The ‘Mediterranean Marine Life Center’, also referred to as the ‘Zante Sea Turtle Rescue & Information Center’, or just ‘Zante Turtle Center’, is a non-governmental organisation (NGO) on the island of Zakynthos (Zante), in Greece. We are located at the southern tip of the island, 100 metres from Gerakas Beach.
The mission of the Zante Turtle Center is to protect Caretta caretta (loggerhead sea turtles) and other marine life in and around the island of Zakynthos. Gerakas is at the heart of the Caretta caretta nesting ground, and we are working to stave off the damaging tourist development in the area to ensure that this endangered species is not overlooked. Our aim is to show how conservation and sustainable tourism can work together to benefit visitors, locals, and wildlife alike.
Each year tourism numbers grow, and subsequently the rise of human beach activity, pollution, and lighting from island nightlife and beach erosion has contributed to a continual decline in the species population and annual hatchling survival rate.
The Zante Turtle Center collects and tracks sea turtle nesting data, cleans and monitors Gerakas beach during the nesting season, and works to develop protective policies in light of the area’s over-tourism.
In 2011 we funded and began to build the Sea Turtle Rescue & Information Center in Gerakas. The information center opened to the public in 2012, and has since encouraged visitors to take a closer look at the natural beauty, wildlife, and rich heritage of Zakynthos, and promoted the importance of sustainable tourism.
We attract an estimated 15,000 tourists from across the globe every year! We are raising funds to become an active rescue center. If you are interested in supporting this cause donations are accepted here.
Volunteering
Our volunteers learn how conservation and sustainable tourism can work together to benefit tourists, the locals, and wildlife alike.
When you come to do volunteer work on Zakynthos you will be part of a small team who research and record the affects of tourism on the local environment, provide information on the local flora and fauna to visitors, and participate in beach and forest cleans.
This warm and lush island is a haven for all sorts of wildlife, the forests are a stopover for migrating birds, the beaches are a favored nesting destination of the Loggerhead sea turtle, and the island is home to over 6,000 species of rare and delicate flowers. This special opportunity to volunteer with sea turtles in Zakynthos is a once in a lifetime experience.
Volunteers are encouraged to commit for at least two weeks to maximize learning outcomes and personal growth. Throughout their terms our volunteers are supported by our volunteer coordinator who will conduct training and orientation, develop schedules according to volunteers’ interests, offer transportation to local grocery stores, and other support activities.
What You’ll Learn
During your time volunteering here at the Mediterranean Marine Life Center you’ll gain fantastic knowledge and hands on experience of working with a conservation charity. You’ll:
- Gain experience combining sustainable tourism and conservation
- Experience the Caretta caretta sea turtles and hatchlings in their natural environment, if you’re lucky!
- Experience dolphins, and likely catch a glimpse of the very shy and extremely endangered Mediterranean Monk Seal (Monachus monachus)
- Make a great first step towards your career in practical conservation
- Make a lasting one-off contribution to the preservation of endangered species
- Experience Greek culture first hand
- Explore the picturesque island of Zakynthos
- Have time off every day to relax and unwind while volunteering in Greece
- Gain long lasting friendships with volunteers from around the globe
