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 NEWS14/04/2025
Groundbreaking Study on Microplastic Pollution of Marine Turtle Nesting Beaches
ARCHELON took part in a recent global study that has uncovered alarming levels of microplastic contamination on marine turtle nesting beaches around the world.
- OUR NEWS09/04/2025
Become a Sea Turtle Guardian in Lakonikos Bay
Gracie and Claire, two dedicated individuals who made a significant impact on the sea turtle project of Lakonikos Bay in 2024, talked about their experience.
- OUR NEWS08/04/2025
Meeting of organizations, authorities and businessmen in Rethymno: Crete is preparing for the arrival of the turtles!
On Monday, April 7, we met for another year in the hospitable city of Rethymno to participate in the meeting organized by the Regional Unit of Rethymno on the topic of management measures for the protection of the loggerhead sea turtle!
- OUR NEWS31/03/2025
150 satellite tags for the protection of sea turtles
Since 2002, ARCHELON and its partners have placed 150 satellite and GSM tags on sea turtles monitoring their vast journeys across the Mediterranean!
- OUR NEWS24/03/2025
Become a Guardian of the Night: Volunteer with ARCHELON
On some select beaches, volunteer duties also include night patrols. During the hours when the presence of people on the nesting beaches is prohibited so as not to disturb the turtles, our trained volunteers start their shift, equipped with measuring instruments, research notebooks and red flashlights.
- OUR NEWS14/03/2025
Enriching the lives of rescued sea turtles
A recent study at ARCHELON's Sea Turtle Rescue Centre highlights the importance of environmental enrichment in improving the physical and psychological well-being of rescued sea turtles, aiding their rehabilitation and preparing them for successful release back into the wild.
- OUR NEWS24/02/2025
ARCHELON's Annual General Assembly
According to article 8 of the Statutes of ARCHELON Association, its’ members were invited to attend the Annual General Assembly on Saturday, 22 February 2025.
- OUR NEWS20/02/2025
From the ARCHELON’s Rescue Centre in Egypt!
A sea turtle, previously rehabilitated at the ARCHELON’s Rescue Centre, has once again made headlines, this time internationally. The tagged turtle was discovered weak and injured on an Egyptian beach after the recent rough seas. This incident, as reported by the Egyptian news agency, underscores the ongoing need to protect the fragile Mediterranean marine environment.
- OUR NEWS17/02/2025
ARCHELON's turtle toy travels the country with students and teachers
We would like to warmly thank all the schools that participated in the Online Tours during the 2023-2024 school year and spread the message of sea turtle protection to the ends of the country! The online tours for the current school year have already started.
- OUR NEWS12/02/2025
Online Presentation of Results 2024
Last year, 500 volunteers from all over the world came to help turtles in Greece! What did they achieve? Join us to find out!
- OUR NEWS11/02/2025
Historic Green Sea Turtle Nest Discovered on Rhodes Island, Greece
This species is globally endangered and the recent discovery is particularly significant as it suggests a possible shift in green turtle breeding areas.
- OUR NEWS04/02/2025
Joanne's Lifelong Passion: volunteering at the ARCHELON Sea Turtle Rescue Centre
Joanne's lifelong passion for sea turtles led her to volunteer at the ARCHELON Sea Turtle Rescue Centre in Greece, where she dedicates her time to educating visitors and contributing to the organization's conservation efforts.
- OUR NEWS02/02/2025
2 years of joint systematic efforts to protect Greece's largest wetland
- OUR NEWS28/01/2025
The ARCHELON Recap for 2024: We kept on fighting for Sea Turtles and the protection of the Oceans
2024 was the year that the recovery of the loggerhead sea turtle breeding population in Kyparissia Bay has been confirmed! This site now hosts the largest breeding population in the Mediterranean, which has been growing steadily in the past years thanks to the consistent long-term nest protection efforts of ARCHELON. It was also the warmest year globally on record when, on the side of our heavy core business workload, we made time to strengthen our commitment to volunteerism and sustainable tourism.
- OUR NEWS20/01/2025
Thank You to our 2024 Field Leaders: The Heart of Sea Turtle Conservation
At ARCHELON, we owe much of our success to the dedication and passion of our Field Leaders. These incredible individuals guide our volunteers throughout their work in the field, ensuring that our mission to protect sea turtles is carried out with precision, care, and enthusiasm.