ARCHELON partners with the Ionian Environment Foundation and the Mar-Bella Collection Hotel Group to Protect the Nesting Beaches of Corfu

ARCHELON is launching the first sea turtle monitoring and conservation project on the island of Corfu, in response to the increased nesting activity observed recently. The initiative is being implemented with funding from the Ionian Environment Foundation (IEF) and the support of the Mar-Bella Collection Hotel Group.

Due to changing climate conditions, the beaches of southeastern Corfu have been receiving more and more turtles for nesting in recent years. In order to effectively manage this development, a specialized team of ARCHELON researchers will conduct patrols on selected beaches. The aim is to locate, record and protect the nests from human activity, as well as to collect critical scientific data after hatching. At the same time, within the framework of the European LIFE ADAPTS project, special temperature recorders have already been placed inside the sand in selected beaches, which will allow the study of the effects of climate change on incubation conditions.

“The launch of this project in Corfu allows us to effectively monitor and protect an area of increasing importance for the species”, states Michalis Souroulidis, ARCHELON Field Projects Coordinator. "A steady presence in the field and collaborations with real impact are essential, as nesting in Corfu is expected to intensify in the coming years due to changing climate conditions."

Partnership for the protection of the Ionian Sea

This partnership is part of the broader framework of the sustainability and environmental responsibility actions of the Mar-Bella Collection group in the Ionian, laying the foundations for the long-term protection of local coastal ecosystems. Dr. Simon Karydis, Executive Director of the Ionian Environment Foundation, stated: “Protecting the biodiversity of the Ionian is a shared responsibility. We are particularly pleased to support this initiative, which highlights the key role that the tourism industry can play in preserving our natural heritage.” With this new projects, ARCHELON expands its efforts for the protection of the sea turtle, also contributing to the long-term preservation of the coastal ecosystems of Corfu and the Ionian Sea.

Invitation to Volunteer Action

As part of the launch of the program, ARCHELON and the Mar-Bella Hotel invite the public to join us in an informative beach clean-up of Gardenos beach in southern Corfu, on Saturday, July 4th at 19:00, preparing the coast for the mother turtles of the season!