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 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.
- OUR NEWS30/09/2024
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.
- OUR NEWS18/09/2024
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.
- OUR NEWS17/09/2024
Successful wrap up of Amvrakikos project for 2024 marking two decades of dedicated work
ARCHELON is a beacon of hope for sea turtles in Greece's Amvrakikos Gulf. From rescuing injured turtles to monitoring their population characteristics and their migration patterns, ARCHELON's work has been contributing to the survival of these protected animals for the last 20 years.