In northern Crete, coastal erosion, climate change and a significant increase in the number of beachfront businesses in Rethymno and Chania mean that the chances of survival for the local sea turtle population have decreased. In particular, the businesses don’t always comply with light pollution guidelines or remove beach furniture after sunset, making nesting on the beach a real challenge for the turtles. Without the tourism sector’s active involvement in turtle conservation going forward, the future of this endangered species could be at risk.

TUI Turtle Aid Greece protects 45,000 hatchlings from 540 nests by conducting daily surveys and undertaking proactive nest management on the beaches in Chania and Rethymno. Five beachfront accommodation providers work towards and receive a newly implemented turtle-friendly tourism certification. Additionally, 30 further beachfront businesses increase awareness about turtle protection with employees and visitors.

The programme also provides marine conservation education and turtle-friendly tourism to 60,000 people, including 54,000 tourists and 6,000 local community members. Two information kiosks offer public presentations as well as beach excavations and guided beach walks.

TUI Turtle Aid Greece is also undertaking surveys on Rhodes to catalogue and monitor sea turtle activity and numbers. In cases where turtle nesting activity is recorded, potential threats to the safe incubation of the eggs is assessed and recommendations made for the future.