The upgrading of Crete’s infrastructure, the strengthening of its strategic role in the Eastern Mediterranean, and the protection of its natural wealth were at the center of the visit by Minister of Environment and Energy, Stavros Papastaurou, to Heraklion on Friday, October 16.
During his visit, the minister addressed the Crete–Attica electrical interconnection, the seismic surveys that Chevron plans to launch within 2026 in the Ionian Sea, south of the Peloponnese and south of Crete, as well as the completion of the Northern Road Axis of Crete (VOAK). “Crete is changing. It is turning a new page, being upgraded and becoming both an energy and tourism hub in the Eastern Mediterranean,” Minister Papastaurou emphasized.
As part of his visit, the minister also inaugurated the renovated exhibition of the Natural History Museum of Crete and attended the signing of a Memorandum of Cooperation between the new Heraklion International Airport and OFYPEKA. He also held a meeting with the Archbishop of Crete, His Eminence Eugenios.
Inauguration of the renovated permanent exhibition at the Natural History Museum of Crete
In more detail, Minister Papastaurou inaugurated the renovated permanent exhibition of the Natural History Museum of Crete at the University of Crete, in Heraklion. The event was attended by His Eminence the Archbishop of Crete, Eugenios; New Democracy MPs for Heraklion, Konstantinos Kefaloyannis and Maximos Senetakis; the Region of Crete Governor, Stavros Arnaoutakis; the Mayor of Heraklion, Alexis Kalokairianos; the Mayor of Minoa Pediadas, Vasilis Kengkeroglu; the Mayor of Malevizi, Menelaos Bokeas; the Rector of the University of Crete, Giorgos Kontakis; the Director of the Natural History Museum of the University of Crete, Nikos Poulakakis; the Secretary of the Decentralized Administration of Crete, Maria Kozyrakis; the President of DEEP Heraklion, Kostas Giannoulakis; as well as representatives of local government and regional bodies.
The upgrading and modernization of the Museum’s facilities were carried out with funding of €5.7 million from the Ministry of Environment and Energy, through the Recovery and Resilience Facility, under the National Plan “Greece 2.0,” with financing from the European Union — NextGenerationEU — and the support of OFYPEKA. The renovated exhibition spaces highlight the geological history, ecosystems, and biodiversity of Crete and the Eastern Mediterranean.
The minister described the renovated exhibition as “a project that brings science closer to society,” noting that it is the fruit of collaboration between the University of Crete, the Municipality of Heraklion, the Region of Crete, OFYPEKA, and the Ministry of Environment and Energy.
“Together we are joining forces to showcase Crete’s unique biodiversity — and at the same time to raise awareness among the next generation, among young people, so that they protect our precious natural environment. The protection and promotion of our natural heritage is a steadfast priority,” said Minister Papastaurou, congratulating the contributors to the exhibition for its quality and scientific rigor.
Memorandum of Cooperation between the new Heraklion International Airport and OFYPEKA
Earlier, the minister visited the new Heraklion International Airport, where he was briefed on the progress of construction works and attended the signing of a Memorandum of Cooperation between the airport and the Organization of Natural Environment and Climate Change (OFYPEKA).
The partnership aims to inform and raise awareness among travelers about the protection of Crete’s natural environment. The goal, as Minister Papastaurou noted, is for visitors to understand — from the very first moment of their arrival — the importance placed on the island’s sustainable development.
The minister also referred to the new Special Spatial Framework for Tourism, which was developed in cooperation with the Ministry of Tourism and Minister Olga Kefaloyannis. As he emphasized, the framework serves to strike a balance between tourism development and environmental protection — a balance to which the new airport is also called to contribute.
Meeting with the Archbishop of Crete, His Eminence Eugenios
During his visit to Heraklion, Minister Papastaurou met with His Eminence the Archbishop of Crete, Eugenios. The discussion centered on the spiritual, social, and cultural work of the Archdiocese, as well as its environmental protection initiatives.
“The Ministry of Environment and Energy — and I personally — stand firmly and unwaveringly alongside the work of the Church,” said the minister, highlighting its enduring contribution, particularly to vulnerable groups, and reaffirming the government’s support for its social mission.
