Interview and Fixing Services for German TV Documentary in the National Marine Park of Zakynthos

We set out at sunrise, with me guiding the group as a biologist and nature activist. Georgia, director of April October Studios and member of the Sand Movement joined us, capturing behind-the-scenes moments for our photo-video archives.

The day involved arranging logistics, such as the boat trip, making connections with locals to be interviewed, and leading the tour starting with the Laganas Bay Sand Dunes—while adhering to conservation protocols to protect the park’s ecosystem.

From the delicate dune systems and the rare plants they are home to, to Sotiris, the now-“domesticated” sea turtle, the bay’s biodiversity underscored the ecological significance of the area.

During operations, we observed a female seal and her newborn in a cave, seemingly undisturbed by the intruding boats entering and exiting her room, indicating their habituation to human activity. This encounter highlighted the delicate balance between conservation and human presence in this critical habitat.

Many thanks to Natascha Rhein, David Kar, Robert Gräffe, and ARD MEDIATHEK for adressing environmental issues in their film and for showing respect and care for both nature and the local ways of life. Thank you also to captain Dionisis for taking us and demonstrating how an eco-boat trip can be conducted. For exanple following the 6 knot speed limit set in the National Marine Park and keeping a safe distance for the wildlife.

This trip demonstrated that monk seal conservation measurements are non-existent, despite the existence of the National Park on the island since 1999.

Part of our projects is raising public awareness of environmental matters on Zakynthos island. Here for example, a video showing dog disturbance of a sea turtle nest, explaining how the slightest intrusion during the incubation period can cause, besides direct damage, a bacterial infection which will affect the hatching rate.

These dogs were free roaming on a sea turtle nesting beach and would sooner or later cause damage. Their owner was located and with common effort the dogs were moved to the owner’s village for the summer months, to a big fenced in area with human presence. A good example of preventative practices.

One of the most exciting rehomings ANTA Project has carried out is the rehoming of Rita who has been adopted by Thomas and Manuela who live in a beautiful country house at the edge of the forest in Germany. Thomas works from home so Rita always has company and long walks. They met each other on ANTA House premises during Thomas holiday. Later he drove back from Germany to bring her with him, on her own orthopedic mattress.. Thomas and Manuela are the only adoptive parents from all the years of the projects that have actually returned to ANTA Project premises with the dog for a visit. It was a moving full circle experience for everyone involved, including Rita.