TUI Turtle Aid Greece
The long-term survival of loggerhead turtles in the Mediterranean is conservation-dependent, which means that their nesting habitats need to be protected. Tourist development near nesting beaches can have a significant impact on the sea turtle population nesting there. In the Cretan towns of Rethymno and Chania, there has been a marked decrease in the number of nests recorded in recent years.
TUI Turtle Aid Greece strengthens tourism stakeholder engagement in sea turtle conservation by protecting hatchlings, educating tourists as well as locals, and implementing a turtle-friendly tourism certification scheme for beachfront businesses in northern Crete.
In northern Crete, coastal erosion, climate change and a significant increase in the number of beachfront businesses in Rethymno and Chania mean that the chances of survival for the local sea turtle population have decreased. In particular, the businesses don’t always comply with light pollution guidelines or remove beach furniture after sunset, making nesting on the beach a real challenge for the turtles. Without the tourism sector’s active involvement in turtle conservation going forward, the future of this endangered species could be at risk.
Building on the achievements of previous joint programmes between TUI Care Foundation and ARCHELON, TUI Turtle Aid Greece is now in its fourth phase of implementation. This one-year project protects 18,000 hatchlings from 250 nests by conducting daily surveys and undertaking proactive nest management on the beaches in Chania and Rethymno. Eight beachfront accommodation providers that received the TUI Turtle Friendly Tourism Certification during the previous phase of the project are supported and guided to continue implementing turtle friendly practices. Additionally, 20 further beachfront businesses increase awareness about turtle protection with employees and visitors.
Through targeted educational activities, the programme also provides training in marine conservation for 840 community members, including 500 school children from 10 local schools. In addition, it raises awareness about turtle-friendly tourism amongst 20,000 people, including 18,000 tourists and 2,000 local community members. Two information kiosks offer public presentations as well as beach excavations and guided beach walks.
Project Partner
ARCHELON, the Sea Turtle Protection Society of Greece, aims 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.
