Inauguration of the Monte Carlo Bay solar panel park

Inauguration MCB Solar Panels - From left to right: Frédéric Darnet, Director of Monte-Carlo Bay; Marie-Pierre Gramaglia, Councilor of Government-Minister of Equipment, Environment and Urbanism; Thomas Battaglione, Managing Director of SMEG and Achour Daira, Monte-Carlo Bay Technical Director © Michael Alesi

The park of solar panels atop the Monte-Carlo Bay was inaugurated on 9 August by Marie-Pierre Gramaglia, Councilor of Government-Minister of Equipment, Environment and Urbanism. 

Inauguration MCB Solar Panels - From left to right: Frédéric Darnet, Director of Monte-Carlo Bay; Marie-Pierre Gramaglia, Councilor of Government-Minister of Equipment, Environment and Urbanism; Thomas Battaglione, Managing Director of SMEG and Achour Daira, Monte-Carlo Bay Technical Director © Michael Alesi
Inauguration MCB Solar Panels – From left to right: Frédéric Darnet, Director of Monte-Carlo Bay; Marie-Pierre Gramaglia, Councilor of Government-Minister of Equipment, Environment and Urbanism; Thomas Battaglione, Managing Director of SMEG and Achour Daira, Monte-Carlo Bay Technical Director © Michael Alesi

The inauguration took place in the presence of Frédéric Darnet, Director of the hotel, and Thomas Battaglione, Managing Director of SMEG.

After congratulating the Société des Bains de Mer, Monte-Carlo Bay and SMEG for the fruitful partnership that led to the establishment of this park, the Government Council emphasised: “I strongly encourage private owners to follow the SBM initiative, and to participate, in turn, in the development of solar power in our country.”

This photovoltaic park of 1000m2 is today the largest in the Principality. This operation will make it possible to produce locally the equivalent of the annual consumption of about thirty dwellings. 

The Monte Carlo Bay solar power plant, financed, operated and built by SMEG, benefits from the Government subsidy allocated for the installation of photovoltaic panels.

The development of solar energy in the Principality is a strong part of the Government’s initiative towards reduction of greenhouse gas.

Anti-aging congress in Monaco

The World Society of Interdisciplinary Anti-Aging Medicine conference has been held in Monaco providing a forum to stimulate ideas, educate, share expertise and extend networking opportunities.

Marina Matkova at the recent anti-aging conference in Monaco

Under the High Patronage of H.S.H. Prince Albert II the 17th AMWC congress was held from April 4th to 6th at the Grimaldi Forum. Honorary Doctors Thierry Besins and Claude Dalle brought together prominent international thought leaders to discuss the latest innovations and trends. During the three-day congress participants found a perfect fusion of practical training, live-demonstrations, plenary sessions and an opportunity to purchase beauty products from the numerous exhibitor stands.  The congress was so large that we could only cover all the of it by dividing the sectors between our small group of passionate healthcare professionals.

The aesthetic section was visited by our leading specialists in facial rejuvenation, both general practitioners: Dr Suzana Miniconi, whose second qualification is dermatology, and founder of the AMMA Association Dr Roland Marquet, who gives his expertise on various approaches to face lifting threads.

A highlight was the pre-congress on April 3rd dedicated to the emerging field of genital rejuvenation and cosmetic gynaecology. This was attended  by gynaecologist Horst Bongard, who is famous for his holistic approach and profound understanding of the microbiota’s and neurotransmitter importance. “I admire different genital rejuvenating procedures that are used to reconstruct existing defects and cater to the rising demand for this kind of beauty and comfort procedures. Breakthrough techniques in sensitive areas are no longer taboo, so I’m learning more and more about how to help my patients regain self-confidence and improve their sexual relationships and emotional life,” said the Beausoleil-based doctor.

The scientific section of the congress was covered by Marina Matkova, the first biohacker in Monaco. “Thrilled by well-known researcher discoveries, I’m absorbing every drop of knowledge about the precious long-living science. It’s truly a unique chance to have world-class professors sharing with the audience here in Monaco,” said Marina Matkova.

“I’m a big fan of human qualitative longevity and the only way to achieve it is via personalised biomarker screening. Followed by precise data we can create lifestyle recommendations. For this reason I’m representing the BIOVIS laboratory that offers premium diagnostics and enables tailored advice for the clients to perform better on their daily basis by rising their vital energy level and overall contentment. My wish is to add as many P’s as possible to Preventative medicine: Predictive, Personalised, Precision, Practical, Patient-centric, Performing, Productive, Participatory in Principality of Monaco,” said Ms Matkova, a Master in Health and Nutrition Science.

The famous Dr Aleks Letnikovs and his discussion about osteoarthritis prevention was particularly enthralling. The young and talented doctor, who also specialises in genetic testing and stem cell therapy, is like detective Sherlock Holmes in health investigation for VIP’s around the globe, flying on their private jets and consulting with the ultra-wealthy on their yachts. He is adding life to the billionaires’ years, not only years to their lives.

The next conference of interest is at the CHPG on May 16th titled ‘Adult stem cells in clinical applications’. Entrance is free.

Event planners trained in sustainable practices

Monaco has hosted the first ever training course in Europe aimed at teaching event planners how to make events more environmentally friendly. Industry professionals came from across the globe to learn how sustainable practices can ultimately be good for business.

Participants learned about how sustainability can increase profitability of events

Under the High Patronage of HSH Prince Albert, the Sustainable Events Professional Certificate training showcased some of the Principality’s best sustainable practices, including Monaco Tourism’s motto ‘Green is the New Glam’, and how sustainability can be luxurious. The weekend event was hosted by Claudia van’t Hullenaar, founder of Sustained Impact, and Miek Egberts of ​InspireME Monte-Carlo.

The diverse group of participants included people from local event organisations, six members of the International Olympic Committee, Switzerland’s first sustainable events company, and an event planning vlogger from Hot Hospitality Exchange. Two participants came from as far away as San Francisco. The importance of measuring, monitoring, and improving sustainability at events was discussed, along with a full range of sustainability practices, from limiting waste and carbon footprint to being inclusive and making events accessible to people with special needs. It was a weekend of collaboration, creativity, and commitment to sustainability.

The group spent mornings at the Fairmont Monte Carlo, learning with Mariela Mcllwraith from the Events Industry Council. The first of its kind in Europe, the two day training on sustainability for event planners went beyond a traditional conference room training. Participants were treated to morning mindfulness sessions, toured the sustainability practices at The Columbus Hotel, explored the urban garden Terre de Monaco at the Monte Carlo Bay Hotel, and learned how sustainability goes beyond just being “green”.

A tour of a Terres de Monaco garden was one of many highlights of how the Principality commits to local sustainability

They heard how actions like sharing shipping space on trucks with other vendors, choosing only enough food for guests to eliminate waste, and selecting green methods of transportation for guests like walking or public transit, can ultimately support a business’ bottom line. The course provided insights on how to communicate the business value of sustainable events and learn how to be more environmentally and socially responsible by reducing waste, energy and water usage, and improving accessibility.

International sustainable event standards were outlined as well as measurement reporting methodologies. At the end of the training, participants received a Sustainable Event Professional Certificate (SEPC).