WISTA Cyprus brings marine conservation to life for young explorers

WISTA Cyprus brought members and their families together in Limassol for a children’s workshop dedicated to the Mediterranean monk seal, the sea and the marine environment, as part of its activities marking World Maritime Day 2026. The workshop, titled ‘Here Only Monachus’, was held on September 19 at the Limassol Municipal Gallery, offering children an interactive way to discover the Mediterranean monk seal (Monachus monachus) through music, sound and creative activities. Led by Rebecca Katsaris, Associate Educator at Enalia Physis, and music educator Christina Charalambidou, the session invited children to explore sounds associated with the sea, experiment with instruments and work together to create their own musical piece. For WISTA Cyprus president Anna Pittalis, the event was also about bringing members together in a different setting. “Our members came together not only as colleagues and professionals, but also as mums and dads, bringing their children with them,” she said. Pittalis added that “Our connection with the sea starts long before a career in maritime. It starts with curiosity, with discovering what is beneath the surface, and with learning to appreciate the world around us.” The workshop formed part of WISTA Cyprus’ activities marking World Maritime Day 2026, celebrated under the theme ‘From Policy to Practice: Powering Maritime Excellence’. For the association, creating opportunities for younger generations to engage in the marine environment is also part of building a stronger connection with the maritime world. WISTA Cyprus is the local chapter of the Women’s International Shipping & Trading Association (WISTA International), a global network connecting women in the maritime, trading and logistics sectors. The organisation provides a platform for networking, professional development, knowledge-sharing and collaboration, while promoting greater visibility and opportunities for women across the maritime industry.