At the new centre, students and teachers will get to explore and acquire in-depth knowledge of environmental protection and sustainable development.
The village of Salamiou is located in an area which is a Natura 2000 site, protected under EU law as an area in need of special protection in order to safeguard the survival of threatened habitats and species. The region enjoys a rich and still preserved local eco-system, and is for this reason very well suited for offering on-site environmental education programmes.
Old school renovated
The new centre for environmental education is based in an old school building which is part of the cultural heritage patrimony of Cyprus. Due to major deterioration, the building has not been in use since 1994. However, with funds from Norway, it has now been renovated and restored for future generations. In addition, the building has been equipped with a solar heating system, avoiding emissions of greenhouse gases.
Salamiou has experienced a major decline in population in recent years, and the village hopes that the educational centre will contribute to a new boost to the Salamiou community, and give new life to Salamiou by attracting more activity and visitors to the village.
Island-wide network
The educational centre in Salamiou is one of six new centres for environmental education that are to be established in Cyprus with support from the EEA and Norway Grants. These new centres will form an island-wide network, and attract teachers and students from all over the island.
The new network of educational centres will make the inhabitants of Salamiou and the rest of Cyprus better equipped to protect the threatened habitats and species on their island, and preserve them for future generations.