Mar-Bella Collection Backs ARCHELON’s Sea Turtle Protection Efforts in Corfu
Corfu, June 21, 2026 – In an initiative that concretely links tourism with environmental protection, the Mar-Bella Collection hotel group has announced its support for ARCHELON’s first Sea Turtle Protection Program in Corfu. This program, funded through the Ionian Environment Foundation (IEF), focuses on the monitoring and protection of the Caretta caretta sea turtle and its habitats, at a time when nesting of the species on the island’s southeastern coast shows increasing trends.
As part of the program, volunteers and researchers patrol nesting beaches, locate and record nests, install protective grids, and monitor the hatching success of the newborns. The goal is the effective protection of one of the most emblematic species of the Mediterranean, in an area that is expected to gain even greater importance for the species in the coming years.
A Natural Extension of Mar-Bella Collection’s Philosophy
“For more than 50 years, the Ionian Sea has been an integral part of the Mar-Bella Collection. Our support for ARCHELON’s first sea turtle protection program in Corfu is a natural extension of our philosophy: to actively protect what inspires us,” notes Anastasia Psarra, Corporate Communications & ESG Manager of the group.
Michalis Souroulidis, Field Programs Coordinator for ARCHELON, emphasizes the significance of this collaboration: “The launch of this program in Corfu enables us to effectively protect an area of increasing importance for the species,” highlighting the importance of partnerships that connect tourism with natural environment protection.
Sustainability Strategy and Environmental Responsibility
This initiative is part of the overall sustainability strategy of the Mar-Bella Collection, a group of four luxury hotels in the Ionian, which for more than 50 years has maintained a close relationship with the sea and the natural environment of the region. The protection of the Ionian, environmental responsibility, and connection with local communities constitute the three main pillars of the group’s ESG strategy.
Through its collaboration with ARCHELON, one of the most important sea turtle protection organizations internationally, the Mar-Bella Collection confirms its commitment to a hospitality model that combines luxury with sustainability, investing in actions with a substantial environmental footprint for the future of the Ionian.
The program’s focus areas include:
- Patrolling nesting beaches to identify and record nests.
- Installing protective grids to safeguard nests from predation and human disturbance.
- Monitoring hatching success rates to assess the program’s effectiveness.
- Engaging volunteers and researchers in conservation efforts.
This partnership underscores a growing trend in the tourism sector towards integrating environmental conservation into business practices, particularly in regions rich in biodiversity like Corfu. The Caretta caretta sea turtle, also known as the loggerhead sea turtle, is a protected species, and its conservation is crucial for the ecological balance of the Mediterranean Sea.
The Ionian Environment Foundation (IEF) plays a vital role in facilitating such initiatives by providing financial support and fostering collaborations between environmental organizations and local businesses. This multi-stakeholder approach is essential for achieving long-term conservation goals and ensuring the sustainability of both the environment and the tourism industry.
The Mar-Bella Collection’s commitment to this program not only contributes directly to the protection of sea turtles but also raises awareness among tourists and local communities about the importance of marine conservation. It sets an example for other businesses in the region to adopt similar environmentally responsible practices, fostering a more sustainable future for Corfu and its unique natural heritage.
The program is expected to continue throughout the nesting and hatching seasons, with regular updates on its progress and impact on the local sea turtle population. This ongoing effort is a testament to the dedication of both Mar-Bella Collection and ARCHELON to preserving the natural beauty and biodiversity of the Ionian Sea.
Source: https://tornosnews.gr/featured/nea-protovoylia-gia-tin-prostasia-tis-karetta-karetta.html
