In May 2005 Archipelagos Aigaiou set up in Ikaria the Centre for Environmental & Agricultural Research, where operate:
- Phytological Laboratory
- Geological Laboratory
- Chemical and Microbiological Laboratory for the analyses of soil and water samples
- Seed Bank of The Aegean Flora
- Agronomic Laboratory
1. Environmental Research
A. Assessment of the biodiversity of the island flora
This study focuses on the assessment of the biodiversity of the flora of the east Aegean islands, as well as of the factors impacting terrestrial ecosystems, such as overgrazing and uncontrolled development. 
This research is being carried out on the small islets and the islands of the north Dodecanese and of Fourni island complex, but also on terrestrial habitats of special environmental importance such as the forests, river valleys and estuaries of Ikaria island. These studies result in the description of the flora in different island ecosystem units (rivers and streams, coastal areas, forests, garrigue and macquis) and identify areas which are proposed to be included in a protection - management scheme.
Flora biodiversity surveys are carried out with the use of the Braun-Blanquet method combined with Simpson’s Diversity index. Flora research also focuses on:
- The creation of the Aegean Flora Database, consisting of photographs and descriptions of so far over 550 species from the various islands of the Aegean. A herbarium is also being created for all species recorded.
- The study of the medicinal use of local plant species, and their applications that have been traditionally practiced by the local communities.
- The study of the distribution of the endemic, protected and rare plant species of the islands.
B. Study of resident and migratory bird populations
This study focuses on the assessment of the biodiversity and abundance of the bird populations which are resident and migratory on the east Aegean islands, as well as on the factors impacting their populations. This study is carried out throughout the year in various Aegean islands, and especially during the spring and autumn migratory seasons.
For the needs of this study several transects have been established in the islands of study, and in each of these transects them there is a number of geo-referenced plots. The surveys are carried out three days per week in the different transects, observing for set time intervals in each plot. In each plot the numbers of all species observed are recorded as well as the birds that are heard. Recordings of the bird songs are also made during the surveys and are subsequently treated with special software.
From all the information collected a guide of the most common species in the Aegean Sea is being prepared.
3. Study of freshwater ecosystems
Freshwater habitats are rare on the Aegean islands and therefore have special conservational value. Their scientific interest is in relation to their biodiversity of flora and fauna, and especially of avifauna as they constitute important migratory stations for birds.
Archipelagos’ study of the freshwater ecosystems is carried out on the island of Ikaria and focuses on the assessment of the biodiversity of flora and fauna, as well as the land uses and the factors of impact.
Freshwater research also focuses on:
- Study of the populations of the freshwater terrapin Mauremys caspica rivulata. Analysis of its population structure, behaviour and DNA. DNA analysis is carried out in association with the Department of Zoology at the University of Crete.
- Research is going to be undertaken in autumn of 2006 to confirm possible Otter (Lutra lutra) populations on the island of Ikaria.
During Archipelagos’ research and conservation work in the Aegean, traveling throughout the year around the islands and working close to the local communities, we try to record and understand, with both scientific and social terms, the factors that contribute to the significant downgrading of the environment of the islands. By doing this we can help in resolving the existing environmental problems.
The basic factors of downgrading are the rapid disappearance of the local varieties, even in the most remote islands, the decline in use of the traditional - organic cultivation methods, and the increasing usage of chemical additives, even in the small-scale cultivations. This has important consequences to the health of the local island communities, and also to the terrestrial and marine ecosystems.
The continuous and systematic disappearance of local plant varieties will soon bring things to the point where we will be faced with the dilemma of whether we want to consume GMOs or not. When the local varieties of agricultural plants will disappear, so will our choices.