Developing Mediterranean Monk Seal Education Games for managing the Natura 2000 network in Cyprus and shaping a sustainable future

The Pandoteira project (LIFE IP Physis LIFE18 IPE/CY/000006), consists of a group of actions all interlinked in a framework with the purpose of making the Natura 2000 network in Cyprus more effective and functional, as well as sustainable. The overarching goal of the project is to achieve a favourable conservation status for habitats and species of community importance. The project also aims to positively influence land users, owners, local population and other stakeholders in understanding the importance of the Natura 2000 network and embracing it.

Environmental education, especially in the form of non-formal learning, has long been recognized as critical for achieving environmental awareness and increasing ecological consciousness.

One of the emblematic species that the project is focusing on is the Mediterranean monk seal (Monachus monachus). It is the only pinniped species found in the Mediterranean Sea and is considered as one of the most endangered mammals in the world. Recently, the species was assessed as vulnerable under the IUCN Red List of Threatened Species and is included in Annex II of the Habitats Directive (92/43/EEC). The species uses sea caves (partly submerged underwater) for resting that are protected under the Habitats Directive and national legislation, and are established as Marine Protected Areas (MPAs) within the Natura 2000 network. Moreover, the Department of Fisheries and Marine Research (DFMR) performs regular monitoring of the species at the areas where the species is found through a dedicated monitoring program.

As part of the Pandoteira project, educational material dedicated to the Mediterranean monk seal has been prepared by the Department of Fisheries and Marine Research (DFMR) and Frederick University (FU). The two organizations have joined forces to create five different educational board games that are presented to schools all over Cyprus.

These interactive educational games, are fun, promote collaboration, enhance memory, boost motivation, encourage critical thinking, engage all students, increase attentiveness, and help develop and build social skills. Children are playing together and learn in an interactive way about this protected species, and can better understand the threats and problems that affect species’ survival. In this way children not only learn general information about the Mediterranean monk seal but also gain more knowledge about its life cycle, its diet and the pressures it faces in the Mediterranean Sea. In addition, the children are informed about the actions taken by DFMR to protect both the species and its habitats. At the same time, children learn simple practices that they can follow to contribute to the protection of the Mediterranean monk seal and the marine environment in general.

Encouraging results are evident from the degree of friendly attitudes and behaviors towards marine protected species and the marine environment. By educating children, the next generation of potential ambassadors for marine issues is created. The games have also been presented in festivals to promote public awareness and to ensure people of all ages are informed. More material is expected to be developed for kindergarten levels in the upcoming months, fostering marine sustainability.