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 NEWS29/05/2025
Amvrakikos Project 2025: Special Call for a Field Leader
ARCHELON is looking for a highly motivated person to lead its project in Amvrakikos Gulf, one of the few foraging sites for loggerhead turtles in Greece linking several populations nesting across the Mediterranean region.
- OUR NEWS22/05/2025
Sea turtle nesting has begun in Greece: learn what to look out for!
The first nests for 2025 have already been located and protected at Laganas beach in Zakynthos, Elaia beach in Kyparissia Bay and Pachia Ammos beach in Messara Bay in Crete!
- OUR NEWS16/05/2025
Advancing sea turtle photo-ID research with artificial intelligence
Sea turtle facial scales remain stable throughout a turtle’s life allowing researchers to recognise individuals from photos, often taken over decades!
- OUR NEWS15/05/2025
Kyparissia Bay: Balancing Nature and Tourism
Αs the popularity of the protected area increases and pressures from tourism and climate change intensify, the question that arises is: How many people can this beach “bear” without degrading the environment?
- OUR NEWS07/05/2025
Discover the secret nature of Crete: Sea Turtle Beach Walk with ARCHELON
Live a unique ecotourism experience in Crete by participating in ARCHELON Sea Turtle Beach Walks on the nesting beaches of the Loggerhead, starting on May 15th in Chania and Rethymno. Now open for reservations on our website!
- OUR NEWS24/04/2025
Are You Over 50? The Sea Turtles Need You!
If you’re 50 or older and ready to dive into a unique conservation experience, we warmly invite you to join us. Help protect sea turtles, meet like-minded people, and discover the natural beauty of Greece with ARCHELON by your side.
- OUR NEWS22/04/2025
Turning the Tide: Sea Turtle Populations Show Signs of Recovery Worldwide
The first, after a decade, global study brings encouraging news for sea turtle conservation: more than half of their populations across the globe show signs of recovery. Listed among the authors is the Research Coordinator of ARCHELON, Aliki Panagopoulou PhD, who is mobilizing the long term field work of our Society on the nesting beaches of Greece.
- OUR NEWS17/04/2025
Special 2-week volunteering opportunity on the nesting beaches – we need you this May and June!
- 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.