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 It will be an outdated and failed recipe.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 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 NEWS27/09/2024
Transforming Rethymno: Sustainable tourism opportunities with the sea turtle as ambassador
With sea turtles as its ambassadors, Rethymno has the opportunity to become a global leader in sustainable tourism. By offering responsible ecotourism experiences, the tourism industry can create a legion of passionate advocates for ocean conservation.
- 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.