On Friday, August 29, 2025, the programmatic agreement between the Region of Crete and the Mediterranean Agronomic Institute of Chania (MAICH) was signed at the building of the Anti-Region of Chania, with the purpose of licensing and promoting the first Mediterranean Bioclimatic Seed Bank.
The agreement was signed by the Governor of Crete, Stavros Arnaoutakis, and the Director of MAICH, Dr. Giorgos Baourakis.
A landmark project for Crete
With the completion of the process, the building of the former KEGE in Chania will be transformed into a research infrastructure unique for the Mediterranean region. The study was prepared by the Technical University of Crete with funding and support from the Region.
The new Seed Bank will house collections of endangered and endemic plant species, constituting a hub for scientific research, applied actions and education. At the same time, it will host a visitable Botanical Museum, enhancing the environmental awareness of pupils, students and citizens.
Bioclimatic design
The study foresees the integration of innovative technologies:
Passive and active energy saving systems
Microclimatic simulations for optimal seed preservation conditions
Natural materials, passive heating, cooling and special shading
Photovoltaic, hybrid solutions and smart automation systems
The infrastructure will be a model of green architecture for the Mediterranean climate, in full alignment with European strategies for biodiversity and climate change.
Strategic partnerships
The new “home” of the Mediterranean Plant Conservation Unit of MAICH will operate in close collaboration with bodies such as the Forest Directorates, OFYPEKA, ELGO Dimitra, the Municipalities of Crete and the country’s higher education institutions.
The aim is to coordinate actions for the conservation of Mediterranean flora and to make Crete a reference center for biodiversity.
The Mediterranean Bioclimatic Seed Bank of Chania aspires to be a model project for the entire Mediterranean and a point of reference for the local community.
Seated: Mr. Stavros Arnaoutakis, Regional Governor of Crete. Standing from left to right: Dr. George Baourakis, Director of CIHEAM-MAICH, Mr. Nikos Kalogeris, Deputy Governor of Chania, Mr. Michalis Choreftakis, Researcher at the Mediterranean Plant Conservation Unit of MAICH, Mr. Spyros Balantinos, Regional Advisor for the Interconnection of Tourism with the Primary Sector
