The challenge 

The Cycladic sea turtle, caretta caretta, is an endangered species that is put even further in peril during the summer months when our seas are teeming with motor boats and ferries. 

The solution 

We’ve teamed up once again with the Naxos Wildlife Protection Association to strengthen the Cycladic Sea Turtle Network with equipment and team building activities. 

Efficient communication between local and national entities, as well as awareness raising through presentations and in person meetings, are important steps in increasing engagement of citizens and authorities across the Cycladic islands about this critical issue. 

What does the project deliver in practice? 

We have contributed to the purchase of new medical tools for the first aid station of the Naxos Wildlife Protection Association, a new underwater drone for recording and observing sea turtle behaviour, and new box carriers (for the islands of Santorini and Amorgos) that will enable faster response and first aid care for sea turtles and other marine animals harmed by motor boats and nets.

A bit about the organisation

Η πρωτοβουλία Naxos Wildlife Protection Association is a non-profit environmental organisation based on the island of Naxos. They are a group of volunteers who found their passion and purpose in rescuing and rehabilitating the wild animals of the island. 

By operating a first aid care station, the association provides help to wild fauna in need, and cooperates with wildlife hospitals around Greece. Their goal is to treat and subsequently reintegrate injured animals back into the wild.

Understanding that the release of wild animals back into an unsafe environment is counterproductive, the NWPA have widened their efforts to include work on numerous projects concerning the protection of the natural habitats of wild fauna on Naxos island. Through a mixture of public environmental awareness, cleanups, and building effective collaborations with the local authorities, the NWPA are instrumental actors in the protection of and care for wildlife in the Cyclades.