Katelios Group – Nature Conservation Organization in Kefalonia Greece

The Katelios Group is a non-profit N.G.O that started working in Kefalonia Greece in 1993. Their work circles all around the search for solutions that allow co-existence between humans, animals, and nature through sustainable development. They are working to create a balance that allows local economy and preservation efforts to thrive in Kefalonia Greece. 

Their main objective so far has been the conservation of the sea turtle (Caretta careta) in Mounta Bay and the research of the local coastal area and the habitats of the main nesting population. 

This organization is financed by members and supporters, as well as volunteers who donate their work and time.

Katelios Group Projects

In their efforts to stop the decline of the population of Loggerhead sea turtles in Kefalonia Greece they created two projects. These mainly revolve around education to create awareness about how these animals can contribute to the local economy. This way locals will have an incentive to care for them.  

1. Caring for the Populations of Sea Turtles in Kefalonia Greece

The Loggerhead sea turtle nests on most of the southern sandy beaches of Kefalonia. Many of these beaches have been untouched by human development until recently. So we need to offer them a safe place to nest, secluded from the outside world before tourism takes over the area that they have used for centuries.

This project monitors the population of Loggerhead sea turtles on the main nesting site of Kefalonia; Mounda beach. Sadly the number of nests here has shown signs of decline in the last decade. They also monitor other nesting beaches, to assess the general situation of the island population.

2. Environmental Education Project

Educating children about the importance of nature and turtle conservation is an absolute priority for our future. They are the ones who will decide whether to invade their ancient nesting grounds or to respect them. They will be the ones to develop areas of coastline and become members of local government, etc. So we need to educate them from a young age to have a respect for nature and to interest them in how preservation can benefit them and their future businesses and projects.

Hopefully, they will want to protect the natural wealth of Kefalonia.

To achieve this, they constantly invite schools from all over Greece to come to Katelios for a morning of “turtle education”. This includes presentations about the basic information about the creatures. We also tell them all about the huge adventure that it is for them to come to nest and the problems they can face on the beach. If there is any additional time they are taken to the beach for educational games. 

They also do short visits to schools, these aren’t as informative but it is a pleasant day for everyone and if children remember even only a small part of what they have seen and done, then we believe it to be a success.

This program is also being extended to educating tourists about the impact that they cause and easy ways to minimize it. right now this isn’t widespread but they started by creating a short decalogue for the tourist. Take a look at it here and share.

Facts about Loggerhead Sea Turtles

• Loggerhead sea turtles in Kefalonia are smaller than oceanic loggerheads.
• An adult female loggerhead can be as big as length: 1 m and can be as heavy as 11 kg.
• Hatchlings are around 5 cm long at birth and weigh on average 20 g. 
• They reach sexual maturity at around 20 years. 
• The average number of eggs in a nest is 100-110. But only 5% to 20% hatch at the end.
• Each female turtle lays 2 to 3 nests per season.
• 2 to 3 years is the amount of time that takes a female turtle to be able to nest again.
• Nesting season is between May and August.
• Hatchling season is from the end of July to the beginning of October.
• Temperatures during incubation determine the sex of sea turtles. Higher temperatures produce more females.
• It makes sense to hypothesize that the latitude of Kefalonia produces lower temperatures on its nesting beaches. Therefore more males.

For those looking to volunteer in Kefalonia Greece

To assist in all the aspects of their work. They need a great number of volunteers every summer. Volunteers take part in all the activities and have an unforgettable experience.

Volunteers are required to help with the project activities during the busy summer period of May-September. The Katelios Group seeks to work with like-minded volunteers that have enthusiasm, motivation, and interest in the environment and the activities of the Group. The minimum stay for new volunteers is one month. Volunteers work on average 5-6 hours a day and have one day off per week.

Related Read: Conservation and Ecology work by Terra Sylvestris in Kalamos Greece

More information about Katelios Group 

• Their Website
• Email: info@kateliosgroup.org
• Facebook: @TheKateliosGroupForResearchAndProtection

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