This year, Greece is hosting one of the most significant international scientific gatherings dedicated to the protection of marine biodiversity. The 8th Mediterranean Conference on Marine Turtles (November 9–13, 2026) is taking place in Marathon, Attica. Here, researchers from across the globe have gathered with a shared objective: to exchange knowledge and experience, and to strengthen international cooperation for the conservation of marine turtles —the true "Guardians of our Ancient Sea."

Aliki Panagopoulou, PhD —Co-Vice Chair of the IUCN Marine Turtle Specialist Group and Research Coordinator at ARCHELON— has been appointed Conference President. Members, staff, researchers, and volunteers from ARCHELON are actively contributing to the preparation and execution of the event, as well as presenting scientific findings.

The conference is set to welcome 240 delegates from 20 countries, including researchers, scientists, and representatives from environmental organizations. The event coincides with the International Week of Science and Peace—a UN initiative that promotes international scientific cooperation to address environmental and regional challenges.

The Opening Ceremony will feature addresses by Thomas Arapis, President of ARCHELON, Maria-Eleni Soukouli-Viliali, Deputy Minister of Environment and Energy, Angela Varela, President of the Greek National Tourism Organization, as well as representatives from international environmental organizations, including the Mediterranean Action Plan of the United Nations Environment Programme (UNEP/MAP, SPA/RAC) and the Convention on the Conservation of Migratory Species of Wild Animals (CMS). Dr. Ronel Nel, Chair of the IUCN-SSC Marine Turtle Specialist Group (MTSG), will also deliver remarks. Additionally, the event will include addresses by Ioannis Androulakis, President of the Green Fund, and Alexandra Ćulibrk of the Natural Environment and Climate Change Agency (NECCA). The Opening Ceremony will conclude with a keynote address by Maria Damanaki, Independent Advisor on Climate and Oceans and former European Commissioner for Maritime Affairs and Fisheries.

The week’s scientific program includes 9 keynote addresses, 12 workshops, 48 oral presentations, and 150 poster presentations of research work. The scientific sessions are organized into the following thematic areas:

• Reproductive & Nesting Biology
• In-Water Biology
• Anatomy, Physiology & Health
• Fisheries & Threats
• Conservation, Management & Outreach

Special emphasis will be placed on tourism, as the harmonious coexistence of tourism and sensitive nesting beaches is a critical factor for the future of sea turtles. The 8th Mediterranean Conference on Marine Turtles is held under the auspices of the Hellenic Republic, the Ministry of Environment and Energy and the Ministry of Tourism, as well as the Convention on the Conservation of Migratory Species of Wild Animals (CMS). It is organized with the support of the Mediterranean Action Plan (UNEP/MAP – SPA/RAC) and the Marine Turtle Specialist Group of the International Union for Conservation of Nature (IUCN-SSC MTSG), and with financial support from the Natural Environment and Climate Change Agency (NECCA).

ARCHELON extends its warm thanks to the organizations and businesses that have made a decisive contribution to the realization of this Conference:

• Gold Supporters: Qualco Group & Qualco Foundation | WWF Indonesia & Blue Corridors for Turtles
• Silver Supporters: TUI Care Foundation | Sea Turtle Conservancy
• Bronze Supporters: The Leatherback Trust | World Turtle Trust | Avramakos Promotional Solution | Lotek
• Other Supporters: Pilot | Wildlife Computers | Ktiniatrikos Kyklos – Emporiki S.A. | CineDoc & Anemone Productions