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 NEWS18/12/2024
An injured Loggerhead sea turtle returns to the ARCHELON Rescue Centre with plastics in its digestive system.
Greece has made progress in cutting down on plastic bag use, but we all need to do more. Sea pollution from plastic is still a major threat, harming both people and marine life.
- OUR NEWS06/12/2024
ARCHELON is on the Frontline of Sea Turtle Rescue in the Mediterranean.
For the first time, we have conducted CT scans for accurate diagnoses and started special blood tests and ultrasounds to monitor the health of sea turtles under our care.
- OUR NEWS03/12/2024
Summer 2025: Lead the Way in Sea Turtle Conservation and become a Field Leader with ARCHELON!
A limited number of experienced and capable volunteers are selected each year for the positions of Field Leaders on the ARCHELON projects. Applications and short CVs for 2025 are now accepted!
- OUR NEWS25/11/2024
Make this gift-giving season more magical: Adopt a Sea Turtle for your loved ones!
Whether it's for the wildlife lover in your life, or someone who cares about the planet, an adoption from ARCHELON is a present that keeps on giving.
- OUR NEWS18/11/2024
A Nest of Hope: Keanu's Journey with ARCHELON
Keanu Groeneveld, a Wildlife Management student from the Netherlands, recently completed an internship with ARCHELON at the Sea Turtle Conservation Project in Rethymno, Crete. His experience was more than ever expected; it was a transformative journey that ignited his passion for wildlife conservation.
- OUR NEWS12/11/2024
Turtle protection through satellite trackers: TUI Care Foundation and conservation organisation ARCHELON release sea turtle in Greece
Triton was released back into the Mediterranean Sea with a satellite transmitter after several months of rehabilitation at ARCHELON's Sea Turtle Rescue Centre. As part of the TUI Turtle Aid programme, the initiative aims to contribute valuable insights into sea turtle behaviour.
- OUR NEWS11/11/2024
A very exciting nesting record confirms the recovery of the Loggerhead population breeding in Kyparissia Bay, Greece!
This year, ARCHELON has recorded a new nesting record: 6,700 Loggerhead nests in the core nesting area of Kyparissia Bay.
- 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.