Establishment
Akrotiri Environmental Education Centre is located in Akrotiri community and has been operating since 2004 within the context of a collaboration among the Sovereign Base Areas, the Ministry of Education and Culture of the Republic of Cyprus and the local community. In 2007 it joined the Network of Environment Education Centres of the Ministry of Education and Culture, along with other centres in several areas of the island. Since 2014 it has been housed in a new, state-of-the-art venue in the community of Akrotiri.
Mission
The Centre’s mission is to promote the environmental and cultural value, as well as the uniqueness of Akrotiri peninsula through its programmes and exhibits. The Centre offers educational programmes to organised school groups, whilst welcoming individuals, families and other groups who seek to learn about the environment. Moreover, it runs seminars and events covering a range of environmental and cultural topics. The programmes use a cross-thematic and holistic approach to environmental issues, while encouraging active learning and involving students in creative activities.
Infrastructure
The Centre is housed in one of the most environmentally-friendly buildings in Cyprus. A variety of structural and functional elements aim at reducing carbon emissions through renewable energy production, energy saving and recycling. The building boasts a high-efficiency photovoltaic system that generates power, a water reclamation system, extensive thermal insulation and other innovative systems.
Its especially designed areas can be used for educational programmes, whilst welcoming other visitors at the same time. The venue includes exhibition spaces, a laboratory, a conference and video room, a library, a wildlife observation area, a botanic garden and a playground. All areas are accessible to wheelchair users.The exhibition spaces feature several exhibits and resources such as dioramas, quizzes, microscope, touch-screen computers, printouts etc. The library has books for all levels on various subjects, which are available to visitors and students alike. The observation area offers spectacular views to the Salt Lake and has high-quality telescopes and binoculars that can be used to watch the diversity of bird species encountered in the area.
Botanic Garden
The botanic garden hosts more than 100 local plant species, some of which are facing extinction and the fact that they are being cared for in the garden guarantees their survival. Moreover, there is a small pond with a rare fish species found in the wetlands of the peninsula, a bird-watching wall and a bee motel, i.e. a construction that houses several bee species.
Our staff . . .
Thomas G. Hadjikyriakou
Manager
- Graduated from the Cyprus Forestry College (Diploma in Forestry) and holds BSc (Hons) Forest Management (University of Central Lancashire), and MSc Countryside Conservation and Management (University of the West of England). Currently a PhD Candidate in Biodiversity and Ecology at the University of Cyprus. Worked for the Forestry Department for 10 years, and as of 2004 he is managing AEEC. Apart from managerial work, he is involved with research and environmental education.
Koula Michael
Teacher
Sophie Kamenou
Teacher
She is a graduated teacher from the University of Cyprus, and has an MSc in Outdoor Environmental Education and Outdoor Life from Linkoping University, Sweden. Between 2004 – 2009 she worked in different schools and then she worked for 3 years at Pedhoulas Environmental Education Centre. As of 2014 she works at AEEC, which is part of the Network of Environmental Education Centres of the Ministry of Education and Culture of the Republic of Cyprus.
Varnavas P. Michael
Conservation Warden
He has a Diploma as a technician in Environmental Management from KES College. Since 2004 he works at SBAA Environment Department and AEEC. He is mainly occupied with educational, research and management activities at AEEC and at the Akrotiri Peninsula in general.
Varvara Christou
AEEC Assistant
She works for AEEC from its establishment in 2004. She is mainly occupied with the general operation of AEEC including visitor guidance and educational programs support. She is an experienced basket-maker and she is involved in a variety of actions related to local culture including the organization and running of basketry lessons.
Efstathios Loupas
Environmental studies
He has a Diploma in Environmental science, BSc Environmental Studies και MSc Environmental Law and Biodiversity Consumption (University of the Aegean). Worked as researcher, coordinator and teaching assistant in environmental education programs at the University of Aegean and elsewhere. During 2017 he was positioned for 2 months at AEEC in the framework of Erasmus+ work placements.