The Stelios Environmental Center in Pedoulas was originally established on November 1, 2005, by the community of Pedoulas, in collaboration with and with the support of the Pedagogical Institute of Cyprus.
It was one of the first environmental centers of its kind, funded by the Government of the Republic of Cyprus, which also covers all its current expenses.
Dr. Aravella Zachariou was a key figure in the foundation of the center and continues to oversee its daily operations.
The center is housed in the former primary school and offers environmental education both indoors and outdoors, conducted by experienced teachers and instructors.
The Natural Environment of Pedoulas
The Pedoulas community boasts remarkable landscapes and a rich variety of flora and fauna.
Students from primary and secondary schools, universities in Cyprus, and abroad visit the center.
At least 5,000 students receive environmental education at the center annually, with some staying overnight for 1 to 3 nights.
Recently, basketball, volleyball, and football facilities have been added to the center.
Contribution of Sir Stelios Hadjioannou
In October 2010, through the Stelios Philanthropic Foundation, Sir Stelios Hadjioannou, founder of EasyJet and chairman of easyGroup, donated €200,000 for the completion of the Chemistry Lab at the Stelios Environmental Center in Pedoulas.
Pedoulas is also the birthplace of Loukas Hadjioannou, the father of Sir Stelios.
The Role of the Environmental Education Center (EEC)
The Stelios Environmental Education Center (EEC) in Pedoulas serves as the coordinating center of the State Network of Environmental Education Centers under the Ministry of Education, Sports, and Youth.
It is located in the former Primary School of the village and includes:
- A lecture hall
- A computer lab
- An ecology lab equipped with modern facilities, funded by the Stelios Philanthropic Foundation
- Two dormitories that can accommodate 35 people, for students participating in two-day and three-day environmental education programs
The outdoor courtyard serves as a learning space as well as a relaxation and recreation area for visitors.
It also includes basketball, volleyball, and football facilities.
Educational Staff and Activities
The EEC Pedoulas is staffed by qualified educators from primary and secondary education, specialized in Environmental Education and Education for Sustainable Development.
Apart from providing educational programs on topics such as:
- Forests
- Biodiversity
- Culture
- Community
- Soil, Water, and Desertification
The staff also offers guidance and advisory support on environmental issues, participates in international environmental education programs and research, and collaborates with the local community to organize various environmental and cultural events.
The Pedoulas area and the greater Marathasa region serve as dynamic learning fields and important educational tools for studying environmental issues.
Participation and Accessibility
Participants include:
- Students and teachers from all levels of education
- University students from Cyprus and abroad
- Other groups such as guides and scouts
The EEC Pedoulas is open throughout the school year, but is closed on weekends, public holidays, Christmas, Easter, and summer vacation.
However, during non-working hours, the center can host seminars, events, and conferences upon prior arrangement with the staff.
More Information
More information can be found here.
