May 5, 2026
MEDASSET announces the voluntary stepping down of its Founder and President, Lily Venizelos, from her role as President, after nearly four decades of continuous and pivotal contribution to the conservation of sea turtles and their habitats across the Mediterranean.
Lily Venizelos, often referred to as the “Ambassador of sea turtle conservation,” has dedicated her life to the protection of an iconic species, while highlighting the profound connection between humans and nature. As she herself notes:
“The protection of sea turtles in the Mediterranean has always been more about people and less about turtles.”
Her connection with the natural environment began in her childhood on the island of Hydra, while a defining turning point came in 1974, when she visited Laganas Bay in Zakynthos and later witnessed the impacts of unregulated tourism development in one of the most important sea turtle nesting areas in the Mediterranean.
In 1988 she founded MEDASSET, with the mission of “Conservation of Sea Turtles in the Mediterranean” — a purpose that remains at the core of the organisation’s work to this day. Through persistent research, documentation, and systematic advocacy, MEDASSET has played a key role in the protection of critical habitats, most notably contributing to the establishment of the Zakynthos National Marine Park in 2000.
At the same time, MEDASSET has built an active international presence, serving as a permanent observer to the Bern Convention of the Council of Europe, and consistently contributing to the monitoring of nesting beaches in Greece, Turkey, and Cyprus.
Lily Venizelos’ work has been internationally recognised with distinctions such as the United Nations Environment Programme “Global 500” Award, as well as the Lifetime Achievement Award from the International Sea Turtle Society, among other significant distinctions.
In her statement, Ms. Venizelos stated:
“With deep emotion, I close a chapter of nearly four decades devoted to the protection of sea turtles and the Mediterranean. While I step down from the presidency, I remain deeply committed to the vision that has guided my life’s work. This journey has been defined by perseverance, meaningful progress, and, above all, a remarkable community of people who believed that humans and nature can coexist in harmony — and worked together to make that vision a reality. I pass the torch with profound gratitude and great confidence in the future. MEDASSET’s mission is more important than ever, and I am certain it will continue to grow, inspire, and protect our shared natural heritage for generations to come.”
As part of this transition, a new Board of Directors has been elected, with Dr. Francesco Saverio Civili, marine biologist and Contractual Advisor to UNEP’s environmental programme as President, marking the continuation of MEDASSET’s mission with the same commitment and renewed momentum.
Lily Venizelos’ legacy forms a cornerstone for the future of MEDASSET, which continues its work to protect sea turtles and the fragile ecosystems of the Mediterranean, guided by the vision of sustainable coexistence between people and nature.
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