The Greek Biotope-Wetland Centre
The Greek Biotope-Wetland Centre (EKBY) was created by the Goulandris Natural History Museum, whose spirit and values it has preserved. It was founded in1991, financed by the European Union and the Greek Ministry of the Environment, with the financial support of WWF-International. It is housed in Thermi, at the Thessaloniki University’s Farm. Its mission is to promote sustainable management of renewable natural resources in Greece and in other areas of Europe and the Mediterranean. This mission is subdivided into specific goals for the accomplishment of which EKBY is active in the following fields:
- Managing natural areas.
- Creating data banks and monitoring
- Performing applied research
- Providing education
- Raising public awareness and providing environmental education
- Providing information and advice
- Performing special tasks.
EKBY is managed by a 5-member Board of Directors, whose Chairman is Mrs. Niki Goulandris.
Its scientific personnel specialize in several fields related to the above fields of action.
In parallel with the implementation of its work programme, EKBY encourages, supports and facilitates positive actions undertaken by various organizations and institutions locally and internationally.
Paleontological Museum Rethymnon
The Temple of Mastaba, with the characteristic 9-dome architecture, is an authentic monument of Rethymnon and has been conceded to GNHM following a decision of the Ministry of Culture. Upon completion of restoration and of the relevant museological study, it will operate as a Museum of Palaeontology, being annex of GNHM in Crete.
The paleontological collection of the Municipality of Rethymnon, which is the basis of the exhibited material, has already been conceded to GNHM. It has been studied and conserved with the cooperation of the University of Athens (Historical Geology and Palaeontology Faculty, Department of Geology and Geoenvironment), by the emeritus professor N. Symeonidis and the assistant professor Dr. G. Theodorou.
Original findings of endemic mammals in real-size representations and in anatomic arrangement shall accompany the exhibition. Visitors shall get to know the dwarf Cretan elephants, dwarf hippopotamuses and polymorphous Cretan deers, and they will find information on these animals, the first inhabitants of Crete, and on Greek mythology.
The completion of works and the operation of this local museum will convert it to a national establishment of scientific interest.