PROJECT AREAS
The Peloponnese – Lakonikos Bay
(including the beaches of Mavrovouni, Vathi, Selinitsa, Valtaki and Evrotas)
Lakonikos Bay is located on the southeastern side of the Peloponnese and is a marine area where, besides Caretta, the green turtle (Chelonia mydas) is also often found.
The beaches of Mavrovouni, Valtaki, Selinitsa, Vathi, in the western part of the bay, as well as the 15km beach of Evrotas, host an average of 200 nests every year. Some beaches receive a lot of visitors during the summer months and their physical condition has been degraded, so continuous protection actions are required.
The estuary of the river Evrotas is a place of rest, feeding and breeding for many bird species and the dune belt hosts the sea daffodil (Pancratium maritimum).
All nesting beaches in Lakonikos bay have been included in the European Natura 2000 site network under the code GR2540003 "EKVOLES EVROTA, PERIOCHI VRONTAMA KAI THALASSIA PERIOCHI LAKONIKOU KOLPOU".
The ARCHELON project in the Lakonikos Bay today includes the following activities:
- Recording of reproductive activity with morning observation
- Protection of nests
- Collection of data on threats and compliance with protection measures
- Seasonal Information Station
- Presentations in tourist units and beach awareness campaigns.
ARCHELON volunteers stay in a well organized campsite in Mavrovouni. Ancient Sparta, the UNESCO World Heritage Site of Mani and those of Mystras and Monemvasia, as well as the famous Cave of Diros, are close by.
In 2017, more than 1,700 visitors were informed by ARCHELON.