10/05/2010

The World of Turtles awards the lifetime achievement of Dimitris Margaritoulis

o-kosmos-ths-xelwnas-brabeuei-to-ergo-tou-dhmhtrh-margaritoulh-MESA-1-Fisheries-Forum.jpg

The International Sea Turtle Society organizes the Annual Symposium on Sea Turtle Biology and Conservation at a different location every year. This year's symposium, titled “The World of Turtles” took place from April 24 to 30 in Goa, India, with 450 participants from 60 countries.

ARCHELON is a member of the International Sea Turtle Society and has a significant presence every year, while in 2006 it organized the symposium in Agia Pelagia of Crete. Once again, ARCHELON was present with the participation of eight of its members and colleagues, and the presentation of research with three oral presentations and three posters.

The culmination of the symposium for ARCHELON's team came at the farewell banquet, with the announcement that the lifetime achievement award is given to Dimitris Margaritoulis. During the award ceremony, special reference was made to his long-term work, which brought sea turtles of the Mediterranean Sea at the forefront of the world's scientific community, and to his support to programmes for the study and protection of sea turtles in many countries of the region.

o-kosmos-ths-xelwnas-brabeuei-to-ergo-tou-dhmhtrh-margaritoulh-MESA-2-IMG_0091.jpg

Aliki Panagopoulou, ARCHELON's projects coordinator, presented Dimitris Margaritoulis with a story of all she has learned from him and of the fact that after fifteen years of experience she continues to be inspired by his vision and his collaborative character. She also talked of the close friendship and collaboration between members of programmes in the Mediterranean Sea, who at the time had formed their own Mediterranean basin amongst the crowded venue and cheered for the awarding of the man that has brought them close.

o-kosmos-ths-xelwnas-brabeuei-to-ergo-tou-dhmhtrh-margaritoulh-MESA-3-IMG_0069.jpg

ARCHELON indeed continues to be one of the largest globally organizations in the number of volunteers that participate in its projects for the protection of loggerhead sea turtles in Greece. It also conducts and participates in scientific research which is important for the conservation of sea turtles in the Mediterranean Sea and for increasing knowledge of their biology. During each symposium we have the pleasant opportunity to meet volunteers of ARCHELON from previous years, who have continued working for the study and protection of sea turtles in other countries and organizations, or have started their own innovative projects.

o-kosmos-ths-xelwnas-brabeuei-to-ergo-tou-dhmhtrh-margaritoulh-MESA-4-IMG_0076.jpg

This symposium was characterized by an significant participation of researchers from the region of South Asia and the Indian Ocean, and the focus on projects that deal with resolving social and financial problems faced by residents of isolated coastal areas and artisan fishermen, whose collaboration is valuable for the conservation of sea turtles.

To mark the end of the symposium, the president of ISTS Kartik Shanker passed the baton to the president-elect Jeffrey Seminoff, who will organize the symposium in San Diego, California, in April 2011. Nikos Vallianos, Aberdeen, UK

RECENT NEWS

  1. OUR NEWS
    18/12/2024

    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.

    Read more
  2. OUR NEWS
    06/12/2024

    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.

    Read more
  3. OUR NEWS
    03/12/2024

    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!

    Read more
  4. OUR NEWS
    25/11/2024

    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.

    Read more
  5. OUR NEWS
    18/11/2024

    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.

    Read more
  6. OUR NEWS
    12/11/2024

    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.

    Read more
  7. OUR NEWS
    11/11/2024

    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.

    Read more
  8. OUR NEWS
    28/10/2024

    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.

    Read more
  9. OUR NEWS
    23/10/2024

    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.

    Read more
  10. OUR NEWS
    18/10/2024

    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.

    Read more
  11. OUR NEWS
    16/10/2024

    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

    Read more
  12. OUR NEWS
    14/10/2024

    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.

    Read more
  13. OUR NEWS
    30/09/2024

    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.

    Read more
  14. OUR NEWS
    27/09/2024

    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.

    Read more
  15. OUR NEWS
    18/09/2024

    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.

    Read more
1 out of 0
Subscribe to our newsletter!
Learn about our latest actions and find out about our programs and how you can help sea turtles!