How much protection for the loggerhead turtle in Greece?

The Zakynthos island case

The greek island of Zakynthos (or commonly known as Zante in the UK) is not only one of the most favourite destinations for hundreds of tourists from all over the world, but also the nesting resort for the loggerhead turtle, one of the rarest sea turtles in the Mediterranean.

Tourists and the loggerheads (caretta, caretta) have also something else in common: they visit the island’s sandy beaches during the summer months, a coincidence unfortunately led to the recurrence of a vicious circle.

The rapid tourist development of the island during the past twenty five years led to a tremendous increase of holiday accomodation and facilities.

As a result, local land owners grabbed the opportunity to make profit in every way, in some cases even by violating the law and building illegal constructions.

On the other hand, NGO’s intensively pressure the government for law enforcement, while Greece is threatened to pay a fine for not protecting properly the nesting beaches of caretta caretta.

These unique creatures may have managed to survive since the dinosaurs age, but the question remains whether they will get away with the human’s intervention in their natural habitat.

Will the state meet the challenge to protect them with a co-ordinated policy?

Are the spirited efforts of the NGO’s enough to keep them alive?

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