We unite our voices for the protection of the natural environment
Having entered the third decade of the 21st century, we are now facing a multifaceted environmental crisis – a biodiversity crisis and a climate crisis - in Greece and around the world.
The environmental crisis is no longer "the exaggeration of a few scientists and some nature lovers". Nor are the struggles of all those who for decades act locally but think globally treated as "quaint".
The many small victories for wildlife conservation, bringing about changes in the patterns of coexistence with the natural environment, as well as changes in consumption and production behaviors and practices, combined with scientific evidence, have paved the way for a different tomorrow with a vision for humans and nature.
Today, thirty-one (31) organizations and bodies for the protection of the natural environment in Greece unite our voice with people around the world who call for action before it is too late, and express our deep concern about what is happening in our country:
The implementation and enforcement of existing environmental legislation, national and European, and of international treaties, cannot be occasional or case-by-case.
The protection of the natural environment is not served when development activities are planned in areas of strict nature protection, sometimes even in the name of protecting the planet itself and tackling climate change.
The recovery will be neither "green" nor "innovative" if it is based on the apparent reckless use and degradation of the natural environment. It will be an outdated and failed recipe.
The world, and especially the younger generations, have realized that we need to change and take action, and they are strongly calling for it.
We call on the Government and political parties, institutions, the scientific community and civil society to take initiatives, as a matter of priority, on a truly national plan for the protection of the natural environment.
We are ready to contribute, as much as we can, with our experience and our knowledge.
See HERE an excellent collective album with environmental protection actions from all 31 co-signing organizations / bodies.
The co-signatories:
Alkyoni, ΑΝΙΜΑ, Arion, Arcturos, ARCHELON, Action for the Wildlife, ELLINIKI ETAIRIA Society for the Environment and Cultural Heritage Hellenic Society for the Protection of Nature, Hellenic ORNITHOLOGICAL Society Corinth and Patras Gulf Union for the Protection of the Environment “Nireus”, Society for the Protection of Prespa, Callisto, Cetacean Research Institute Pelagos Natural History Museum of Crete, Ecological Recycling Society, Ecological Movement of Drama, PANDOIKO, Magnesia Environmental Initiative, Pindos Perivallontiki, Roi - Citizens For Streams, Association for the Protection of Health & Environment of the Health Center of Chalandritsa, Friends of Nature, Greenpeace, The Green Tank, iSea, Mamagea, Med-INA, MEDASSET, MOm, WWF Greece
8th June – 16th June: from World Oceans Day to World Sea Turtle Day
Sea turtles are not pets – please do not touch or feed them
RECENT NEWS
- OUR NEWS05/06/2025
World Environment Day: Keeping Sea Turtle Nesting Beaches Safe from Plastics and Bulldozers
On June 5th, we celebrate World Environment Day, a day established by the United Nations in 1972. This year’s theme is #BeatPlasticPollution, and ARCHELON is calling for action on the sea turtle nesting beaches.
- OUR NEWS02/06/2025
Sea Turtles Return to Crete: A Shared Challenge Victory for Nature and Sustainable Travel
ARCHELON volunteers have just located the first sea turtle nests of the season on the beaches of Rethymno, Messara, and Chania. Now the challenge to prove that tourism destinations on Crete can make a significant move towards sustainability is on again.
- 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.