We are a group of creative educators and artists who, through this project, aim to deliver educational, creative workshops, storytelling, and puppet shows, as well as teacher training seminars in both private and public schools and environmental centers. Our goal is not only to engage as many schools and young children as possible but also to empower and equip educators to integrate marine literacy into their teaching practices.
We seek to raise awareness regarding crucial issues that affect our island, such as the bycatch of vulnerable marine species, marine litter, the poor management of Posidonia oceanica seagrass, and the threats to and conservation of the Mediterranean monk seal (Monachus monachus), among others.
The proposed activities are designed to actively engage young children (aged 3 to 12) and captivate their imaginations through music, visual arts, movement, dance, drama, and storytelling. By immersing children—and their educators—in Cyprus’s current marine challenges, we aim to foster a deeper understanding of the vital role marine life plays, the importance of protecting our planet, and how the ocean and humans are, in fact, inextricably interconnected.
Our project has just received a very special recognition during European Maritime Day (EMD) in Cork, Ireland, from the EU4Ocean Coalition and the European Commission: we are honored to have been selected as one of the four recipients of the MakeEUBlue Awards 2025 (Special Mention).
Website: https://cyprusenvironment.org/grants/increasing-marine-environmental-awareness-through-the-creative-arts/
Lead Partner: Enalia Physis Environmental Research Centre
Other Partners: Cyprus Environment Foundation
