The Schools of the University of Crete in Rethymno have been fortunate to be housed, since the 1990s, in the extensive facilities of the French University Campus, just 3 km from the city of Rethymnon. This is an area with a Mediterranean climate, rich flora and representative types of vegetation of Crete. The same area has, in addition, hosted timeless anthropogenic activities, as emerged from the surface research carried out by the Department of History and Archeology, before the construction of the university facilities.
From these important data emerged the proposal to create a University Botanical Garden, which will combine the environmental and cultural advantages of the area and will be a place of continuous education, research and recreation, for members of the academic community and the local community. This is an action original for the Greek area, and completely innovative at the international level, since it is based on the interdisciplinary cooperation of the specialties of Botany and Archeology and in general of the historical and social sciences. At the same time, the action extends to the natural and man-made ecosystems of the other island areas of the Mediterranean.
This proposal was supported by the Vice Rector for Infrastructure and Student Welfare Prof. Ioanna Giatromanolaki and approved by the Senate of the University of Crete, which granted by decision (239th / 01-03-07) the use of the French University campus for the needs of the Botanical Garden.