Salamiou, Cyprus. More than 3,800 students have participated in environmental education programmes at the Salamiou Environmental Education Centre this year, with around 50 pupils and teachers visiting daily.
Field-based learning
The centre promotes environmental awareness through field trips, ecosystem observations and hands-on activities linking students with the natural environment, local history and community.
Maria Georgiou, a teacher on the centre’s pedagogical team, said the Salamiou area provides opportunities to study ecology, geology and botany. Located between the Diarizos and Xeropotamos valleys, the area has biodiversity, flora and fauna, and is used by migratory birds and protected species including the griffon vulture.
Programmes for all age groups
The centre offers 34 educational programmes for pupils from kindergarten to secondary school, with activities adapted to their age and educational level.
Subjects include water, soil, biodiversity, ecosystems, energy, climate change and sustainability. Students take part in river measurements, ecosystem observations, plant and animal identification, birdwatching, insect observation, exploration games and treasure hunts.
Georgiou said the aim is to turn knowledge into experience through direct activities in the field.
Community connection
The programmes also focus on the local community through its history, traditional architecture and local products.
Teacher Maria Neophytou said direct interaction with nature helps students develop respect for the environment, collaborate, make discoveries and learn through experience. She added that the centre operates as an integral part of the local community.
