Projects & collaborations in progress - ARCHELON - Τhe Sea Turtle Protection Society of Greece

Life MareNatura

Conservation of priority species of marine megafauna in Greece and Italy

Aiming to prevent the threats faced by nine important but also vulnerable species of the Greek marine fauna (the Mediterranean Monk seal, the Loggerhead turtle, the Green turtle, the Sperm whale, the Harbour porpoise, the Cuvier's beaked whale, the Common dolphin, the Yelkouan shearwater and the Audouin’s gull), the environmental program "LIFE MareNatura - Conservation of priority species of marine megafauna in Greece and Italy" started its actions in July 2023 and is expected to be completed in June 2029. The ultimate goal of the program is the effective protection of these species and their marine habitats, through the declaration of new marine protected areas, which will expand the Natura 2000 network of Greece.

The program is implemented by a broad consortium of experienced bodies (research and academic institutions, public bodies, environmental non-governmental organizations and private environmental consulting companies), coordinated by the Hellenic Centre for Marine Research (HCMR) while the main partner is the Natural Environment and Climate Change Agency (NECCA), body responsible for the protected areas of Greece. The other institutions participating are the University of the Aegean, the University of Crete - Natural History Museum of Crete (UoC - NHMC), the National Observatory of Athens (NOA), the Hellenic Ornithological Society (HOS), the Society for the Study and Protection of the Monk Seal (MOm), ARCHELON, MEDASSET, Nature Conservation Consultants (NCC), the Italian National Institute for Environmental Protection and Research (ISPRA), and Waterproof Marine Consultancy & Services. Also, the project's special policy partner is The Green Tank.

Learn more about the project https://www.lifemarenatura.eu/

TUI Turtle Aid Greece

by TUI Care Foundation and ARCHELON

In the face of continuous touristic activity combined with coastal erosion and climate change, there can be no future for sea turtles in a number of nesting sites, without more active involvement of the touristic sector. Tourism may significantly affect turtle populations, however it can also be a force for positive change when managed responsibly.

For four decades, ARCHELON has been at the forefront of protecting sea turtle nesting beaches in Zakynthos, Kyparissia, Lakonikos, Koroni, Rethymno, Chania, and Messara. Many of these areas, diligently monitored by volunteers each year, are increasingly affected by tourism. Zakynthos and Crete, in particular, have transformed into globally renowned tourist destinations. In a bid to minimize this impact, ARCHELON has undertaken public awareness initiatives, including presentations in hotels, information kiosks, and directly on nesting beaches for the last 30 years. Amongst others, TUI Care Foundation has supported our public awareness and information activities in a number of past projects.

Starting from the summer of 2023, ARCHELON implements the three year project “TUI Turtle Aid Greece” by TUI Care Foundation and ARCHELON, which includes, amongst other actions, an innovative component: the pilot implementation of a Turtle-Friendly Certification program for hotels, that aims to promote the protection of sea turtles and their habitats by engaging the hospitality and tourism sector. It encourages sustainable development in tourism, offers guidelines for businesses committed to turtle conservation, and helps tourists make eco-friendly choices when selecting hotels and excursions. This certification system is designed collaboratively by the TUI Care Foundation, TUI Turtle-Aid partners, and tourism stakeholders to ensure clear communication and a business-oriented approach. Project Partners in this process include Project Biodiversity in Cape Verde, DEKAMER in Turkey, and ARCHELON in Greece, all dedicated to sea turtle conservation.

ARCHELON is undertaking a proactive role in piloting this initiative, with a specific focus on hotels situated on nesting beaches in Rethymno and Chania. In collaboration with ECOCLUB, who are providing the expertise of external sustainable tourism specialists, the project is expected to support and guide the selected hotels through the implementation process. Furthermore, the project is supporting activities such as nest protection on heavily frequented beaches and the enhancement of public awareness campaigns. Additionally, an ARCHELON research team is to conduct a survey of sea turtle nesting activity on the island of Rhodes, contributing to the ongoing Sustainability Lab Initiative on Rhodes, in collaboration with TUI Care Foundation.

Greek Wildlife Alliance

Rapid assessment of the conservation status of sea turtles nesting sites in Greece

The loggerhead sea turtle, an iconic species for nature conservation, faces critical threats in the Mediterranean, such as the loss of habitat of nesting beaches and coastal ecosystems, human interference, and climate change. The Mediterranean is home to distinct populations of the species, with some of the most important nesting areas located in Greece, accounting for over 50% of the total nesting activity recorded in the region. These are found in Zakynthos (Laganas Bay), the Peloponnese (Kyparissia Bay, Lakonikos Bay, Koroni) and Crete (Rethymno, Chania, Messara Bay).

To address the challenges faced by nesting sites, ARCHELON and WWF Greece are collaborating on a two-year study to assess the conservation status of nesting areas, develop effective management strategies, and involve local communities in conservation efforts. By collecting data and raising awareness, this project aims to ensure a better future for sea turtles.

The "Rapid assessment of the conservation status of sea turtles nesting sites in Greece" project is funded by WWF Greece, within the framework of the “Greek Wildlife Alliance” initiative. The “Greek Wildlife Alliance” initiative represents the collaborative effort of 11 environmental, nongovernmental organizations to enhance the impact of their work, through a shared vision for the wellbeing of wildlife and humans.

For more information visit https://greekwildlifealliance.gr/en/

Rescue, care and reintegration of sea turtles into the natural environment in 2024

by the Green Fund

Sea turtles face serious pressures and threats, with the main ones being habitat loss of their breeding areas, predation, and accidental capture in fishing gear. Because they live in a variety of habitats including nesting beaches and migrate long distances they are exposed to pressures and threats that also threaten the marine natural environment and consequently humans. During the summer months (June – September), the threats are increased as well as the human presence at sea and on the coasts. These two factors result in greater action by the Rescue Network and an increase in the admissions of injured sea turtles to the Sea Turtle Rescue Center (STRC) of ARCHELON.

The Sea Turtle Rescue Centre operates all year round and is the only one in Greece and one of the most important in the Mediterranean. The STRC is located in the 3rd Marina of Glyfada and has been operating continuously since 1994. More than 1,350 sea turtles have been accommodated there to date, while a percentage of around 60% of sea turtles has returned to the sea after successful treatment.

The Project "Rescue, care and reintegration of sea turtles into the natural environment in 2024". "Green Fund Funding", Budget €45,000.00, of the Green Fund "NATURAL ENVIRONMENT & CLIMATE NEUTRALITY 2024" and specifically in PRIORITY AXIS 1: "PROTECTION OF THE NATURAL ENVIRONMENT - CLIMATE NEUTRALITY & OTHER ACTIONS" aims to support the operation of the STRC in 2024.

Amvrakikos Alliance

Contributing to the effective management of the Amvrakikos Gulf National Wetlands Park

Amvrakikos Gulf is one of the last megafauna sanctuaries in Greece, hosting significant populations of dolphins, silver pelicans, sea turtles, as well as sharks and rays.

That is why iSea, the Tethys Research Institute, ARCHELON, the Hellenic Ornithological Society, the Department of Geology and the Department of Fisheries and Aquaculture of the University of Patras, together with the Blue Marine Foundation, have ratified a long-term partnership and a collective commitment aimed at improving the management of the area. Thus, the 7 agencies, with the help of the Protected Areas Management Unit of the Achelou Valley and Amvrakikos Gulf of the Natural Environment and Climate Change Organization (NECCA), joined forces from the beginning of 2023, within the framework of the program "Contributing to the effective management of the National Ambrakikos Gulf Wetlands Park".

The Alliance's vision is to highlight the unique ecological value and the natural and cultural heritage of Amvrakikos, for the most effective management, restoration and protection of its ecosystems and biodiversity, in collaboration with the local community!

Life EuroTurtles

Collective actions for improving the conservation status of the EU sea turtle populations

The Life EUROTURTLES project (2016-2021) aimed to improve connections and synergism on key conservation aspects among these 6 key EU countries; Greece, Cyprus, Italy, Slovenia, Croatia and Malta. ARCHELON participated as partner in the implementation of the project with actions like:

Enhancement of the operations of the Sea turtle Stranding Network,
Upgrading of treatment facilities in the Sea Turtle Rescue Centre in Glyfada,
Protection of loggerhead nests in the northern part of Kyparissia Bay, Kotychi, Preveza and Evrotas delta,
Innovative technics for the release of sea turtles trapped in fishing gear, in collaboration with the Hellenic Centre for Marine Research, on Crete and Messolonghi lagoon.