The Botanical Park in Acrotiri, Chania
The rapid development of the island of Crete has had a very serious impact on its ecology. Very few areas are left untouched by the expanding population and influx of tourists. Even in the mountains and higher elevations, one can see the destruction of much of our native animals and their habitats. If expansion continues at this rapid pace - and indiciations are that it will - in a short span of time there will be little left of Crete's pristine environment and wildlife.
To preserve a piece of this unique habitat and the wildlife it supports, the Polytechnical School, under the leadership of its past Rector Professor Yiannis Phillis, set aside 300 acres of land in the midst of Acrotiri for the purpose of creating a Botanical Park.
The Pancretan Endowment Fund has since supported this important effort financially at a cost of nearly $120,000. The Botanical Park is still in its infancy at this time. However, in another 10 to 15 years the full beauty of Botanical Park will be realized. Hopefully it will act as an inspiration and a beacon for environmentalists, professors and students, and also locals of the region who simply wish to enjoy the rough beauty of nature that was at one time prolific in Crete.
