When I think back to 2008, when I first heard about ARCHELON, I never could have imagined the journey I would take to get to where I am today. The one thing I have learned above all else is that you must always believe in people and their ability to make a difference in this ever-changing world.

After three years of running the Public Awareness and Educational program of Zakynthos, I have had the privilege of seeing the great works of volunteers in changing peopleʼs attitudes and behaviours towards the environment and, of course, our beautiful Caretta caretta.

Using the passion set deep in their hearts; they reach out and inspire people to believe in the hope that one day things will be better for the turtles.

Before the season started, I watched the economic crisis affecting the world in horror – but more specifically how it was affecting Greece – and wondered how we would manage to raise the money for our project. My concerns where furthered when we arrived in Zakynthos to find that a lot of hotels where empty, as were the bars and restaurants along the high streets. Along with other members of the team, we started to think of alternative ways of raising funds for the turtles of Zakynthos. This started a buzz within all of the volunteers and we found a new boldness in our attitude and vibe towards our education and fundraising program!

Now with only six weeks left until the season finishes here in Zakynthos, we are completely amazed at how generous the public have been towards our cause! Until the 24th August, 202 people have sponsored a hatchling, seventeen people have adopted a mother turtle, ten people have sponsored nests, and Jackie Boots from NEFIS Travel, one of the Tourist Agencies we work with, sponsored the treatment of an injured Sea Turtle at our Rescue Centre in Glyfada!!! Our volunteers have also spoken to 23,293 people visiting Zakynthos this summer, informing them of the struggle of the loggerhead sea turtles here in Zakynthos, which is an incredible accomplishment!!

On behalf of all the Leading team here in Zakynthos, I would like to deeply thank all of our wonderful volunteers – past and present – for all the endless hours you stood at kiosk in the 40⁰C heat, all the slideshow presentations, all the morning and night surveys, all the basecamp and cooking shifts and the never-ending driving shifts to and from venues!! But most of all, thank you for being a volunteer and giving the most precious gift of all – your time and love for the Caretta caretta here in sunny Zakynthos.

Danielle Gault, P.A. leader in Zakyntos