Natural History Museum of Crete has been functioning and operates under the framework of the University of Crete since 1980, being a pioneer institute at national and European level in the following activities:
- Study and Management of the Natural Environment of Crete
- Public awareness, education and sensitisation 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.