Local Resort leads the way in protecting Zakynthos' sea turtles
Zakynthos, a jewel in the Ionian Sea, is renowned worldwide for its stunning beaches and crystal-clear waters. However, beneath its idyllic surface lies a delicate balance between tourism and nature. Parts of this enchanting island are important wildlife sanctuaries of the National Marine Park and the beaches of its south facing bay are a critical nesting grounds for the protected loggerhead sea turtles.
As early as February, these sea turtles start their perilous journey across the Mediterranean towards Zakynthos, in order to reach Laganas Bay, their ancient nesting grounds. They arrive there by May, and soon, thousands of tourists will flock there too, looking for relaxation, enjoyment and entertainment. Sea turtles will mate in the marine waters near the island and, if undisturbed, females will start emerging from the sea at night. They will dig nests in the sand, lay their eggs, cover the nests and head back into the sea again. Nests will remain hidden on the beach and, if undisturbed, the hatchlings will come out and head into the sea a few weeks later. Disturbance to the nesting turtles can be caused by several human activities in Laganas Bay and there is a bunch of information about what to do and what to avoid that must reach every user of the beach. ARCHELON, the Sea Turtle Protection Society of Greece, has been working tirelessly for over 40 years to protect the nests, shift public opinion and form alliances for the conservation of the loggerheads in Zakynthos.
In the summer of 2023, Domes Aulus Zante, Autograph Collection Resort stepped forward to support ARCHELON's mission and started informing all their clients about the appropriate behavior on the beach. In July 2023, staff members of the Resort were actively involved in rescuing an injured turtle, which was named “Rebecca” and Mrs Aphrodite Arvaniti the Resort Manager, generously agreed to cover its transportation and treatment expenses at the ARCHELON Sea Turtle Rescue Centre in Glyfada, near Athens. Their commitment continued with adopting 70 turtle nests from the beach in front of their premises in 2023 and another 70 nests in 2024, demonstrating a remarkable dedication to environmental stewardship.
In the meanwhile, “Rebecca” made a full recovery thanks to the expert care at ARCHELON's Rescue Centre, and was released back into the wild. Her story is a testament to the power of human compassion and the importance of collaboration between tourism and conservation. "Tourism can be a powerful force for conservation when done responsibly," says Thanos Michailidis, ARCHELON's Project Manager on the island. " As Zakynthos welcomes visitors from around the globe, it's crucial to remember that this island is a shared home for both humans and sea turtles. By working together, the tourism industry and conservationists can create a win-win situation where both people and wildlife thrive."
RECENT NEWS
- 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.
- OUR NEWS13/06/2024
Poster contest for children and young adults: Welcome the 2024 turtle hatchlings on the beaches!
Watercolors, markers, collage, computer, phone? Everything is useful. Use your creativity and imagination to make an A3 or A4 size poster announcing that the 2024 sea turtle eggs are about to hatch.
- OUR NEWS17/05/2024
Amvrakikos Project 2024: Special Call for a Field Leader
ARCHELON is looking for a highly motivated person to lead its project in Amvrakikos Gulf, one of the few foraging sites for loggerhead turtles in Greece linking several populations nesting across the Mediterranean region.
- OUR NEWS16/05/2024
Τhe nesting of loggerhead sea turtles started earlier this year and the effects of the climate crisis on the oceans are worrying
For the first time, in the 40 years of ARCHELON records, the first sea turtle nest was found in Laganas Gulf, Zakythos on May 10th. Scientific predictions of the nesting season moving earlier in the spring due to climate change are being confirmed.
- OUR NEWS14/05/2024
Save Turtles, See Greece on a Budget
Dreaming of pristine Greek beaches and a chance to make a real difference? Here's why June and September are the perfect months to volunteer with sea turtle conservation efforts in Greece!
- OUR NEWS02/05/2024
Sea Turtle Festival for Kids 2024
Save the date! On Saturday 18 May at 11:00, the ARCHELON Rescue Centre opens its doors to welcome young and old sea turtle friends who want to celebrate, explore, learn, play and travel magically in the Mediterranean Sea. We are waiting for you to strengthen our message for a better and sustainable planet!
- OUR NEWS02/05/2024
A successful year for the International Sea Turtle Symposium
The International Sea Turtle Symposium concluded triumphantly this March in Pattaya, Thailand, with ARCHELON actively participating.
- OUR NEWS29/04/2024
A Morning Beach Patrol with ARCHELON
The camera lens of Stefanos and Maria of SteMajourneys caught a rare sight in the early morning: a Loggerhead sea turtle nesting! The volunteers in Chania took action right away to protect the nest.