting the beloved island.
Apart from hopes, this fact creates beautiful pictures and memories as well, for everyone who cares for, loves, protects and hopes for the survival of this species on the planet. Sea turtles are the physical proof that the beaches of Crete deserve our attention. They deserve to continue to be of high quality and attract people who really know how rare they are to continue to visit.
All of the three voluntary groups of ARCHELON, at least 37 so far young people from all over the world, express their joy to have this unique opportunity of discovering a nest of a sea turtle before completing their stay on the island.
The wish of all these people who visited Crete for the turtles with great courage, is one: Save the turtles of Crete.
And this is what they intend to do for the next four months until the middle of October.
ARCHELON reminds everyone who run their businesses on nesting beaches one more time not to forget to apply the below simple but vital measures:
The measures need to be applied by all companies operating on the beach from now until mid-October. Not only to protect the habitats of the sea turtles but also for the protection of perhaps the most important natural resource of the island of Crete. Of course, there is none other than, the beaches of a unique beauty.
Information: Nikolopoulou Athanasia, Crete Program Coordinator, tel: 6937352379
translation: Efi Tricha
A letter to the volunteers
Caretta caretta nesting in the Laconic Gulf has begun
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