This year marks 40 years of ARCHELON’s action for protecting sea turtles in Greece. During the last four decades a total of approx. 15,000 of volunteers from 25 countries joined the ZAK, KYP, LAK, RETH, CHAN, MESS, KOR, AMVR sea turtle projects (do you still recall these acronyms?) and the Rescue Centre, to help save the turtles. It may be the right time to celebrate the 40th birthday of ARCHELON by organizing one or more homecoming events that will be held on a nesting beach and/ or at the Rescue Centre.

The idea is for us to meet, visit the beaches and the info kiosks, and celebrate the nests and the animals we saved during all these years. We have identified a suitable period for the homecoming events: any of the days between the 8th to17th of September. During this period we can organize just a one day event on one location (e.g. Kyparissia or the Rescue Centre) or up to 5 one-day (smaller) events in different project locations on different dates. A one-day event can include a visit to the project and lunch or dinner. In any case, you will need to organise your accommodation and transport privately and we will all share food expenses.

-Think about combining this reunion with your holidays, and whether you would like to join with family or friends.

- Reach out to people that you have volunteered with in ARCHELON and spread the word.

If you are interested to join such a reunion please help us organise it properly by filling the document below preferably until the end of June. In case you would like to dedicate more days to the reunion: you could participate in some activities related to the projects (for example morning survey, public awareness, nest excavations). Please mention this option in your response.

You will hear back from us as soon as possible after that, confirming the final place(s) and date(s) of the reunion, so that travel arrangements can be completed from your side. We hope to receive many responses and meet with you in September!

PS. A special event for the celebration of 40 years of ARCHELON is scheduled for November 8, 2023 at the Auditorium of Benaki Museum in Athens. If you would like to participate in this event, please check this option so that we can send an invitation. We would love to have you with us.