Monaco’s offshore extension: seagrass rehoused

A large section of seagrass, integral to marine life on the Mediterranean coastline, has been moved to a protected reserve as part of Monaco’s offshore extension project. Tests are ongoing to ensure as minimal impact on the marine environment as possible.

Picture: Bougyues Construction

Six-hectares of offshore space has already been created between two reserves that are marine protected areas – the underwater reserve of Larvotto and the Spélugues coral reef. After conducting several environmental studies, Bouygues Construction recently facilitated the removal of more than 500 square metres of Posidonia meadows to the protected reserve. They were transferred in underwater planters to the foot of the Fontvieille breakwater. Eight riprap blocks, colonised by lithophyllum bissoide algae, were also relocated. All these specimens are being monitored to ensure they adapt properly.

During the work phases, two potential impacts of the land extension were identified: sedimentation and increased water turbidity due to the removal of silt and positioning of backfill. If too many particles are in suspension, the quantity of light in the water diminishes, which impairs photosynthesis.

Picture: Bouygues Construction

Bouygues Construction says methods have consequently been adapted, with anti-turbidity underwater screens surrounding the work zone to prevent particles from spreading and a network of buoys to monitor turbidity continuously around the site. Meanwhile, divers regularly remove sediments that have settled on the coral and Posidonia meadows.

Underwater sounds are also supervised to avoid major impact on marine mammals. A code of good conduct observed by all companies involved on the worksite limits neighbourhood sound pollution. The Monaco Government recently set up a dedicated committee to deal with the issue of construction noise pollution.

According to Bouygues Construction, the reserve site is a laboratory for developing innovative methods and technologies to minimise the impacts of large-scale offshore work.

 

#8MarsMonaco

Prince Albert holding a sign with others as part of the campaign

The #8MarsMonaco campaign is gaining traction ahead of the main event on Friday. Initiated as part of International Women’s Day, the campaign is promoting Monaco’s increased commitment to women’s rights in the Principality and across the globe.

Prince Albert holding a sign with others as part of the campaign
The #8MarsMonaco campaign features some of the Principality’s key personalities, including Prince Albert II

Posters featuring key personalities, including Prince Albert II, have been springing up all over the Principality this week. Spearheaded by Celine Cottalorda, it is the Chief Officer’s first major campaign for the Committee for the Promotion and Protection of Women’s Rights, which was created by the Monaco Government in October 2018.

The public awareness campaign for equal rights will officially kick off on Friday 8th March in the presence of Minister of State Serge Telle, President of the National Council Stéphane Valeri, Minister of the Interior Patrice Cellario, and Minister of Health and Social Affairs Didier Gamerdinger.

Photographer Anthony Alberti, otherwise known as ‘Mr One Teas’, has committed his talents to the initiative, photographing the personalities involved in the campaign.

In the leadup to Friday’s event, Celine Cottalorda has been enthusiastically sharing its progress on Twitter:

 

Also on Friday, the Club des Residents Etrangers de Monaco (CREM) will be publishing a calendar in the form of an art book, featuring 16 women engaged in Monegasque life.

Titled ‘The Naked Soul’, the project was created in collaboration with photographer Amedeo M. Turello, and proceeds will go towards two projects of the Prince Albert II of Monaco Foundation assisting women in Chad and Guinea.

Blockchain Monaco fast approaching

Excitement is mounting ahead of the Monaco Blockchain Masterclass being held on 31st May. More than 100 of the world’s leading investors, funds and family offices will come together to discuss Blockchain not just as a technology, but as an investment opportunity.

The event will help everyone gain a much deeper insight into Blockchain technology and its potential. Participants will have the opportunity to learn and discuss the what, how and whys of Blockchain investments with speakers and guests who are already invested into the sector to a collective $250 million.

“Unless you have had your head buried in the sand you have most certainly heard about Blockchain,” said Alastair Lidel, Founder of ‘The Block’, a financial events company based in London. “At a time when companies such as JP Morgan, American Express, Disney and national governments are all adopting Blockchain technology at an extremely rapid rate it is imperative for anyone in the investment world to get a much clearer understanding of the technology, and this event will help you to do that.”

The one day conference invites speakers from leading investment funds to discuss what they look for in a Blockchain project, and how people can begin to develop into the space and optional routes of market entry.

The event will also feature a gourmet lunch, champagne networking and a cocktail party at the Twiga Club.

Tickets are available at www.theblock.events

Monaco Life is proud to be a media sponsor of the Monaco Blockchain Masterclass

Monaco and the World Food Program

Monaco has taken part in a UN World Food Program gathering in Rome, where recent global efforts were discussed and the Principality’s contributions were recognised.

Ramin Gallenbacher, Senior Programme Officer Technical Assistance, Private Sector Partnership and Innovation ; Mme Martine Garcia-Mascarenhas, Deuxième Secrétaire et Représentant permanent adjoint près la FAO et le PAM ; Mme Emilie Larese-Silvestre, Chef de division à la Direction de la coopération internationale ; M. David Ryckembusch, Chief of Technical Assistance, Private Sector Partnership and Innovation et M. Altan Butt, External Affairs Officer

Ambassador of Monaco to Italy Robert Fillon and a Monegasque delegation participated in the 1st Ordinary Session of the Executive Board of the World Food Program (WFP), which took place from 25th to 27th February in Rome.

At the opening session, guest of honor Daniel Kablan Duncan, Vice-President of Côte d’Ivoire, spoke about the Regional Center of Excellence against Hunger and Malnutrition of WFP for West and Central Africa. Located in Abidjan, it will be the first of its kind in Africa and will be inaugurated on 25th March.

Also during the session, the WFP Executive Board elected its new Chair, Hisham Mohamed Moustapha Badr, Ambassador and Permanent Representative of Egypt to WFP. They also reviewed a report on WFP’s Support to Strengthen Resilience, delivering food security and nutrition.

On the sidelines, Emilie Larese-Silvestre and Martine Garcia-Mascarenhas met with WFP’s Chief of Technical Assistance and Private Partnerships, who presented them with the new publication produced with the World Bank on school canteens. Monaco has given its support to this initiative, particularly in Burundi and Niger. The WFP 2020-2030’s new strategy for school canteens aims to meet the needs of the 73 million children who do not currently benefit from a meal at school.