Kostas Bouyouris – A eulogy to one of the strongest “turtlers” of ARCHELON
The news that Kostas Bouyouris passed away unexpectedly, at the age of 56, brought great sadness to all those who knew him as a member of ARCHELON. Memories from the first years of our common path, when he was still studying agriculture, started flowing effortlessly.
- I remember him as a volunteer in Zakynthos and Crete, and later on, when setting up the Society’s volunteer program with Katharine Butterworth (1931-2018). He was one of the strongest "turtlers". We will always remember him. (Dimitris Margaritoulis)
- I remember him in Zakynthos, during seasons of tension. It's been over 30 years now since the time we were being attacked by bullies trying to make us quit the sea turtle beaches. Kostas was there – going strong. Then in Crete, when we were setting up the new sea turtle project. Kostas was there, bringing energy, fun and his bright smile in the face of every difficulty. In between work, we made trips to mountains and valleys. (Nikos Charalambidis)
- I first met him in the fall of 1994, when I was working as a volunteer in Rethymno. I learned then that he had "set up" the Rethymnon project, he had found the first office for ARCHELON there, he had persuaded the first landowners to let us host our volunteers on their land. But what impressed me was that I met a very sweet man, with a huge smile, a calm voice, who dreamed of the future. The future he had decided to have on Crete. And he "enslaved" me at once. (Aliki Panagopoulou)
- I'm so sorry to hear the news. He was a man in the fullest of ways. I remember him at the "turtle parties" we organized in our house to share the New Year’s vassilopita. We had said that all should bring some finger food. I remember Kostas having brought vegetables in the oven but very juicy, almost like a soup.. (Anna Kremezi Margaritouli).
Many years have passed since then. Kostas went on and specialized in ecological and sustainable agriculture, rural development and organic & biodynamic agriculture. He has created projects that built bridges between agriculture and tourism in Crete, leading the way in connecting local food production with tourism businesses on the island since 1995.
He continued to help and support ARCHELON, even though he pursued his dreams as an agronomist, not as a “turtler”. But once a “turtler”, forever a “turtler” and Kostas showed us this in every way. He found the perfect olive grove, owned by Grecotel, that became our home for ten years. He helped in the implementation of the Management Plan for the protection of sea turtles in Crete. It was his inspiration to replace the usual “wall” of the Rithymna Beach Hotel, right in the heart of the loggerhead breeding habitat in Rethymno, with rocks and natural vegetation found in the dunes.
Kostas implemented diverse, leading, social projects in every place he worked, be at ARCHELON, at Grecotel, and at the organization he recently created for sustainable nutrition. He was always a pioneer. He continued to have a passion for his work, a work that had to do with nature, with the protection of nature for a better life for humans. He had a vision and principles. His meetings with the old "turtle companions" continued both on a friendly and a professional level.
- I feel our "turtle family" became poorer. I will always remember him smiling (Kostas Teneketzis)
- We did not see each other for many years but Costas always had a place in my heart and remained a person I wanted to be like - because he had managed to make a living doing what he loved and without losing any of what he was. I followed his example, I wanted to tell him that, but I did not manage to. Yesterday I learned that he left us. So young, but still with that smile. And I will remember him like that. (Aliki Panagopoulou)
- I mourn the loss of Kostas primarily out of personal interest. Because I will be deprived of our conversations, his smile, the “rakes” we shared. I am sure that he is already in a wonderful new state. Until we meet again Kosta. Our world is much, much, much poorer without you. (Thanos Belalidis)
- I will remember him forever. A man who left a positive mark on the planet. Goodbye Kosta. (Dimitris Dimopoulos)
- Bon voyage, my friend and companion in the search for meaning. We remember you with love! (Thomas Arapis)
Everyone who contacted us send their warm condolences, love and hugs to his family and colleagues.
«A strange day»: the film made by youngsters for the protection of sea turtles at the ARCHELON Rescue Center
Rehabilitation Assistants Needed
RECENT NEWS
- OUR NEWS30/09/2024
Reunite with Your Passion: Become an ARCHELON Ambassador!
Are you passionate about sea turtle conservation and want to make a positive impact on their survival? Becoming an ARCHELON ambassador is a fantastic way to contribute to this important cause.
- OUR NEWS27/09/2024
Transforming Rethymno: Sustainable tourism opportunities with the sea turtle as ambassador
With sea turtles as its ambassadors, Rethymno has the opportunity to become a global leader in sustainable tourism. By offering responsible ecotourism experiences, the tourism industry can create a legion of passionate advocates for ocean conservation.
- OUR NEWS18/09/2024
Counting the Loggerhead nests in Zakynthos - the work of an army of ants
For the past 41+ years, ARCHELON has been counting annually nests laid by loggerhead turtles on the island of Zakynthos, one of most important nesting areas in the Mediterranean.
- OUR NEWS17/09/2024
Successful wrap up of Amvrakikos project for 2024 marking two decades of dedicated work
ARCHELON is a beacon of hope for sea turtles in Greece's Amvrakikos Gulf. From rescuing injured turtles to monitoring their population characteristics and their migration patterns, ARCHELON's work has been contributing to the survival of these protected animals for the last 20 years.
- OUR NEWS09/09/2024
Educational Programs 2024-2025: Inspire the Next Generation of Conservationists with ARCHELON!
Last year, 15,000 students arrived at the Rescue Centre and were fascinated by the wonders of sea turtle conservation.
- OUR NEWS02/09/2024
LIFE MareNatura Marine Conservation School: ARCHELON and NECCA train staff to protect sea turtles
This pioneer Training Seminar titled "Management and protection of the Caretta caretta and Chelonia mydas species" was designed with the aim of transferring special and necessary knowledge for the protection of the sea turtles from the competent bodies.
- OUR NEWS30/08/2024
Local Resort leads the way in protecting Zakynthos' sea turtles
In the summer of 2023, Domes Aulus Zante, Autograph Collection Resort stepped forward to support ARCHELON's mission adopting 70 turtle nests!
- OUR NEWS27/08/2024
ARCHELON Launches Comprehensive Study to Protect Sea Turtle Nesting Sites
- OUR NEWS05/08/2024
A Major Leap for Sea Turtle Conservation: Tracking Loggerheads Across the Mediterranean
Last month our team successfully completed the attachment of satellite transmitters to 20 individuals found near the beaches of west and south Peloponnese as well as those of Crete.
- OUR NEWS31/07/2024
Urgent Call for Volunteers: Are you looking for a meaningful adventure? Join in to save sea turtle hatchlings!
We’re urgently seeking volunteers to help protect sea turtles in Greece during August and September. Come and help the hatchlings reach the sea! ARCHELON will offer discounts to the first 50 volunteers who sign up now for the projects.
- OUR NEWS29/07/2024
Help Hatchlings Reach the Sea: Keep Nesting Beaches Dark for Sea Turtles!
Vacationing on a beautiful Greek beach with a sea view? You can be a hero for baby sea turtles!
- OUR NEWS15/07/2024
Ecotourism in Peloponnese and Crete: Explore a Loggerhead sea turtle nesting beach
ARCHELON offers a unique ecological experience for the lucky and aware travelers who will find themselves this summer on important Loggerhead sea turtle nesting beaches that the Association protects.
- OUR NEWS26/06/2024
Sea Turtles Surprise us: if you see tracks on the beach, help ARCHELON's research!
Not all beaches on Greece's extensive coastline are suitable for sea turtle nesting, but sometimes these marine reptiles surprise us! This summer, ARCHELON is asking for your help to investigate a phenomenon called "sporadic nesting".
- OUR NEWS17/06/2024
ATTENTION! Sea turtles are not pets: Do not touch them or feed them!
In areas where a sea turtle associates human presence with food, it’s behavior changes. The turtle treats humans as well as other turtles as competitors in its feeding grounds and tries to drive them away with bites.
- OUR NEWS16/06/2024
30 Years of Hope: The Sea Turtle Rescue Centre of ARCHELON Celebrates World Sea Turtle Day
Every year on June 16th, we celebrate World Sea Turtle Day, a day dedicated to raising awareness about these magnificent creatures and the threats they face. This year is particularly important for ARCHELON, as the Sea Turtle Rescue Centre marks 30 years of operation.