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Day: 15 January 2020

Prince's Foundation to help restore Australian ecosystems

by: Cassandra Tanti
15/01/2020

Amid Australia’s ecological emergency, the Prince Albert II of Monaco Foundation will be lending its support to projects and organisations that help restore ecosystems in the fire ravaged country. The foundation says it is working with the Embassy of Monaco, Honorary Consuls in Australia and Board Member Professor Tim Flannery to select the projects.
In an official statement sent from the Prince’s Palace on Monday 6th January, HSH Prince Albert II of Monaco expressed his support to Australian Prime Minister Scott Morrison at a time when giant fires have been consuming the country for several months, causing considerable loss of biodiversity and endangering local communities.
“I have sadly seen that entire towns have been engulfed in flames, that residents across several states have lost their homes, especially in New South Wales, and that wildlife and the environment have undergone extensive damages; a situation exacerbated by persistent heat and drought,” said Prince Albert.
The Australian government is set to revise the total amount of land burnt to 17 million hectares given the late addition of figures from the Northern Territory. Scientists estimate that close to one billion animals have perished, 29 people have died and 6,000 buildings have been destroyed.
Victoria’s state capital Melbourne, Australia’s second-biggest city and a major tourist drawcard, was classified as having the “worst air quality in the world” this week as cooler temperatures brought particles in the air close to the ground.
As nightmare scenes continue, climate scientists are warning that Australia’s fires are a harbinger of what is to come for the rest of the world as the planet warms due to human activity. It is a sentiment echoed by Prof. Tim Flannery, eminent Australian biologist and palaeontologist, Director of the Department of Zoology of the Australian Museum of Sydney and climate specialist, and member of the Board of Directors of the Prince Albert II of Monaco Foundation.
In a statement this week, Tim Flannery points out that Australia’s unprecedented bushfire season has occurred during the hottest, driest year ever recorded in Australia.
“Natural factors would result in a year as hot as 2019 once every 350 years,” says Professor Flannery. “But human caused greenhouse gases increase the odds to one year in eight. The greenhouse gases we all emit today are stoking the bushfires of tomorrow. It is critically important that all nations increase the ambition of their greenhouse gas emission reduction targets.”
In light of the ecological emergency, the Prince Albert II of Monaco Foundation announced this week that it will work with local entities, in the framework of its missions to preserve biodiversity and combat climate change. In order to ensure that its assistance is as effective as possible, the Foundation is collaborating with Prof. Tim Flannery, the Embassy of Monaco and the network of Honorary Consuls in Australia, in order to identify the organisations and projects to support to help restore the ecosystems.
 
Note: Monaco Life will keep readers updated on which projects the Prince’s Foundation chooses to support.
 
Photo source: Pixabay
 

New head of civil aviation

by: Cassandra Tanti
15/01/2020
Jérôme Journet

Jérôme Journet has been appointed head of the Directorate of Civil Aviation, following the retirement of Bruno Lassagne.
Mr Journet is an engineer graduate from the National School of Civil Aviation (ENAC).
After studying engineering, mainly in Toulouse and Canada, Jérôme Journet spent the next decade working at the Paris Charles de Gaulle Airport and the Athis-Mons regional control center.
During that time, he was able to familiarise himself with the different facets of civil aviation, working with operational and air traffic control, as well as involving himself in European studies and research projects.
In 2011, Mr Journet was assigned to the operations management of the Directorate of Air Navigation Services (DSNA) to carry out a national coordination mission. This experience allowed him, in particular, to understand budget management and civil engineering projects, according to a statement released by the Prince’s government.
Jérôme Journet then left the Paris region to settle in Bordeaux-Mérignac where he headed the Center for the Exploitation of Central Systems (CESNAC). In 2016, he moved to the West Indies to head the Antilles-Guyana air navigation service. Jérôme Journet was in charge of air traffic control, aeronautical information and aeronautical search and rescue operations for the airspaces and airports of Martinique, Guadeloupe and Guyana.
 
Photo courtesy: ©Direction de la Communication – Michael Alesi
 

Rallye Monte-Carlo participants revealed

by: Stephanie Horsman
15/01/2020

A total of 88 drivers have applied to enter the first round of the 2020 FIA World Rally Championships (WRC) that starts next week with the Rallye Monte Carlo.

The Rallye Monte Carlo kicks off on 20th January for its 88th edition and is the first date on the FIA World Rally Championship calendar. This year’s course will be marked with many thrilling changes, including several novelties and difficulties different than previous years, as well as a full quarter of the course being new to everyone.

Though the 20th is the start date, the first two days are dedicated to test races on the Route de la Garde in Gap, giving participants a taste of what is to come. 

The racing officially begins on 23rd January, leaving from Quai Albert 1er in Monaco at 5pm and will go on for the next four days through specially chosen courses spanning from Hautes-Alpes to Alpes de Haute Provence and finally back to the Alpes-Maritimes before racing back to Monaco for the Award Ceremony on Sunday 26th January at 3pm.

Of the team professionals taking on the gruelling course, 11 are entered in the WRC premiere class for Hyundai, Toyota and M-Sport. Five drivers will compete in the WRC2 class for Hyundai, Citroën and M-Sport and the biggest class is the WRC3 class which will see 13 privateer drivers entered, meaning they aren’t officially racing for any particular team. The rest are racers looking to have some fun and take on a new challenge.

 

 

 

Monaco Basketball defeat Kazan Unics

by: Stephanie Horsman
15/01/2020

Roca Team braved the Russian winter to play the Kazan Unics on Tuesday night. Their 84-78 win has revived Euro Cup hopes for the Monegasques putting them back on the right track.

Faced with last year’s Euro Cup semi-finalists, AS Monaco basketball rose to the challenge.  

Without the help of star player Will Yeguete who was out with a knee injury, the Roca Team nonetheless took control from the start playing a very offense-oriented game, despite finding open shots challenging against the Unics.

An incredible series of three-pointers by Dee Bost, Norris Cole and Anthony Clemmons kept their opponents on their toes and kept them in the lead. The Unics were not deterred though and kept hitting back, but by halftime, the men of the Rock were firmly in the lead.

Monaco’s magic seemed to be broken though after the break. That amazing first half rhythm was slow in returning and the Kazan’s scored seven points straight off the mark. Fortunately, after about four minutes of play, JJ O’Brien and Paul Lacombe found their sea legs and gave Roca Team a bit of breathing room, though not for long. 

The Unics were in no way giving up though, and after an amazing three-pointer from American Errick McCollum, Coach Sasa Obradovic called for a timeout.

Anthony Clemmons reacted playing a tough defence, and after some pretty tough ball handling for both sides, Monaco had a firm 61-55 lead at the end of the third quarter. 

The fourth quarter was bound to be exciting, but no one knew just how much. The Russians fought back aggressively and by the 35th minute had tied the game 67-67. No longer having the luxury of the lead, Roca Team bit back and Anthony Clemmons planted a huge three-pointer two minutes from the end, then JJ O’Brien not only landed a money shot, but also was fouled, giving him an extra shot, which he converted. After another penalty was called on Kazan, it was pretty much game over for them, leading to the Monegasque’s much-needed and hard fought victory.

 
 
 

The best holiday destinations for 2020

by: Geoffrey Kent
15/01/2020

Abercrombie & Kent Founder and Co-Chairman, and Monaco Life contributor, Geoffrey Kent reveals the places he’s most excited to travel to in the new decade.
 

A child in Ethiopia

Ethiopia

The offbeat destination being whispered about by travellers whose preferred mode of transport is the helicopter is Ethiopia.
One of Africa’s most enthralling yet overlooked destinations, this incredibly diverse country easily earns its spot on my list for this year, following on from one of my Inspiring Expeditions here last autumn. It’s rich in heritage and has a vibrant tradition of worship, as well as spectacular landscapes and compelling tribal cultures. However, due to a lack of infrastructure, the easiest way to get around is in the air.
Swoop over the stunning mountain ranges and lakes and fly to the Omo Valley – home to strikingly diverse and beautiful people such as the Kara, the Hamar, Mursi, and Nyangatom.

Mountain ranges in Ethiopia

Meanwhile, the rock-hewn churches of Lalibela offer historical intrigue. At the same time, the other-worldly Danakil Depression and wildlife of the Simien and Bale Mountains, including Africa’s last wolves and the Earth’s only grass-eating monkeys, are a significant draw for nature lovers. All easily accessible by helicopter.
Leopard in the Yala National Park, Sri Lanka, 

Sri Lanka

The ‘teardrop of India’ suffered a devastating blow on Easter Sunday last year and experienced an economically devastating loss of tourism as a result. But since travel bans lifted – news which couldn’t come soon enough for hoteliers and those in related service industries – this enduringly optimistic island has been bouncing back.
In Sri Lanka, charming cities, lush tea plantations and iconic wildlife vie for travellers’ attention alongside eight UNESCO World Heritage sites, great beaches and national parks. For those willing to travel sooner rather than later, there’s a rare chance to enjoy the country’s must-visit sites – such as Sigiriya and Polonnaruwa – in (relative) crowd-free peace.
Yala National Park has benefitted from this lull in tourism. Strict protocols have now been put in place by the Federation of Environmental Organisations at the behest of the government. And the wildlife-spotting experience in Yala – which is home to dozens of magnificent leopards, the biggest ones that I have seen anywhere – has been improved, just in time for the return of travellers.

The Nahuel Huapi Lake in Bariloche, Argentina

Argentina

For an out-of-this-world experience, voyage to Argentina in 2020 to experience one of nature’s most magnificent events: a total solar eclipse. Set to take place on 14th December, this aligning of celestial bodies will be visible from just a few South American countries.
In rugged Argentina, where the sense of vastness and isolation is incomparable, the event will briefly plunge northern Patagonia into darkness in the middle of the afternoon. Be among the few to witness this rare, magical moment and become one of the first guests to stay at the Explora Patagonia Argentina, the latest in the hotel group’s roster of exemplary eco-lodges.

Kuang Si waterfalls, near Luang Prabang, Laos

Laos

Until recently, Laos was in the shadow of its more famous Indochinese neighbours. It’s often been overlooked by travellers considering a visit to South-east Asia. This country’s charm and authenticity are drawing a growing number of visitors to its lesser-travelled trails, however, and we expect the trend to continue in 2020. Step back in time as you explore this nation of jungles, temples, hill-top villages and ancient relics for yourself, free of the frantic pace of so many other Asian cities.
In 2020, view the country through a cultural lens by visiting the little-known Plain of Jars. Stretching across the Xiangkhoang Plateau, this vast archaeological site features thousands of enormous stone vessels, scattered by a past civilisation whose culture remains a mystery. While folklore suggests that the jars belonged to giants, further excavations in 2019 point instead towards a more anthropological answer: that this was once a burial ground. Visit this hard-to-reach UNESCO World Heritage Site by flying in via helicopter, accompanied by an expert guide.

Egypt, The Nile, Sanctuary Nile Adventurer

Egypt

After a tumultuous few years, momentum is gathering in legendary Egypt. Its mesmeric monuments, atmospheric souks, and natural wonders, which have been relatively tourist-free in recent years, are welcoming culturally curious travellers once more.
A collective breath will be finally exhaled when, in the latter half of 2020, the Grand Egyptian Museum opens to the public. Encompassing 500,000 square metres, this vast exhibition space will showcase an omnium-gatherum of Ancient Egyptian artefacts – 30,000 of which have never been exhibited in public before.
A new cinematic version of Agatha Christie’s Death on the Nile is on the horizon too, which undoubtedly will buoy interest in the country. Due for release in autumn 2020, Kenneth Branagh stars and directs, with Wonder Woman star Gal Gadot taking a turn as Linnet Ridgway Doyle. Should this inspire you to take a turn down the Nile – though, of course, in less dramatic style, my Sanctuary Nile Adventurer has been newly refurbished and is fit for a pharaoh.
 
Find out more: abercrombiekent.co.uk
 
Read also:

Interview: Geoffrey Kent, founder of Abercrombie & Kent, on how it all began

 
 
 

Optimist Team takes the bronze

by: Stephanie Horsman
15/01/2020

The Monaco Optimist Team Race 2020’s exciting conclusion saw the Americans in the top spot, followed by Sweden and Monaco.
Organised by the Yacht Club of Monaco, the 11th edition of the Monaco Optimist Team Race gave sailors aged 14 and under from all over the globe the chance to compete against each other, just like the adults.
The event has become a staple of team racing calendars, putting young racers in a competitive, yet safe, environment, racing on a real course against 20 teams from 19 countries, with a total of 80 sailors.
Over four days of racing, the teams were exposed to changeable conditions, with winds varying between 6 to 15 knots on heavenly flat seas. In all, 207 matches were raced without the need for a pause.
An International Clinic run by world team expert Chris Atkins, who also doubled as one of the 14 referees, was given on Thursday before the start of the races. Monaco, Germany, Ukraine, China, The Netherlands and France were all able to take advantage of this opportunity, giving them an incredible run-up to the main event.
The teams also had three days of workshops to teach them proper starting procedures, race rules, communication and teamwork guidance.
In the end, the Americans were determined to better their position over last year’s third place and did so with flying colours. Losing only two of 19 matches, they dominated the courses, leaving the 2nd and 3rd place spots up for grabs. Monaco was at the top of the heap but vacillated between 3rd and 4th until the exciting last day when the Monegasque team snatched the bronze from the Ukrainians.
The race is meant not only to inspire a competitive spirit, but also a peaceful one. New friends are made amongst the young participants and the values that sport upholds are instilled.
“It’s always an honour and absolute pleasure to host this regatta,” said YCM General Secretary Bernard d’Alessandri. “We are pleased to continue working on this format, the team spirit concept of which is much more advanced than at other events.”
 
Photo courtesy: Yacht Club of Monaco