The challenge of conservation in a top tourist destination and sustainable tourism
The first generations of ARCHELON volunteers experienced how the nesting beaches in Zakynthos, Kyparissia, Lakonikos, Rethymno, Chania, Messara used to look like back in the 80’s and the 90’s. The volunteers of the years to follow, including the children of ARCHELON’s first volunteers, have heard the stories, and have seen tourism evolving in these sites. But why is the future of tourism important for sea turtles?
Thomas Arapis, the President of ARCHELON, brings the issue into perspective: “Scientific evidence have long suggested that female loggerhead hatchlings will return as adults to nest at the same beaches they were born in. Hence, the question guiding the efforts of ARCHELON has been: how will this beach look like in 15-20 years from now, when this years’ hatchlings will come back to nest?”
The question is still pertinent in 2021 and will continue to be so because of climate change and the overexploitation of natural resources of the planet. Currently most of the 74 km of beaches monitored by ARCHELON for concentrated sea turtle nesting activity in Greece are affected by tourism. Amongst them there are Crete and Zakynthos which are top tourist destinations, already very developed. These two areas, as some other top destinations in Greece, will be greatly affected by climate change according to a recent study by Dianeosis and Athens University (2021).
The study suggests that to address the impacts of climate change, local governments and businesses will need to manage tourist flows and the natural/ cultural resources of these areas to limit any further concentration of tourist development. At the same time, efforts should be made to restructure as much as possible the sectors of production in these destinations as well as the existing building infrastructure.
Starting this summer, ARCHELON invites all 2021 volunteers to participate in a relevant survey and complete a Sustainability Questionnaire with regards to their project location. The results will be presented and discussed in an online workshop around the end of the year.
Thomas Arapis discussed the challenge of conservation in a top tourist destination in the Blue Panda Lab with the theme: Tourism and Marine Protected Areas in the post-Covid era, organized by WWF-Greece in July 2021, in Zakynthos. You can watch on YouTube the presentation ( in English ).
Sporadic nests of sea turtles are important
Volunteers help save sea turtles through European Solidarity Corps
RECENT NEWS
- 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.
- OUR NEWS16/01/2025
The sweet side of healing: Why honey is a secret weapon for saving injured sea turtles.
The antibacterial and antimicrobial properties of honey help fight infections in open wounds, a common problem for injured sea turtles.
- 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.