On Thursday, November 6, 2025, ARCHELON received an honorary distinction for its substantial contribution to effective dialogue on sustainability, social responsibility, and the environment, during the 3rd Effective Dialogue Awards Conference in Athens.

With the central message "Sound Information Means Sound Decisions" the conference, organized by Sympraxis and the Hellenic Institute of Effective Dialogue, highlighted the crucial role of dialogue, transparency, and collaboration in promoting sustainability, social responsibility, and environmental action.

The award was received on behalf of ARCHELON by Rania Spyropoulou, Biologist-Oceanographer and member of the Board of Directors, who emphasized in her speech: “This award comes at a time when we truly need it. And I will explain why.

When ARCHELON began its action in 1983, the loggerhead sea turtle (Caretta caretta) was on the list of globally endangered species. Today, after more than 40 years of protection efforts on the most important nesting beaches, the Loggerhead population is now classified as 'of Least Concern'.

It seems we succeeded in saving this species, thanks to the participation of 15,000 volunteers from 25 countries and 450,000 kilometers walked on the sand, protecting nests throughout all these years. So, is everything fine? Not really, as habitats in the nesting areas have suffered degradation (some minor, some more serious, mainly due to construction and tourism development) this positive result remains fragile.

This award gives us recognition and strength to continue. Because if we stop protecting the nests, and if the current pressures on their habitats continue or increase, it is likely that a negative impact on the turtle population could occur within a relatively short period.

To mitigate pressures on sea turtle habitats, we constantly engage in dialogue with authorities and local communities. Every year, we communicate our message to 100,000 people and dozens of businesses that support our work. And we will continue, acting out our responsibility for the Mediterranean. Thank you.”

During the Award Ceremony coordinated by Ms. Angeliki Kiofiri from Action Global Communications Greece, awards were also presented to the Ecumenical Patriarchate, Hellas Gold, the Support Network for Imprisoned and Released Women, and the Association of Parents, Guardians, and Friends of People with Autism of Rethymno.