Founded by the late Nikki Rose, a Greek-American journalist, seminar director, professional chef, and agritourism pioneer, Crete's Culinary Sanctuaries Educational Network supported residents working on action programs to protect and share their heritage. CCS teachers were archaeologists, ecologists, organic farmers, heirloom seed savers, chefs, artists, and many others. CCS organized accredited educational programs on Crete's culture, nature, organic agriculture and cuisine. Over 3,000 students, teachers and journalists attended their programs. CCS was an award-winning program for Best Practices in Responsible/Sustainable Travel, and featured in National Geographic, The New York Times, WTTC, UNWTO, UNCBD, IFOAM-Organics, Agroecology Europe, Routledge Handbooks, Food Tank, and many other organizations, publications and media outlets. CCS was a "school without walls" with seminars conducted in rural communities, organic farms and historic sites. Attendees had an opportunity to discover sustainable practices that enriched their lives while supporting programs that helped preserve Crete's heritage.