British Ambassador to Greece, John Kittmer, has visited the ARCHELON rescue centre in Glyfada, Attica, to find out more about how British nationals are working with volunteers from Greece and other countries to rescue and care for Loggerhead Turtles.

The visit follows on from the Ambassador’s previous trip to Zakynthos island where he was briefed by the National Marine Park people on the challenges and the significance of protecting loggerhead (caretta-caretta) turtle.

Following his visit the British Ambassador said:

The Loggerhead Turtle caretta-caretta is one of Greece’s greatest and rarest native species, nesting in fragile beach environments across south-west Greece. I have had the privilege of meeting some turtles and of seeing the magnificent work of Archelon both at the national maritime park at Laganas Bay and now at the rescue centre in Glyfada. Many Britons already volunteer to help out the charity. And I hope more will do so in the future.

ARCHELON has been running programmes in Greece since 1983 and benefits from strong support from British volunteers.

Further information

See photos from the visit on our Flickr channel,

Visit the ARCHELON website,

Read about how the UK government is protecting biodiversity and ecosystems at home and abroad