The Peloponnese is a very important region for the conservation of sea turtles in the Mediterranean
May 8 th , May 26 th and June 2 nd are the respective starting dates for ARCHELON’s conservation projects in the Peloponnese, which will be completed by the end of September. People from many countries, including Greece, many of them of young age, as well as groups and families are applying for participation in the loggerhead conservation projects on the nesting beaches of Kyparissia, Lakonikos and Koroni.
Hundreds of female loggerhead sea turtles have already started their journey to the nesting beaches of Greece. Almost half of the nests of this protected species in the Mediterranean, will be made in Greece. According to ARCHELON’s data, a total of about 6000 nests were recorded in the main nesting beaches of Greece in 2018 and 4300 of them were located in the Peloponnese. In other words, about 195.000 hatchlings from the beaches of Peloponnese reached the Mediterranean in 2018 and 173.000 from them came from nests protected by the volunteers of ARCHELON. Out of these thousands of hatchlings, few – at best one in a thousand- will make it to adulthood.
The Kyparissia project is the first to start, in the beginning of May, as the coastal waters of the Bay and the long sandy beach in this area, host one of the largest breeding populations of the loggerhead sea turtle in the Mediterranean. This area hosted more than 3200 nests in 2018 and since last October has been declared as Nature Protection Area. ARCHELON’s project includes monitoring and protection of nests against a number of pressures and public awareness.
Nesting of loggerheads is also observed in the beaches of Kotychi, north of Kyparissia Bay, where ARCHELON is recording and protecting nests for the last 2 years, in collaboration with the National Wetland Park there. Similarly, nests are recorded and protected in Romanos beach, near Pylos, south of Kyparissia Bay, in collaboration with COSTA NAVARINO.
The Lakonikos project, which comes second in number of nests in the Peloponnese, will start at the end of May. The project surveys and protects nests in the beaches of Evrotas, Valtaki, Selinitsa, Mavrovouni and Vathy. A total of about 500 nests were recorded in this project in 2018.
The beaches of Monemvasia and Elaphonisos are also monitored and sea turtle nests are protected by ARCHELON in collaboration with the local Society Tulipa Goulimis of Neapoli.
More than 500 people from Greece and worldwide, volunteer to participate in ARCHELON’s projects from May to September every year. Training on their duties is provided by experts and they have the opportunity to enhance their practical skills and experience being part of an international conservation team. More than 60 internships are provided every year in collaboration with 30 educational establishments.
Information about ARCHELON's programs in Zakynthos, Crete and the Peloponnese can be found on our website: https://www.archelon.gr.
If you are interested in participating in any of ARCHELON’s projects, please fill in the form online at: https://www.archelon.gr/eng/form_eng.php?mid=2&mid2=53&mid3=70
Participation in sea turtle conservation actions is not only possible, it’s fascinating: A look into the Kyparissia Bay project of ARCHELON
A high number of loggerhead nests on Zakynthos island in 2018: what else is needed to achieve good conservation status for the species in Laganas bay?
RECENT NEWS
- 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.
- 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