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."
LIFE MareNatura Marine Conservation School: ARCHELON and NECCA train staff to protect sea turtles
ARCHELON Launches Comprehensive Study to Protect Sea Turtle Nesting Sites
RECENT NEWS
- OUR NEWS14/04/2025
Groundbreaking Study on Microplastic Pollution of Marine Turtle Nesting Beaches
ARCHELON took part in a recent global study that has uncovered alarming levels of microplastic contamination on marine turtle nesting beaches around the world.
- OUR NEWS09/04/2025
Become a Sea Turtle Guardian in Lakonikos Bay
Gracie and Claire, two dedicated individuals who made a significant impact on the sea turtle project of Lakonikos Bay in 2024, talked about their experience.
- OUR NEWS08/04/2025
Meeting of organizations, authorities and businessmen in Rethymno: Crete is preparing for the arrival of the turtles!
On Monday, April 7, we met for another year in the hospitable city of Rethymno to participate in the meeting organized by the Regional Unit of Rethymno on the topic of management measures for the protection of the loggerhead sea turtle!
- OUR NEWS31/03/2025
150 satellite tags for the protection of sea turtles
Since 2002, ARCHELON and its partners have placed 150 satellite and GSM tags on sea turtles monitoring their vast journeys across the Mediterranean!
- OUR NEWS24/03/2025
Become a Guardian of the Night: Volunteer with ARCHELON
On some select beaches, volunteer duties also include night patrols. During the hours when the presence of people on the nesting beaches is prohibited so as not to disturb the turtles, our trained volunteers start their shift, equipped with measuring instruments, research notebooks and red flashlights.
- OUR NEWS14/03/2025
Enriching the lives of rescued sea turtles
A recent study at ARCHELON's Sea Turtle Rescue Centre highlights the importance of environmental enrichment in improving the physical and psychological well-being of rescued sea turtles, aiding their rehabilitation and preparing them for successful release back into the wild.
- OUR NEWS24/02/2025
ARCHELON's Annual General Assembly
According to article 8 of the Statutes of ARCHELON Association, its’ members were invited to attend the Annual General Assembly on Saturday, 22 February 2025.
- OUR NEWS20/02/2025
From the ARCHELON’s Rescue Centre in Egypt!
A sea turtle, previously rehabilitated at the ARCHELON’s Rescue Centre, has once again made headlines, this time internationally. The tagged turtle was discovered weak and injured on an Egyptian beach after the recent rough seas. This incident, as reported by the Egyptian news agency, underscores the ongoing need to protect the fragile Mediterranean marine environment.
- OUR NEWS17/02/2025
ARCHELON's turtle toy travels the country with students and teachers
We would like to warmly thank all the schools that participated in the Online Tours during the 2023-2024 school year and spread the message of sea turtle protection to the ends of the country! The online tours for the current school year have already started.
- OUR NEWS12/02/2025
Online Presentation of Results 2024
Last year, 500 volunteers from all over the world came to help turtles in Greece! What did they achieve? Join us to find out!
- OUR NEWS11/02/2025
Historic Green Sea Turtle Nest Discovered on Rhodes Island, Greece
This species is globally endangered and the recent discovery is particularly significant as it suggests a possible shift in green turtle breeding areas.
- OUR NEWS04/02/2025
Joanne's Lifelong Passion: volunteering at the ARCHELON Sea Turtle Rescue Centre
Joanne's lifelong passion for sea turtles led her to volunteer at the ARCHELON Sea Turtle Rescue Centre in Greece, where she dedicates her time to educating visitors and contributing to the organization's conservation efforts.
- OUR NEWS02/02/2025
2 years of joint systematic efforts to protect Greece's largest wetland
- OUR NEWS28/01/2025
The ARCHELON Recap for 2024: We kept on fighting for Sea Turtles and the protection of the Oceans
2024 was the year that the recovery of the loggerhead sea turtle breeding population in Kyparissia Bay has been confirmed! This site now hosts the largest breeding population in the Mediterranean, which has been growing steadily in the past years thanks to the consistent long-term nest protection efforts of ARCHELON. It was also the warmest year globally on record when, on the side of our heavy core business workload, we made time to strengthen our commitment to volunteerism and sustainable tourism.
- OUR NEWS20/01/2025
Thank You to our 2024 Field Leaders: The Heart of Sea Turtle Conservation
At ARCHELON, we owe much of our success to the dedication and passion of our Field Leaders. These incredible individuals guide our volunteers throughout their work in the field, ensuring that our mission to protect sea turtles is carried out with precision, care, and enthusiasm.