Natural History Museum of Crete has been functioning and operates under the framework of the University of Crete since 1980, being a pioneer research institute at national and European level in the following activities:

• Study and Management of the Natural Environment of Crete
• Public awareness, education and sensitization of local people as well as the visitors of the area
• Link University activities with Cretan society
• Set up a network of Ecological Museums in Greece and throughout the Eastern Mediterranean

The aim of the Natural History Museum of Crete is the study, protection and promotion of the special features of the area of Eastern Mediterranean.

The foundation and the development of NHMC were favored by the following conditions:

• The potential of the University of Crete and its ability to promote modern technologies in the field of environment

• The geographical position of Crete, lying it the center of Eastern Mediterranean and the southernmost part of the European Union

• The warm acceptance and support of the local society

The Museum has developed various permanent and temporary exhibitions in Greece and Eastern Mediterranean area and runs a modern exhibition of about 4000 sq.m. at the center of Heraklion city on the environment of Eastern Mediterranean. NHMC has undertaken many initiatives to raise earthquake awareness and inform people about natural phenomena and associated hazards. For many years it operates a modern earthquake simulator, the Engelados, where visitors and mainly school classrooms can be educated and feel real earthquakes.

The Museum already participates in the implementation of another Civil Protection project, titled PATCH (http://www.montesca.it/patch/index.asp) and many other European educational projects (Eurvid, Natural Europe etc.)

The NHMC as a coordinating organization of RACCE has the financial and administrative management of project and also will be focused on the development of the various educational and training activities. It will create a temporary exhibition, the various educational projects, and contribute together with partners to training and dissemination activities.