Through multiple projects the Prince Albert II of Monaco Foundation aims to reconcile humanity with nature and… its destiny.
A strong and sustained commitment lies behind twenty years of initiatives, efforts and declarations to raise our awareness on the most urgent and noble causes of all …that of preserving our planet. The commitment of Monaco’s sovereign is widely known — the Prince Albert II of Monaco Foundation is working daily to reconcile humanity with nature and, by extension, with its destiny. 838 environmental projects have thus been supported in more than 100 countries. 250 associations are being accompanied locally, with the Foundation’s eleven international branches (Germany, Latin America, Canada, China, Spain, the United States, France, Italy, the United Kingdom, Singapore and Switzerland). A broad community of scientists, policymakers and economic stakeholders is thus united around a common goal.
With marine ecosystems’ preservation being its core mission, the Foundation is also fighting against climate change, advocating biodiversity preservation and sustainable management of water resources.
Appointed Vice-President and Managing Director of the Prince Albert II of Monaco Foundation a few months ago, Romain Ciarlet has championed this comprehensive program for many years. “I am willing to boost these very positive dynamics, combating the significant impact of pollution, particularly in the Mediterranean, based on our cooperation with a number of NGOs from several Mediterranean countries. We aim at raising one hundred million euros for this philanthropic initiative, supporting numerous projects. Our second priority is working on the blue economy and finance. We already have solutions underway reconciling ocean preservation and economic growth! We thus invested in Bound4Blue, a Spanish company promoting rigid sails. Whilst increasing its profits, it is also contributing to reducing the carbon dioxide footprint of boats. Developing rapidly, this system is significantly reducing the amount of fuel needed for tankers to operate.”
Since 2023, the Prince Albert II of Monaco Foundation has been combining philanthropy and impact investing as a catalyst for change, with the ambition of making sustainable finance a driver for actual regenerative ecological transition.
For this purpose, the Foundation is actively involved in promoting such mobilizing events as the Ocean Innovators Platform and the Blue Economy & Finance Forum (BEFF) and such innovative financial tools as the ReOcean Fund and the Blue Economy Index, a financial index launched to support sustainable development, responsible consumption, production and sanitation. These are all tools the current discussions and actions are centered on.
“As demonstrated by some innovative companies, reconciling economic and environmental benefits is perfectly possible. There is one that is currently working on nature-compatible concrete, for example. Its powder and cells are conceived to allow biodiversity to colonize concrete structures. And it works!” Romain Ciarlet is referring to ECOncrete, a Tel Aviv-based company working closely with developers, authorities, contractors, architects, engineers and environmentalists. ECOncrete has already deployed its revolutionary technology in Israel, Europe and North America, where it has opened its own subsidiary. Its long-term goal is one of furthering creating a coastal concrete infrastructure — a haven rather than a curse in terms of marine biodiversity. ECOncrete modules were first installed as early as 2019 in the port of Fontvieille in Monaco and more recently in the Larvotto beach area.
Another exemplary action, albeit in a different field, is preserving a highly endangered species, Mediterranean monk seals. The Foundation is funding this conservation project for the Greek island of Gyaros.
Since 2023, the Mediterranean monk seal has indeed been classed as a “vulnerable” Threatened Species by the International Union for Conservation of Nature (IUCN). Scattered between Greece and Turkey, only a few hundred remain. Hence the urgency of this conservation effort. Celebrating its strong and unwavering 20-year commitment this year, the Prince Albert II of Monaco’s Foundation projects are multifaceted and multiple.
Two Grand Evenings for the 20th Anniversary
The Foundation is currently finalizing the agenda for its two landmark 20th anniversary celebrations. On September 18, there will be one held in the prestigious Opéra Garnier setting. International celebrities and top performances are expected, together with a major auction raising funds for the good cause. A truly wonderful evening is in store.
On October 16, there is the awards ceremony. Since 2008, the Foundation has been honouring individuals and organizations for their remarkable commitment in preserving the planet in three priority areas: awareness, science and innovation. This ceremony will take place in the Salle des Étoiles at the Monte-Carlo Sporting Club during a gala dinner. A majestic setting indeed under the starry sky to keep a crucial challenge in mind, that of preserving our blue planet.
