Sea turtles in the Greek wetlands of international importance
Every year on February 2 we celebrate World Wetlands Day to raise awareness for these unique ecosystems of our planet.
Wetlands are areas in which static or flowing water gets collected above the ground or near the ground surface, such as marshes, fens, peatlands, swamps, wet meadows, streams, rivers, and lakes, or areas covered by sea water with a depth of up to six meters. The ecological importance of wetlands is unique as the element of water merges with land to create diverse habitats for a large number of animals and plants from all levels of the food chain. The natural wealth of wetlands is enormous and has been fundamental for the development of great civilizations all over the planet for millennia. However, since the middle of the twentieth century, these ecosystems have been continuously degraded by the over-exploitation of their natural resources.
According to the International Convention for the Protection of Wetlands, signed in the city of Ramsar, Iran on February 2nd, 1972, wetlands may be permanent or temporary, natural or artificial. Wetlands protect and improve water quality, provide habitat for fish and other wildlife, store floodwaters, and maintain the groundwater-surface flow during droughts. The purpose of the Ramsar Convention, which Greece has also co-signed and ratified, is the protection, conservation, and wise use of all wetlands.
Kotychi Lagoon, the Messolonghi lagoons, and the Amvrakikos Gulf, which feature in the list of the 10 Greek Wetlands of International Importance, play a significant role for sea turtles too. In the last few years, ARCHELON has been involved in the monitoring of the loggerhead sea turtle nests on the beach in front of the Kotychi Lagoon and in informing the fishermen in the Messolonghi Lagoons, in collaboration with the Natural Environment and Climate Change Agency, “N.E.C.C.A”, within the framework of the Life - Euroturtles program.
The Amvrakikos Gulf hosts significant populations of dolphins, dalmatian pelicans, shark rays, and sea turtles. "Both the marine area of the Amvrakikos Gulf, as well as its swamps
and lagoons, constitute an ecological treasure that is increasingly damaged. However, in recent decades, efforts have been made for better management of these ecosystems", says Daphne Mavrogiorgos, Director of ARCHELON.
The most recent effort was the creation of the “The Amvrakikos Alliance”. On November 14, 2023, iSea, the Tethys Research Institute, ARCHELON, the Hellenic Ornithological Society, the Department of Geology, and the Department of Fisheries and Aquaculture of the University of Patras, together with the Blue Marine Foundation, endorsed their vision for a long-term collaboration and a collective commitment that aims to improve the management of the Amvrakikos Gulf.
The Alliance's vision in collaboration with the local community is to highlight the unique ecological value and the natural and cultural heritage of Amvrakikos, for the most effective management, restoration, and protection of its ecosystems and biodiversity.
Read more about the “Amvrakikos Alliance” here
Presentation of ARCHELON 2023 Results: Here is some good news!
Why are ARCHELON’s projects international?
RECENT NEWS
- OUR NEWS28/10/2024
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.
- OUR NEWS23/10/2024
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.
- OUR NEWS18/10/2024
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.
- OUR NEWS16/10/2024
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
- OUR NEWS14/10/2024
2025 Projects: Is it your turn to save the sea turtles?
ARCHELON is thrilled to announce the volunteering projects for 2025. If you're passionate about nature conservation and eager to make a positive impact, we invite you to join our dedicated team of volunteers.
- OUR NEWS30/09/2024
Reunite with Your Passion: Become an ARCHELON Ambassador!
Are you passionate about sea turtle conservation and want to make a positive impact on their survival? Becoming an ARCHELON ambassador is a fantastic way to contribute to this important cause.
- OUR NEWS27/09/2024
Transforming Rethymno: Sustainable tourism opportunities with the sea turtle as ambassador
With sea turtles as its ambassadors, Rethymno has the opportunity to become a global leader in sustainable tourism. By offering responsible ecotourism experiences, the tourism industry can create a legion of passionate advocates for ocean conservation.
- OUR NEWS18/09/2024
Counting the Loggerhead nests in Zakynthos - the work of an army of ants
For the past 41+ years, ARCHELON has been counting annually nests laid by loggerhead turtles on the island of Zakynthos, one of most important nesting areas in the Mediterranean.
- OUR NEWS17/09/2024
Successful wrap up of Amvrakikos project for 2024 marking two decades of dedicated work
ARCHELON is a beacon of hope for sea turtles in Greece's Amvrakikos Gulf. From rescuing injured turtles to monitoring their population characteristics and their migration patterns, ARCHELON's work has been contributing to the survival of these protected animals for the last 20 years.
- OUR NEWS09/09/2024
Educational Programs 2024-2025: Inspire the Next Generation of Conservationists with ARCHELON!
Last year, 15,000 students arrived at the Rescue Centre and were fascinated by the wonders of sea turtle conservation.
- OUR NEWS02/09/2024
LIFE MareNatura Marine Conservation School: ARCHELON and NECCA train staff to protect sea turtles
This pioneer Training Seminar titled "Management and protection of the Caretta caretta and Chelonia mydas species" was designed with the aim of transferring special and necessary knowledge for the protection of the sea turtles from the competent bodies.
- OUR NEWS30/08/2024
Local Resort leads the way in protecting Zakynthos' sea turtles
In the summer of 2023, Domes Aulus Zante, Autograph Collection Resort stepped forward to support ARCHELON's mission adopting 70 turtle nests!
- OUR NEWS27/08/2024
ARCHELON Launches Comprehensive Study to Protect Sea Turtle Nesting Sites
- OUR NEWS05/08/2024
A Major Leap for Sea Turtle Conservation: Tracking Loggerheads Across the Mediterranean
Last month our team successfully completed the attachment of satellite transmitters to 20 individuals found near the beaches of west and south Peloponnese as well as those of Crete.
- OUR NEWS31/07/2024
Urgent Call for Volunteers: Are you looking for a meaningful adventure? Join in to save sea turtle hatchlings!
We’re urgently seeking volunteers to help protect sea turtles in Greece during August and September. Come and help the hatchlings reach the sea! ARCHELON will offer discounts to the first 50 volunteers who sign up now for the projects.