ARCHELON
Since 1983, the primary objective of ARCHELON, the Sea Turtle Protection Society of Greece has been to protect the sea turtles and their habitats in Greece through monitoring and research, developing and implementing management plans, habitat restoration, raising public awareness and rehabilitating sick and injured turtles. ARCHELON is a Partner to the UNEP/Mediterranean Action Plan, a member of the European Union for the Conservation of the Coasts (EUCC). Members of ARCHELON participate in the IUCN/Marine Turtle Specialist Group and contribute to the formulation of the international strategy for the conservation of sea turtles.
ARCHELON works closely with state agencies, the local authorities, institutions, other NGOs, fishermen and local inhabitants in order to mitigate and reverse population reduction of sea turtles. Certain projects are co-funded by the European Commission. Priority is given to the elaboration and implementation of integrated management plans in the major loggerhead nesting areas in Greece (Zakynthos, Bays of Kyparissia and Lakonikos, and Crete). On Zakynthos ARCHELON conducts its projects under an agreement with the National Marine Park. Pilot sand dune restoration projects have been carried out behind nesting beaches. - ARCHELON relies heavily on voluntary work. Every year over 500 volunteers from all over the world are invited to help with the work on the nesting beaches and the Rescue Centre.
- Every summer the major nesting areas in Greece (Zakynthos, Peloponnesus and Crete), around 75 kilometres are daily monitored.
- Every year over 2,500 nests are protected against human threats, predation and sea inundation.
- Every year around 300 turtles are tagged in order to monitor their movements in the sea. Recently satellite transmitters have been used.
- Over 50 injured sea turtles are treated every year at the Rescue Centre at Glyfada (Athens).
Three permanent and 10 seasonal stations are operated by ARCHELON on Zakynthos, Peloponnesus and Crete. There are also working two First Aid Stations in Rethymno and in Amvrakiko Bay.
- About 200,000 tourists are directly contacted through ARCHELON's diverse programmes every year
- Over 15,000 students participate every year in the educational programmes.
- ARCHELON participates in four Management Agencies of protected areas (National Marine Park of Zakynthos, Amvrakikos Bay, Mesolonghi Lagoon and Strofylia-Kotychi Lagoons) where sea turtle habitats are found.
- Volunteers Training Centre has been established for the environment, where seminars and presentations are taking place.
ARCTUROS was founded in 1992 in order to put an end in the phenomenon of the 'dancing bear' which was at the time a common sight around Greece. Since then ARCTUROS has been actively working for the conservation of large carnivores both in Greece and around the Balkans. Through applied research it gathers information that allows dynamic intervention in cases where important habitats are threatened or destroyed by large technical works such as roads, dams, quarries and so on. At the same time it carries out Special Environmental Studies in areas of high ecological significance. Over the last 15 years ARCTUROS has developed initiatives based on legislative provisions previously not put into action, which improved existing regulations or the establishment of new provisions.
The activities of ARCTUROS depend highly on voluntarism. Many people both participate in our programmes each year gaining valuable experience in a variety of conservation programmes. The volunteers mainly participate in the following areas:
- Assistance at the function and maintenance of the Environmental Centre
- Assistance in public awareness campaigns
- Fieldwork and research programmes
Volunteers may assist our organisations either independently or through the European Voluntary Service (EVS). EVS is a programme that is financed by the European Union which gives an opportunity to 18-25 year olds to work voluntarily for 6-12 months in another European country. In the frame of EVS, ARCTUROS has hosted many volunteers from various European countries. Should you wish to participate in any of our projects please send an e-mail to mstyliadou@arcturos.gr
As ARCTUROS carries out various research activities, it is possible to give opportunities to students who want to gain work experience or complete a work placement for their university course. The students may work at ARCTUROS' Environmental Centre at all times of year or participate in our fieldwork activities. The help that we receive from students is invaluable for our work, and likewise ARCTUROS can offer them the possibility to acquire knowledge and skills. Postgraduate students that wish to undertake a thesis are especially welcome. If you would like more information please send an e-mail to research@arcturos.gr.
Archipelagos - Institute of Marine Conservation
Action for the conservation of the Aegean
Archipelagos, Institute of Marine Conservation, is a Greek non-profit, non-governmental organization committed to conservation of the marine and terrestrial environments of the Greek seas and islands. Archipelagos has been active since 1998 in several parts of the Greek seas (Ionian, Sporades, Central Aegean, Lybian and Eastern Aegean). Since 2000, Archipelagos' field of action has focused on the eastern Aegean. Our main terrestrial research base is located on the island of Ikaria and our main marine research base is on the island of Samos, while we also provide research stations in 3 islets of the eastern Aegean.
You can read more about Archipelagos and our actions here.
Archipelagos also provides two research sailing boats Pinelopi and Nireas, as well as 2 small speedboats, for marine research and conservation work. These vessels are able to operate even in the difficult weather conditions of the winter. In this way we are able to extend our activities throughout the Greek seas and NE Mediterranean overall.
