Working with educators for the Cretan Date Palm at the Centre for Environmental Education and Sustainability (CEES) of Agios Vasileios

The Hellenic Society for the Protection of Nature (HSPN) and the University of Crete – Natural History Museum of Crete (UoC-NHMC) visited the Agios Vasileios Centre for Environmental Education and Sustainability (CEES) in Melambes, Crete, on Saturday, 23 May 2026, as part of the European LIFE Phoenix project (LIFE22-NAT-ES-LIFE Phoenix – 101113584). The purpose of the visit was to deliver a training workshop focused on the conservation of the Cretan Date Palm (Phoenix theophrasti) and the unique palm groves of Crete.

The event, focused on the presentation of educational material for the protection of the Cretan Date Palm and the palm forests in Crete, brought together primary and secondary school teachers from across Crete. Its aim was to familiarise educators with the project’s educational resources, explore ways to integrate them into classroom practice, and strengthen understanding of the importance of protecting Crete’s palm groves.

Through presentations by Mrs Areti Marmataki on the activities of HSPN’s Eco-Schools Network, Mr Kostas Trikalis on the programmes implemented by the CEES and the development of pilot actions and specialised teacher training with an emphasis on universal, inclusive and participatory design, and Mrs Varvara Vorylla on examples of environmental education activities implemented in school settings, participants were introduced to a range of valuable environmental education tools and approaches.

Presentations by Mrs Kalliopi Baxevani and Mrs Adamantia Pylara, provided participants with a deeper understanding of the technical aspects of the project, while also familiarising educators with the ecology of the Cretan Date Palm and other palm species.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

In addition, with the contribution of Mrs Stavroula Christodoulopoulou, the newly developed educational material of the project was piloted during the workshop. Through a participatory evaluation process, teachers had the opportunity to assess the material and provide constructive feedback, contributing to the development of an educational package that effectively meets the needs of both students and educators.

The diversity and richness of the presentations, combined with the strong interest shown by teachers and participating organisations, contributed to the successful completion of the event. The collaboration among all participants and their shared commitment to the conservation of the Cretan Date Palm and the promo􀆟on of environmental education made this gathering an important milestone in the implementation of the LIFE Phoenix project.

Despite the rainy weather conditions, the programme was carried out successfully, with a minor adjustment to the field visit component, which took place within the village of Melambes.

The CEES of Agios Vasileios plans to further utilise the LIFE Phoenix educational materials in collaboration with HSPN, with the objective of integrating them into its educational programmes and activities during the upcoming period.

We would like to thank our colleagues at the CEES of Agios Vasileios for their hospitality and support in organising the event, as well as to all participating teachers for their active engagement and valuable contributions.