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 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, lighting from island nightlife and beach erosion has contributed to a continual decline in the species population and annual hatchling survival rate.
Born on the Island, founder Yannis has witnessed the severity of the situation first-hand and recognises the need for drastic protection in order to ensure that the sea turtles are able to survive and thrive in their natural habitat and nesting waters.