Day: 14 August 2018

France, Monaco and Italy jointly committed themselves some time ago to applying for membership of UNESCO’s World Heritage sites for the cross-border “Alps of the Mediterranean.” The application is now in its final phase.

The area includes protected natural areas such as the Alpi Marittime/Mercantour European Park and the Alpi Liguri Park. The project involves nearly 80 cross-border municipalities, including 42 in the Alpes-Maritimes. The Principality is, for its part, involved because of its marine heritage.

The file was officially submitted by Italy, in January 2018, to the offices of the Secretariat of the UNESCO World Heritage Centre, after the nomination was jointly signed by HE Mr Bernard Fautrier, Minister Plenipotentiary, in charge of missions to the Minister of State and Managing Director of the Prince Albert II of Monaco Foundation, and Mr Paolo Salsotto, President of the EGTC European Park Alpi Marittime-Mercantour.

HSH the Sovereign Prince said: “This exceptional territory is located on the border of three countries, it associates three cultures and it gathers three populations with a common objective: its protection. Together, we bring this UNESCO World Heritage nomination, which will be the recognition of all our efforts to protect the Mediterranean Alps, which deserve so much international recognition.”

The final decision on the application will be made during the 43rd session of the World Heritage Committee to be held in Baku, Azerbaijan, from June 30 to July 10, 2019.

A 32-year-old French businessman has escaped with a suspended sentence after his arrest for drunk-driving and criminal damage.

The holidaymaker, who was staying in neighbouring Beausoleil, was apprehended after trying to force the barrier at the Larvotto underground car park shortly after 05:00 on Monday, August 6, local French-language daily Monaco Matin reported.

He was stopped at Place du Casino and found to have a blood alcohol level of 1.43 grammes per litre of blood.

The court was told that the accused had 13 previous convictions in France, for a range of offences including falsifications of checks, theft, narcotics, scams, and driving without a licence.

The criminal court sentenced him to a two-month suspended prison sentence, a fine of 1,500 euros, a further 500 euros fine, and payment of 210 euros for damage, as proposed by the prosecuting counsel.