Overview
Volunteer with Turtles in Greece

This conservation project is located at the Bay of Lakonikos which can be found at the southernmost part of mainland Greece, otherwise known as the Peloponnese. Lakonikos is perhaps best known as an important nesting area for loggerhead sea turtles in the Mediterranean and GVI volunteers participating on this project will engage in daily morning surveys to record nesting activity and protect turtle nests against predation by mammals and inundation by sea water. Volunteers will also provide conservation information to overseas visitors and the local community. Having been inhabited since the Neolithic period, the area is rich in history and culture and owing to its location near the River Evrotas the area is also rich in bird life and other flora and fauna.

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Finally seeing hatchlings emerge from the nests that you sweated for to protect has been one of the most satisfying and warming times of my life…

Volunteer, 2008

What Difference Does This Project Make?

The Bay of Lakonikos in the Peloponnese hosts important nesting sites for loggerhead sea turtles. The research in this area has been running since 1983 and is one of the oldest conservation projects in the Mediterranean. The main threats for these nesting sites are predation of nests by mammals, destruction of nests through inundation by sea water and the destruction of the natural dune systems. Volunteers work in co-operation with the local authorities and the local community, promoting a model of sustainable development that will be beneficial to the local economy. Protection of nests against predation by mammals and/or inundation by sea water ensures that as many hatchlings as possible are added to the population each year, while public awareness activities help people adopt friendlier attitudes towards the natural environment and possibly reduce their environmental footprint in the area.

Highlights

Hands-on work with one of the most endangered species in the Mediterranean; living in a quiet area near a traditional fishing town; exploring nearby nature reserves and admiring local architecture. The thrill of seeing turtles lay their eggs and watching the hatchlings head for the sea; experiencing Greek culture first hand in a beautiful area 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

The project is based in Mavrovouni, a settlement 6 km west of Gythio, a town which sits in the centre of the Bay of Lakonikos in the southern Peloponnese. Gythio is a lively, charming little harbour town. It has a long sea-side promenade, colourful fishing boats, narrow streets and stairways typical of Greece. Mavrovouni beach is 5 km long and has several campsites and a few small local businesses.

Field Conditions

Accommodation is provided within one of the campsites along the beach of Mavrovouni, which includes all the necessary facilities (toilets, showers, etc) as well as a mini-market, a self-service restaurant, telephone, etc. Project participants live communally in a designated area within the campsite. Basic camping material (tents, mattresses, etc) are provided and cooking is organised communally by the group.