26/07/2016

Luc Hoffmann, the true guardian of nature, will be missed in Greece

louk-xofman-h-ellhnikh-fysh-exase-enan-megalo-prostath-ths-Hoffmann2.jpg

Thomas Arapis, current chair of ARCHELON, remembers:

The summer of 1989, amidst the sea turtle nesting season and our monitoring and awareness projects, I called Dr. Hoffmann from Zakynthos, to share an important development. I had just met, privately,with the “leader” of the family who owned the land behind Sekania beach. I had just discussed with that man the utopic, until then, proposal that the Society would secure the amount of money needed for the purchase of their land. And, I had just reached an agreement with him that he would try to convince his relatives to sell the land provided that an important sum of money would be deposited within one week in a dedicated bank account. Moreover it was agreed that in case an agreement for the purchase of the land would not be finally achieved, that amount of money would remain at the disposal of the land owners, without any return claim from “the ecologists”, as we were called by the local people back then.

I called Dr. Hoffmann on the phone without knowing what to expect.”Those are wonderful news”, he responded immediately.”I would be honored if you would allow me to help. If you agree, tomorrow my secretary will ensure that the required amount will be transferred to your account”.

That was Luc Hoffmann for me: kind, direct, intuitive. His actions served good reasons without expecting personal returns. A source of inspiration for me, for all of us.

louk-xofman-h-ellhnikh-fysh-exase-enan-megalo-prostath-ths-Hoffmann1.jpg

This agreement became a reality. Following an initial co-financing from the European Commission, the purchase of the land was completed in 1994 by WWF- Greece, which had been established in-between with G. Valaoras as director. ARCHELON is grateful to Luc Hoffmann because without having ensured the absolute protection in Sekania beach, which hosts more than half of the total sea turtle nests on Zakynthos, the National Marine Park of Zakynthos might not have been established. We deeply wish that other people will follow his steps and contribute to nature conservation as greatly.

T. Arapis R. Spyropoulou D. Margaritoulis

RECENT NEWS

  1. OUR NEWS
    02/02/2025

    2 years of joint systematic efforts to protect Greece's largest wetland

    Read more
  2. OUR NEWS
    28/01/2025

    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.

    Read more
  3. OUR NEWS
    20/01/2025

    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.

    Read more
  4. OUR NEWS
    16/01/2025

    The sweet side of healing: Why honey is a secret weapon for saving injured sea turtles.

    The antibacterial and antimicrobial properties of honey help fight infections in open wounds, a common problem for injured sea turtles.

    Read more
  5. OUR NEWS
    18/12/2024

    An injured Loggerhead sea turtle returns to the ARCHELON Rescue Centre with plastics in its digestive system.

    Greece has made progress in cutting down on plastic bag use, but we all need to do more. Sea pollution from plastic is still a major threat, harming both people and marine life.

    Read more
  6. OUR NEWS
    06/12/2024

    ARCHELON is on the Frontline of Sea Turtle Rescue in the Mediterranean.

    For the first time, we have conducted CT scans for accurate diagnoses and started special blood tests and ultrasounds to monitor the health of sea turtles under our care.

    Read more
  7. OUR NEWS
    03/12/2024

    Summer 2025: Lead the Way in Sea Turtle Conservation and become a Field Leader with ARCHELON!

    A limited number of experienced and capable volunteers are selected each year for the positions of Field Leaders on the ARCHELON projects. Applications and short CVs for 2025 are now accepted!

    Read more
  8. OUR NEWS
    25/11/2024

    Make this gift-giving season more magical: Adopt a Sea Turtle for your loved ones!

    Whether it's for the wildlife lover in your life, or someone who cares about the planet, an adoption from ARCHELON is a present that keeps on giving.

    Read more
  9. OUR NEWS
    18/11/2024

    A Nest of Hope: Keanu's Journey with ARCHELON

    Keanu Groeneveld, a Wildlife Management student from the Netherlands, recently completed an internship with ARCHELON at the Sea Turtle Conservation Project in Rethymno, Crete. His experience was more than ever expected; it was a transformative journey that ignited his passion for wildlife conservation.

    Read more
  10. OUR NEWS
    12/11/2024

    Turtle protection through satellite trackers: TUI Care Foundation and conservation organisation ARCHELON release sea turtle in Greece

    Triton was released back into the Mediterranean Sea with a satellite transmitter after several months of rehabilitation at ARCHELON's Sea Turtle Rescue Centre. As part of the TUI Turtle Aid programme, the initiative aims to contribute valuable insights into sea turtle behaviour.

    Read more
  11. OUR NEWS
    11/11/2024

    A very exciting nesting record confirms the recovery of the Loggerhead population breeding in Kyparissia Bay, Greece!

    This year, ARCHELON has recorded a new nesting record: 6,700 Loggerhead nests in the core nesting area of Kyparissia Bay.

    Read more
  12. OUR NEWS
    28/10/2024

    A wildlife symbol turned into a macabre tourist attraction

    Αn embalmed Loggerhead sea turtle was found on public display in front of one of the Kastos island’s taverns.

    Read more
  13. OUR NEWS
    23/10/2024

    Growing Beyond Boundaries: A Volunteer's Transformation

    “Through volunteering in Chania, I was able to go beyond my limits and discover a new world,” says Hyerim Ryu, explaining her motivation and sharing her experience of 5 weeks volunteering with ARCHELON.

    Read more
  14. OUR NEWS
    18/10/2024

    Is there any progress on establishing an all-embracing Marine Park in the Ionian Sea?

    We are awaiting the results of the study with great interest, as the establishment of the new Marine Park in the Ionian Sea will be a landmark for the protection of sea turtles in the Mediterranean.

    Read more
  15. OUR NEWS
    16/10/2024

    Greece's Marine Protected Areas remain unprotected

    A new report, by nine environmental organizations, identifies serious deficiencies in the protection of the most important Greek marine habitats, stressing the urgent need for immediate action

    Read more
1 out of 0
Subscribe to our newsletter!
Learn about our latest actions and find out about our programs and how you can help sea turtles!