Transforming Rethymno: Sustainable tourism opportunities with the sea turtle as ambassador
"Tourism in Rethymno has the potential to be more than just a source of revenue. It can be a catalyst for environmental stewardship and a beacon of sustainable practices," says Frosso Dimitrakopoulou, a Sustainable Tourism Consultant with ECOCLUB and a longtime ARCHELON volunteer.
Working closely with ARCHELON and TUI Care Foundation, Frosso is leading efforts to integrate sea turtle conservation into Rethymno's tourism industry. "Imagine the impact of witnessing the reproductive cycle of loggerhead turtles on these shores," she says. "It's not just a memorable experience; it's a transformative one that inspires action”. By offering responsible ecotourism experiences, Rethymno can create a legion of passionate advocates for ocean conservation. “Our goal is to turn tourists into ambassadors," she explains. "They'll return home not only with memories but also with a commitment to protecting our marine ecosystems."
ARCHELON tries to spread the message for the protection of sea turtles in northern Crete through a multitude of actions such as information material for hotels, videos, presentations, information stations and information walks on the nesting beaches. In the summer of 2024, we created and distributed a comprehensive information package for the customers of the first hotels participating in the pilot program "TUI Turtle Aid Greece: Turtle-Friendly Hotels" implemented by the TUI Care Foundation and ARCHELON in Rethymno and Chania. Frosso emphasizes the importance of collaboration between tourism businesses and conservation organizations. "Hoteliers can play a crucial role by adopting sustainable practices and supporting initiatives like ARCHELON's," she says. "This partnership benefits both the environment and the local economy."
ARCHELON's volunteer project is a cornerstone of nature conservation efforts in Rethymno. "Our volunteers are more than just participants; they're agents of change," Dimitrakopoulou states. "They inspire both tourists and locals to embrace sustainable practices." With sea turtles as its ambassadors, Rethymno has the opportunity to become a global leader in sustainable tourism. "By demonstrating that economic growth and environmental protection can go hand-in-hand, we can inspire other destinations to follow suit," she concludes.
Reunite with Your Passion: Become an ARCHELON Ambassador!
Counting the Loggerhead nests in Zakynthos - the work of an army of ants
RECENT NEWS
- OUR NEWS14/04/2025
Groundbreaking Study on Microplastic Pollution of Marine Turtle Nesting Beaches
ARCHELON took part in a recent global study that has uncovered alarming levels of microplastic contamination on marine turtle nesting beaches around the world.
- OUR NEWS09/04/2025
Become a Sea Turtle Guardian in Lakonikos Bay
Gracie and Claire, two dedicated individuals who made a significant impact on the sea turtle project of Lakonikos Bay in 2024, talked about their experience.
- OUR NEWS08/04/2025
Meeting of organizations, authorities and businessmen in Rethymno: Crete is preparing for the arrival of the turtles!
On Monday, April 7, we met for another year in the hospitable city of Rethymno to participate in the meeting organized by the Regional Unit of Rethymno on the topic of management measures for the protection of the loggerhead sea turtle!
- OUR NEWS31/03/2025
150 satellite tags for the protection of sea turtles
Since 2002, ARCHELON and its partners have placed 150 satellite and GSM tags on sea turtles monitoring their vast journeys across the Mediterranean!
- OUR NEWS24/03/2025
Become a Guardian of the Night: Volunteer with ARCHELON
On some select beaches, volunteer duties also include night patrols. During the hours when the presence of people on the nesting beaches is prohibited so as not to disturb the turtles, our trained volunteers start their shift, equipped with measuring instruments, research notebooks and red flashlights.
- OUR NEWS14/03/2025
Enriching the lives of rescued sea turtles
A recent study at ARCHELON's Sea Turtle Rescue Centre highlights the importance of environmental enrichment in improving the physical and psychological well-being of rescued sea turtles, aiding their rehabilitation and preparing them for successful release back into the wild.
- OUR NEWS24/02/2025
ARCHELON's Annual General Assembly
According to article 8 of the Statutes of ARCHELON Association, its’ members were invited to attend the Annual General Assembly on Saturday, 22 February 2025.
- OUR NEWS20/02/2025
From the ARCHELON’s Rescue Centre in Egypt!
A sea turtle, previously rehabilitated at the ARCHELON’s Rescue Centre, has once again made headlines, this time internationally. The tagged turtle was discovered weak and injured on an Egyptian beach after the recent rough seas. This incident, as reported by the Egyptian news agency, underscores the ongoing need to protect the fragile Mediterranean marine environment.
- OUR NEWS17/02/2025
ARCHELON's turtle toy travels the country with students and teachers
We would like to warmly thank all the schools that participated in the Online Tours during the 2023-2024 school year and spread the message of sea turtle protection to the ends of the country! The online tours for the current school year have already started.
- OUR NEWS12/02/2025
Online Presentation of Results 2024
Last year, 500 volunteers from all over the world came to help turtles in Greece! What did they achieve? Join us to find out!
- OUR NEWS11/02/2025
Historic Green Sea Turtle Nest Discovered on Rhodes Island, Greece
This species is globally endangered and the recent discovery is particularly significant as it suggests a possible shift in green turtle breeding areas.
- OUR NEWS04/02/2025
Joanne's Lifelong Passion: volunteering at the ARCHELON Sea Turtle Rescue Centre
Joanne's lifelong passion for sea turtles led her to volunteer at the ARCHELON Sea Turtle Rescue Centre in Greece, where she dedicates her time to educating visitors and contributing to the organization's conservation efforts.
- 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.