Akrotiri, Cyprus. More than 5,200 students from 160 schools across Cyprus took part in hands-on environmental education programmes at the Akrotiri Environmental Education Centre during the 2025-2026 academic year. The centre said on Monday it had one of its busiest years, hosting pupils from pre-primary to secondary level as well as university groups.
Programme activities
The centre, which works in partnership with the Unit for Education for the Environment and Sustainable Development, said the programmes gave students and teachers the opportunity to experience environmental education beyond the classroom.
AEEC manager Thomas Hadjikyriakou said schools were offered the chance to connect with nature while exploring the ecological and cultural importance of the Akrotiri peninsula.
Each visit began with an introduction to the peninsula’s geological formation and the importance of its protected wetlands and turtle nesting beaches.
Students then took part in interactive QR-code activities in the exhibition areas, watched a short film on the area’s biodiversity, observed birdlife at Akrotiri Salt Lake through telescopes and joined outdoor learning sessions.
Participation from across Cyprus
EESD teacher Koula Michael said the centre hosted school groups from every district in Cyprus on an almost daily basis.
She said students aged five to 18, along with their teachers and university groups, had the opportunity to interact directly with the natural environment of the Akrotiri peninsula through a range of educational activities.
Michael said the programmes were designed to help participants develop a deeper understanding of environmental protection and sustainable development through practical and immersive experiences.
Popular workshops
Among the most popular activities were the “Magic – Nature – Senses” programme for younger children and workshops for older students on traditional basket weaving in Akrotiri village, wetland conservation, reducing ecological footprints and the work of the environmental education centre itself.