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 It will be an outdated and failed recipe.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 NEWS17/04/2025
Special 2-week volunteering opportunity on the nesting beaches – we need you this May and June!
- OUR NEWS14/04/2025
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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
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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.
- 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.