Overview
Turtle conservation program in Greece

Volunteering with turtles on this project will take you to the beautiful Ionian island of Zakynthos, where up to 80% of Mediterranean Loggerhead turtles nest. Under threat from the tourist industry, it is the aim of this project and the Sea Turtle & Wildlife Information Center to show how turtle conservation and tourism can work in a mutually beneficial manner. Volunteers will work with the National Marine Park to protect a small corner of this island from over-development, by patrolling beaches, educating tourists, saving injured animals, and conducting beach and forest cleans.

The island of Zakynthos is a haven for flowers and wildlife, with many endemic and migrating birds, the rare Monk Seal and around 6000 species of flowers; making it a perfect, peaceful location in which to do voluntary work.

View Film Footage, images, blogs, volunteer stories from the field, volunteer video diaries and more at the programs media centre

We want to leave only human footprints and turtle flipper tracks

Yannis Vardakastanis, Volunteer Coordinator

What Difference Does This Project Make?

The idyllic island of Zakynthos has attracted numerous package tourists and is battling to cope with a huge summer influx of bodies, waste, traffic, noise, litter and pollution. The tourist industry provides a far more lucrative way of life to the locals, yet its exploitation is to the detriment of wildlife and the countryside.

80% of the Mediterranean leatherback sea turtles come to nest on Zakynthos’ few beaches, and mass tourism is slowly taking over these beaches, preventing the species from nesting and therefore creating a large decline in numbers. Ecotourism is the best way to encourage locals and tourists alike to change their attitudes and habits. Promoting tourism year round, educating the local children and forcing the Greek government to face up to these important issues will help halt this rapid decline, saving not only the sea turtles but other flora and fauna as well.

Highlights

The thrill of seeing turtles lay their eggs and watching the babies hatch and head for the sea; having the opportunity to gain experience combining tourism and conservation issues, whilst working closely with the Marine Park and other NGO’s; seeing other beautiful species such as many migrating rare birds and the extremely endangered Mediterranean Monk Seal; experiencing Greek culture first hand on a beautifully verdant, picturesque island, which you can explore in your free time; taking a great first step towards your career in practical conservation or simply making a lasting one-off contribution to the preservation of endangered turtles.

Location

Zakynthos is one of six islands in the Ionian archipelago that sweeps along the west coast of mainland Greece. The island is a seven hour bus and ferry trip from Athens, with regular direct charter flights to the island over the summer. The project itself is 17 km from the main town, set in idyllically peaceful countryside, even at the height of summer.

Field Conditions

The accommodation will be in comfortable self-catering flats or houses with shared bedrooms. Internet access is available at the Wildlife Tourist Information Centre, and transport is available to get into town. Food will be a mixture of self-catering and locally cooked, with the occasional barbeque party thrown in, and volunteers will manage their own catering budget between themselves. Despite the popularity of the south of the island, the area you will be in is blissfully peaceful.