Over 1.000 Caretta caretta nests in Southern Kyparissiakos Bay!
On the 28th of June the number of nests surpassed the 1.000 mark for 2016 in Southern Kyparissiakos Bay. During the last years, ARCHELON’s efforts for the protection of the sea turtles have borne fruit by increasing the number of Caretta caretta nests.
It has been more than 30 years now that the first lovers of sea turtle Caretta arrived in the area of Kyparissiakos Bay and started monitoring and then protecting the nests of this ancient seafaring reptile that in past times used to be regarded as the sacred animal of goddess Aphrodite.
Since then, thousands of people from across the globe, from America to Asia and Australia have travelled to the area to be part of this conservation effort of a protected species that faces daily anthropogenic threats, which usually manifest from lack of understanding.
Each and every one of these people will treasure for the rest of their lives this intimate experience of the life cycle of this reptile that lives in the sea and visits our beaches just to nest! Each and every one of these people having walked tens of kilometres daily during sunrise to sunset in Kyparissiakos Bay are now connected to this place and they feel deep respect for it. Each and every one of these people in this endless landscape of sand has been touched, has given their blood, sweat and tears, has felt love and ultimately shared in this enormous feat of protection of the Kyparissiakos Bay.
Thirty years later these people continue visiting the area full of emotion for the time they spent here but also for the effort that keeps us full of passion and conserves the area as close as nature intended.
Whilst waiting for the first hatchlings to reach Mediterranean sea from Kyparissiakos Bay, we hope that ARCHELON’s efforts will set an example for environmental protection throughout Greece, once is gone it is lost forever!
Information: Polymnia Nestoridou, Peloponnese Project Coordinator, Tel.:: +30 6951009785
Joanne, whatʼs new at the Rescue Centre (May 2016)?
Small steps towards a better future for the sea turtle on Crete
RECENT NEWS
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- OUR NEWS01/07/2025
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- OUR NEWS23/06/2025
Enjoy the Beaches Responsibly: Together We Protect the Sea Turtles of Kyparissia Bay!
So far, more than 2,000 nests have been recorded in the area. In order to best manage the protected beaches, we have adapted our field work protocols.
- OUR NEWS16/06/2025
World Sea Turtle Day: We can all live together!
Today, June 16th, we celebrate World Sea Turtle Day. On this occasion, ARCHELON expresses its warmest thanks to all citizens, volunteers, donors and supporters who actively contribute to our work.
- OUR NEWS10/06/2025
New Adaptation Strategies for Sea Turtles and Mediterranean Monk Seals
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- OUR NEWS08/06/2025
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- OUR NEWS06/06/2025
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- OUR NEWS05/06/2025
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On June 5th, we celebrate World Environment Day, a day established by the United Nations in 1972. This year’s theme is #BeatPlasticPollution, and ARCHELON is calling for action on the sea turtle nesting beaches.
- OUR NEWS02/06/2025
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ARCHELON volunteers have just located the first sea turtle nests of the season on the beaches of Rethymno, Messara, and Chania. Now the challenge to prove that tourism destinations on Crete can make a significant move towards sustainability is on again.
- OUR NEWS29/05/2025
Amvrakikos Project 2025: Special Call for a Field Leader
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- OUR NEWS22/05/2025
Sea turtle nesting has begun in Greece: learn what to look out for!
The first nests for 2025 have already been located and protected at Laganas beach in Zakynthos, Elaia beach in Kyparissia Bay and Pachia Ammos beach in Messara Bay in Crete!
- OUR NEWS16/05/2025
Advancing sea turtle photo-ID research with artificial intelligence
Sea turtle facial scales remain stable throughout a turtle’s life allowing researchers to recognise individuals from photos, often taken over decades!
- OUR NEWS15/05/2025
Kyparissia Bay: Balancing Nature and Tourism
Αs the popularity of the protected area increases and pressures from tourism and climate change intensify, the question that arises is: How many people can this beach “bear” without degrading the environment?
- OUR NEWS07/05/2025
Discover the secret nature of Crete: Sea Turtle Beach Walk with ARCHELON
Live a unique ecotourism experience in Crete by participating in ARCHELON Sea Turtle Beach Walks on the nesting beaches of the Loggerhead, starting on May 15th in Chania and Rethymno. Now open for reservations on our website!
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Are You Over 50? The Sea Turtles Need You!
If you’re 50 or older and ready to dive into a unique conservation experience, we warmly invite you to join us. Help protect sea turtles, meet like-minded people, and discover the natural beauty of Greece with ARCHELON by your side.