Cephalonia Botanica was established in 1998 at the initiative of the Focas -Cosmetatos Foundation. Its original aims were the preservation and display of the wild and endemic plants of Cephalonia and the promotion of environmental issues. Cephalonia Botanica is situated two klm from the centre of Argostoli and today covers 8,000 of the 18,000 sq.m terrain.

The need to create an educational botanic garden emerged from the fact that, though Greece has the richest and most varied flora in Europe, very few botanic gardens-research centres are located in the country (just 10, whereas there are 77 in the U.K., 78 in Germany and 54 in Italy). The Greek flora is under threat from summer fires, urban development, overgrazing and tourism. It is imperative to learn how to preserve plant populations and how to use them in the context of sustainable development.

Cephalonia Botanica – which is already running field environmental programmes for kindergarten and primary school children – aims to raise public awareness of problems relating to the environment and its protection. Looking to secure the necessary financial support, Cephalonia Botanica will develop the appropriate infrastructure for the promotion of scientific research in the field of Botany at national and international level, through various collaborations and the exchange of scientific personnel.

Human intervention on the site was initially confined to the preservation of existing plants by the removal or dead branches, weeds etc., the tracing of paths and the creation of a watercourse. Several herbs were planted in a specific area, subsequently enriched by various Mediterranean wild plants.

Gradually the site will develop plant habitats such as forest, maquis, phryghana, grassland, which will include special plant collections according to their use in medicine, cooking, floriculture etc. Thus, Cephalonia Botanica will present "Edible Plants", "Aromatic Plants", "Plants in Mythology", "Plants in Folklore" and other plant collections, which the visitor will be able to access through specific routes. The aim is to preserve, educate and at the same time delight the visitor.