The Challenge
Marine biodiversity faces global threats from unregulated coastal development and intensive human activity that impacts sensitive habitats. On Naxos, such environmental pressures encroach on the vital nesting and foraging grounds of the loggerhead sea turtle (Caretta caretta), which face increasing danger from light pollution, high-speed vessel traffic, and illegal fishing.
Despite the island’s emerging importance as a critical nesting site, as a result of the excellent local work of Naxos Wildlife Protection, there is a profound lack of long-term, systematic monitoring data. Without this scientific baseline, it is impossible to assess population trends or implement the localized, evidence-based conservation measures necessary to safeguard these endangered species from further habitat degradation.
The Solution
The “Nireas” program addresses this data gap by establishing a structured, long-term monitoring framework that integrates underwater research with land-based nesting protection. By combining capture-mark-recapture (CMR) surveys and photo-identification, the project will identify individual turtles and map critical foraging zones, while systematic beach patrols will ensure nests are located and fenced off from human interference.
This mature and well-planned initiative, implemented with the support of CPF by Naxos Wildlife Protection in collaboration with Archelon, aims to highlight Naxos as a top-priority nesting area in the Cyclades. By linking scientific recording with immediate physical protection, the project provides a comprehensive model for marine conservation where data directly informs the preservation of reproductive success and habitat integrity.
Activities
With the support of the Cyclades Preservation Fund, Naxos Wildlife Protection will:
- Conduct boat-based coastal surveys to locate, capture, tag, and photograph sea turtles for population health analysis.
- Perform nightly and early-morning beach patrols to identify and map nesting sites across Naxos.
- Install protective fencing and informative signage at located nests to reduce human disturbance and raise awareness.
- Deploy non-invasive temperature loggers in nests to study the impacts of climate change on hatchling survival.
- Train and manage a dedicated team of volunteers in standardized sea turtle handling and data collection protocols.
About the Grantee
Naxos Wildlife Protection is a non-profit, environmental organization of volunteers based on the island of Naxos. While Naxos is where their first aid-rescue center Naxos Wildlife Protection supports wild animals found injured/sick in neighborhood islands of Cyclades, but also contribute for the protection of wildlife all over Greece.
What You Can Do
- Conrtact Naxos Wildlife Protection to participate in their programme.
- Report any injured sea turtle to the NWP team immediately.
- Watch our short tutorial about how to respond when you encounter an injured sea turtle.
- Follow local guidelines on the beach to avoid disturbing nests or using lights that confuse hatchlings.
- Donate to the Cyclades Preservation Fund to support more projects like this across the islands.
SDGs
CPF’s grants support the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs).
This grant specifically supports:
- SDG 14: Life Below Water – The project focuses on the direct conservation of endangered marine species and their aquatic habitats through rigorous monitoring.
- SDG 15: Life on Land – Beach patrols protect coastal terrestrial ecosystems that serve as vital breeding grounds for marine life.
