The beaches of southeastern Corfu are emerging as a safe haven for loggerhead sea turtles (Caretta caretta). For the first time in 2026, ARCHELON is implementing a systematic nesting monitoring programme in Corfu through the European LIFE ADAPTS project, co-funded by the European Union and the Green Fund.

Preliminary data show that this year’s findings in Corfu have exceeded our expectations: our researchers identified and protected 50 sea turtle nests on the southern beaches of the island!

However, meaningful environmental protection requires the active participation of us all. With this in mind, ARCHELON is carrying out a range of engaging public awareness activities with the support of the Ionian Environment Foundation (IEF) and the Mar-Bella Collection hotel group.

“We are proud to support initiatives that educate, inspire, and bring people closer to nature, helping to build a stronger connection between our community and the incredible marine life that surrounds us,” says Anastasia Psarra, Corporate Communications & ESG Manager at Mar-Bella Collection.

Theory was put into practice on Kanoula Beach through two public sea turtle nest excavations. ARCHELON’s researchers excavated nests that had already hatched to assess hatching success and collect valuable scientific data.

More than 50 visitors - locals and tourists alike - had the opportunity to observe the process firsthand. Both nests recorded encouraging hatching success rates: 72 out of 98 eggs in the first nest (73.5%) and 85 out of 111 eggs in the second nest (76.6%) hatched successfully!

The most moving moment came when four hatchlings that had become trapped in the second nest were released by the researchers, to the amazement of children and adults alike.

“The hatchlings’ journey across the sand is their first training for life in the ocean. Today, we showed children how they can become the silent guardians of this important journey,” says Christiana Kamprogianni, Communications Officer at ARCHELON.

At the same time, the message of sea turtle conservation reached audiences across the island through ERT Corfu, where representatives of the three partner organisations explained how scientific research gains greater meaning when it engages with the local community.

“Our aim is to support ARCHELON’s important research activities on the island and highlight the uniqueness of our region’s natural heritage,” explained Simon Karydis during Marina Moschat’s radio programme.

Read more about the LIFE ADAPTS project here: https://archelon.gr/news/life-adapts