Fraport Greece and Air France Show Support for Zakynthos’ Sea Turtles

To mark the new direct air route between Paris and Zakynthos by Air France, Fraport Greece and the French airline are actively supporting the work of the Archelon non-profit association, which has been protecting sea turtles and their habitats on the Ionian island for almost 40 years.

Fraport Greece’s support plan, which was jointly prepared with Air France, provides for a sponsorship program that covers the expenses of six volunteers in order to support actions and raise awareness among visitors, as well as strengthen the organization’s team of researchers and volunteers.

Archelon has had a continuous presence on Laganas Bay, Zakynthos, since the early 1980s, carrying out research activities related to monitoring and protecting sea turtle reproduction. Systematic nest counts started in 1984. The association also aims to cultivate sustainable and responsible tourism that could limit the impacts of tourism on the environment and ensure a sustainable future for sea turtles on Zakynthos.

In 2021, Archelon recorded more than 1,350 sea turtle nests, which were protected with the contribution of the staff of the National Marine Park of Zakynthos Management Body.

Every year, Archelon’s outdoor information stands offer information to visitors of the areas where sea turtles lay their eggs.

In addition, hotels and select vessels host Archelon’s presentations on a regular basis, with the aim to raise visitor awareness. Over 13,000 visitors attended these presentations in 2021.

Zakynthos International Airport. Photo source: Intrakat / © Nikos Danilidis

The Paris-Zakynthos route launched in early July. Zakynthos is the sixth destination among Fraport’s 14 regional airports – following Thessaloniki, Rhodes, Corfu,  Santorini and Mykonos – that is directly linked by Air France to its Paris hub.