Research and studies of nature in Greece have developed further in recent years as shown during 16th International Congress on the Zoogeography and Ecology of Greece and Adjacent Regions (ICZEGAR), held in Athens, at the Eugenides Foundation, from 3 to 6 July 2025, where ARCHELON participated actively.

Organized every two years by the Hellenic Zoological Society, ICZEGAR is a well-established forum for scientists working on Mediterranean fauna. It fosters the exchange of knowledge and ideas while providing space for creative discussions on biodiversity research and conservation.

This year’s Congress was co-organized with the National and Kapodistrian University of Athens and WWF Greece, featuring 14 thematic sessions covering key areas of zoological studies such as conservation biology, biogeography, fisheries, population ecology, phylogenetics, phylogeography, and biological invasions.

ARCHELON’s contribution to the Congress

ARCHELON actively contributed to the Congress with three oral presentations, highlighting key aspects of its scientific and conservation work for sea turtles:

• Aliki Panagopoulou, ARCHELON’s Research Coordinator, presented: “Paradigm shift: Loggerhead turtles show more complex post-nesting migration strategies than previously thought”, revealing early findings from the LIFE Mare Natura project and offering new insights into the behavioral patterns of sea turtles after nesting.

• Kostas Teneketzis, ARCHELON’s scientific associate, presented: “Sea turtle nesting in Rhodes: A 35-year reassessment”, based on long-term monitoring under the TUI Turtle Aid Greece project, implemented by the TUI Care Foundation in collaboration with ARCHELON. The presentation shed light on long-term trends and conservation challenges in the area.

• Eirini Kasimati, ARCHELON’s Head of Rescue & Welfare, presented: “Three decades of sea turtle rehabilitation in Greece (1995–2024) reveal significant human-related impacts”, showcasing data from the Sea Turtle Rescue Centre and emphasizing the urgent need to reduce anthropogenic threats to sea turtles in the Mediterranean.

ARCHELON’s presence at ICZEGAR 2025 strengthened our collaborations within the scientific community and offered a valuable opportunity to highlight our commitment to protecting sea turtles and Mediterranean biodiversity. We remain inspired and continue our mission with even greater dedication and passion!