Greece Wildlife Conservation

Archelon Sea Turtle Protection Society, 3h Marina Glyfadas, 166 75, Glyfada (☎210 89 82 600; www.archelon.gr). Non-profit group devoted to studying and protecting sea turtles on the beaches of Zakynthos, Crete, and the Peloponnese. Opportunities for seasonal field work and year-round work at the rehabilitation center. €150 participation fee for 6 weeks includes lodgings for those who work at the center. Field volunteers are put up at private campgrounds, but must provide their own camping equipment.
Earth, Sea, and Sky Ionian Nature Conservation, P.O. Box 1063, Saxilby, Lincoln LN1 2TN, UK (www.earthseasky.org). Promotes awareness of sustainable tourism and conservation. Although particularly concerned with sea turtles, they organize a variety of volunteer programs and preservation activities. Centered on Zakynthos.
The Katelios Group for the Research and Protection of Marine and Terrestrial Life, Kefalonia 280 86 (☎26710 81 009; www.kateliosgroup.org). Organizes volunteer efforts to protect hatchling sea turtles and promote sustainable development on Kefalonia. Volunteers pay €120 per month to participate in the summer, though the fee includes accommodations at their campsite.
The Mediterranean Association to Save the Sea Turtles (MEDASSET), Likavitou 1c, Athens 106 72 (☎21036 40 389; www.euroturtle.org/medasset). Assesses the condition of sea turtles throughout the Mediterranean, with sites at Zakynthos and Kephalonia. Volunteers can receive free lodging for at least 3 weeks of work at the Athens office.

Other Fauna

Fiskardo’s Nautical & Environmental Club (FNEC) and Ionian Sea Research Centre, Fiskardo, Kephalonia 280 84 (☎26740 41 081; www.fnec.gr). Conducts marine research, promotes environmental awareness, and engages volunteers in conservation efforts. Volunteers patrol the region on horseback to aid in forest fire protection, run an educational museum and radio station, participate in local community service projects, catalog marine mammals, and help with other environmental research.
Hellenic Ornithological Society, Vas. Irakleiou 24, Athens 106 82 (}/fax 21082 27 937; www.ornithologiki.gr/en/enmain.htm) and Kastritsiou 8, Thessaloniki 54623 (}/fax 23102 44 245). Organizes volunteer field work to protect endangered species of birds. Also seeks volunteers to help with office work and educational presentations.
Hellenic Society for the Study and Protection of the Monk Seal (MOm), 18 Solomou, Athens 106 82 (☎2105 22 2888; www.mom.gr). Runs a rehabilitation center on Alonnisos for the highly endangered Mediterranean monk seal. Also conducts information sessions for local fishermen and the general public about how to further conservation efforts. Volunteers should have a basic knowledge of Greek.
Lesbian Wildlife Hospital, O. Christofa I Chatzigianni, Agia Paraskevi, Lesvos 81102 (☎22530 32 006; www.wildlifeonlesvos.org). Provides medical aid for needy wildlife on the northeast Aegean island.
Rhodes Animal Welfare Society (RAWS), Tsairi, Rhodes 851 00 (}/fax 22410 69 224; www.rhodesanimalwelfaresociety.gr). A non-profit organization that cares for stray animals and finds them new homes. Founded in 1990, RAWS has helped with nearly 5000 adoptions and has neutered 3000 animals.
Tilos Park Association, Livadia, 850 02 (☎22460 70 892; www.tilos-park.org). Monitors seal, turtle, falcon, and orchid populations on Tilos and its 16 uninhabited islets. Volunteers can help with clean-up efforts on the beaches and paths, species monitoring, building a new nature appreciation trail, and island surveillance for illegal activities.