The Akrotiri environmental, educational and information Centre, which overlooks the Akrotiri Salt lake, is being set up as part of a wider environmental plan for the area.

The centre has been opened in recognition of the ecological importance of the Akrotiri peninsula and, through its exhibits, information and other services, seeks to inform visitors of the highly unusual character of the peninsula and to raise public awareness of its environmental importance.

The Akrotiri peninsula is a unique area of Cyprus. It has 27 different types of natural habitat and 70% of the island’s migratory and resident bird species can be found there. It is also an important nesting area for both species of the marine turtle that nest in Cyprus: the Green (Chelonia mydas) and loggerhead (Caretta), and is home to a whole range of different insects and invertebrates.

Archaeologically, the Akrotiri peninsula is important as it has the earliest remains of human civilization dating back 12,000 years, and ethnographically, the village of Akrotiri was an important basket making centre and still has several craftspeople working there.

The new environmental, educational information centre, which is housed on two floors, provides a wealth of information on the Akrotiri peninsula. On the ground floor are a variety of exhibits including a display of locally found fossils. There is a sizeable display of basketwork made by craftspeople living in Akrotiri village using reeds gathered from the nearby Salt Lake.

In years gone by, many of the women made the distinctive soft woven baskets, but today only a handful continue the tradition.

At the environmental, educational information centre there is a variety of reference books and information leaflets. Touch screen computers give access to information on flora, fauna, the geology of the area and habitats. For those who would like to take the opportunity, there is also a study area. All information is provided in both Greek and English.

At the back of the centre is a separate projection room where visitors can see brief presentations on a variety of topics, including the geology of the peninsula and how the Salt Lake was formed. Again, all the information, leaflets and touch screen computers have text in both Greek and English. For the younger visitors there are colouring tables upstairs is the observation platform, which is situated on the roof of the building. This offers spectacular views of the Salt Lake,

The centre has facilities conform  to international standards for disabled visitors and special arrangements are in place for those who would like to visit the observation platform.

Staff at the centre are well experienced and are happy to take special interest groups out on specially tailored walks as required.

There is a regular organised Cultural Trail from the centre, which is a 2.5 kilometre walk around Akrotiri village, giving visitors an insight into village life. This includes visits to the church and coffee shop, and a chance to watch basket makers at work. More trails are planned for the future including the salt lake and the nearby freshwater lakes.