Volunteers are the motivating force of ARCHELONʼs work and achievements
Unique moments and strong images are those that accompany the life of an active volunteer, on any level and way. The purpose of each volunteer is different but the result is the same, the will to offer.
From the first day of its foundation, ARCHELON welcomes volunteers from all over the world. People of every age, with variety of interests, different nationalities and habits. The volunteers are those who compose the character, the nature of ARCHELON over thirty-four years now and they are the motivating force of its actions and its deeds. Besides, a milestone on ARCHELON’s work was the moment the “Ambassadors” program was established. Ambassadors, are the volunteers that represent the Society and share their experiences with their community. They motivate, inspire and speak about the benefits of volunteering all over the world!!
2016 was a very strong year, because the number of the volunteers that participated in ARCHELON’s programs had increased. In total, more than 824 volunteers offered more than 20.000 days of volunteering, in order to protect the sea turtles and their nests. They helped 260.000 hatchlings reach the sea with safety. From those volunteers 207 were French, 154 British, 135 Greeks, 104 Belgians, 52 Germans, 27 Irish, 21 Americans etc.
A very important increase of interns was observed during the summer of 2016 (88 students) from 38 universities of Greece and other countries also.
Like every other year, ARCHELON started accepting volunteer applications for the 2017 nesting season, since October 2016 and continues to.
Every year, volunteers support ARCHELON, so it can run the programs for the protection of the sea turtles. The field programs have already started since May 7th and they will continue until October 15th 2017. Since the beginning of the year, the process to recruit volunteers for this year’s programs is of crucial importance, because only if the necessary number of participants is achieved, the field projects will be able to run properly and therefore the effective protection of the sea turtles on the nesting beaches may be guaranteed.
We hope that his year, ARCHELON will overcome the expectations of every previous year, and the goal that has been set for this season will be achieved.
Information / Applications: Chara Papailiou, Volunteers Officer – tel.: +30 6937 352 382, email: volunteers@archelon.gr (translation: Ourania Theodorakakou)
Joanne, whatʼs new at the Rescue Centre (April 2017)?
Dead sea turtle in Zakynthos
RECENT NEWS
- 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.
- 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.