Programmes

"WE CARE" PROGRAMME FOR CARETTA CARETTA

VODAFONE GROUP FOUNDATION, in the framework of the corporate responsibility programme entitled "WE CARE", supports ARCHELON, The Sea Turtle Protection Society, for the development of a public awareness and sensibility programme regarding the biotopes of sea turtles in Greece.

This effort serves a dual purpose:

a) to change people's behavior towards the coasts and the beaches that still constitute a shelter for Caretta caretta and

b) to directly mobilize and involve people in cases of Caretta Caretta rescue.

A FEW WORDS ABOUT THE PUBLIC AWARENESS PROGRAMME

The cooperation with VODAFONE GROUP FOUNDATION has started since May 2006.

A comprehensive presentation of the programme made by ARCHELON members signaled the beginning of an effective cooperation with VODAFONE GROUP FOUNDATION.

The programme has two identifiable units for action:

• The information campaign: Raising public awareness on selected geographical locations, focusing on sea turtles habitats.
• The Sea Turtles Rescue Center: enhancement of equipment and services.

With the assistance of the VODAFONE GROUP FOUNDATION, ARCHELON project team uses its insight and deep understanding of the environmental issues and voluntary work to meet the required quality standards and challenges of the programme.

The outcome was an impressive information campaign delivering vital information about the endangered sea turtles, other vulnerable species and the marine areas as well as environmental conservation around Peloponnesus, Crete, Zakynthos, Attica and other places with a strong sea turtles presence

The programme "WE CAN ALL LIVE TOGETHER" is based on the perception of a wide scale, face to face communication with the public and provision of information regarding the ways available to protect the environment.

Its central proposition is to improve the knowledge and positively influence - or change when necessary - the behavior of the public regarding the sea and coastal environment.

Our interventions, properly focused on supporting responsible coastal development with respect to natural habitats help reduce or minimize the damaging human impacts on the ecosystems and significantly improve ARCHELON' s reaction and performance against threatening factors.

In addition, the programme frame includes funding support for the Sea Turtles Rescue Center in Glyfada for the upgrading of its infrastructure and operational resources, due to the increasing requirements of the intended job.