Τεύχος 1, Μάιος 2007

A Surprise Around the Corner.
By Leni Photi

A day in the life of an environmental instructor at the Cyprus Environmental Studies Centre is not comprised of a typical work routine, neither is it predictable. And certainly one day is never the same as the next! But during the course of a freshwater ecology study, there are some guarantees. we will always hear from at least one student "I hate bugs," "how long is the walk?" "Do I have to get in the water?" However in return they can be sure that despite the shock of a long walk and hard work and getting wet, they will always have fun in the process.

Out of all our ecological studies on offer the most popular one that most students will experience and find the most memorable is our freshwater invertebrates study. Students from age nine through to eighteen find themselves shifting their perceptions of the micro-scale creatures they discover in the stream as their curiosity emerges through the eye of a magnifying glass. Many of the invertebrates found during the study have special adaptations to cope with life in a stream, an amazing revelation to the students on closer inspection.

The day begins in the classroom of our study centre which once served as the primary school of Kritou Terra until the trend of rural depopulation caught up with this once prosperous village. Now students arrive in flocks from all over Cyprus, the Middle East and Europe to study the unique nature and geography of the surrounding countryside. Since the vast majority of them live in urban areas, most are unaccustomed to spending much time and energy amongst nature and hiking is perceived as an alien activity!

After a brief introduction to the study, the challenge begins.. Yes the hike down to the study site. As the trail descends into the Kremiotis Valley, the students soak up the breath taking scenery; from the array of orchids, wild herbs and other flower species growing beside the trail to the oak woodlands, almond groves and meadows scattering the valley sides. Eventually we get to our destination; the freshwater stream at the base of the valley, heralded by the corridor of swaying giant canes.

Now its time for the hard work. Students gather around and listen attentively as I demonstrate the study techniques to them and guide them on how to conduct themselves in an ecologically sensitive area before wading carefully into the stream in their wellies and with nets to find some invertebrates.

Panting, tired and sweating buckets, we return along the same trail that we used to descend to the stream but the appreciation of the visual feast along the steep uphill hike is discernible.

Despite the fact that over two hundred students will visit this particular habitat to do the same study in a year, students respond well to the message about ecological sustainability and care in the environment - "leave nothing but footprints". On reflection, for us instructors, it's also good to know that this experience has left an imprint on the hearts and minds of many students who have had the opportunity to see the surprise around the corner.

For more information on the Cyprus Environmental Studies Centre visit our website at www.esc.com.cy or contact us at director@esc.com.cy

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