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Day: 1 November 2021

"The COP has turned blue"

by: Cassandra Tanti
01/11/2021

Prince Albert was there for the opening day of COP26, launching the third declaration of ‘Because the Ocean’, an initiative he activated in 2015 that calls for oceans to be part of the solution to tackling climate change.
HSH Prince Albert II of Monaco was joined on 31st October by Chile’s Minister of the Environment and President of COP25 Carolina Schmidt, Pacific Islands Forum Secretary General Henry Puna, and a number of ministers and ambassadors for the launch of the third ‘Because the Ocean’ statement at a special event at the University of Edinburgh.
The 2021 declaration, described as “a plurilateral initiative for a multilateral ocean outcome at COP26”, calls for the adoption of a COP26 decision that encourages all Parties to the UN Convention on climate to better take into account the interaction between ocean, climate and biodiversity in their implementation plans for the Paris Agreement, and to recognise the need for greater ambition at all levels to fight climate change and protect the ocean.
The signatories of the Declaration affirm that they commit to:

  • Work to accelerate efforts to phase out greenhouse gas emissions associated with international maritime transport;
  • Promote the development of clean renewable energy sources at sea, taking into account the possible impacts on marine and coastal ecosystems;
  • Advocate for the strengthening of public and private sources of support for climate adaptation and mitigation of its effects on the ocean, particularly with multilateral development banks, climate funds, public aid to the development and other international financial institutions; and
  • Collaborate with the Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change (IPCC) to achieve these goals and foster the exchange of knowledge and good practices.

In his address, Prince Albert underlined the essential role the ocean plays in regulating the climate by absorbing more than 25% of CO2 emissions and 90% of excess heat due to global warming. He also discussed the impact of warming ocean waters, changes in ocean currents and ocean acidification on marine life, as well as the effects of sea level rise on coastal environments and the increasing number of extreme weather events related to oceans.
“We must fully explore the role of the ocean and strive to better understand it, develop conservation tools, strengthen the means implemented to promote it, improve its governance and take better account of ocean issues in all United Nations negotiations,” said Monaco’s head of state.
Despite the crucial link that exists between the ocean and the climate, it was not until the COP25 in 2019 that the ocean was really taken into account in the work of the United Nations Climate Change Convention. Of the 120 Nationally Determined Contributions (NDCs) submitted prior to COP26 in accordance with the Paris Agreement, 80 refer to action in favour of the ocean. After handing over the presidency of the COP to the United Kingdom, COP25 President Carolina Schmidt said that “the COP has turned blue and all subsequent COPs will be also.”
The launch of the 3rd ‘Because the Ocean’ declaration is just the beginning: more countries are expected to join the initiative before the conclusion of COP26.

Prince spearheads ocean protection at COP
The ‘Because the Ocean’ (BTO) initiative was launched under the patronage of HSH Prince Albert II of Monaco during the 21st Conference of the Parties to the United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change (COP21) in Paris in November 2015, calling for better consideration of the interaction between the ocean and climate change within the mechanisms of the convention.
23 countries signed the first BTO declaration, calling for 1) a special IPCC report on the ocean and cryosphere in the context of climate change, as proposed by Monaco; 2) the convening of a conference by the United Nations on the ocean to promote the implementation of SDG14, the sustainable development goal for the ocean; and 3) the adoption of an ocean action program under the United Nations Convention on Climate Change (UNFCCC).
Due to the growing interest in the convention, a second BTO declaration was launched at COP22 in Marrakech in 2016. In this declaration, the 33 signatory countries “encourage the parties to the UNFCCC to consider Submit Nationally Determined Contributions (NDCs) that promote, where appropriate, ambitious climate action to minimise the adverse effects of climate change on the ocean and contribute to its protection and conservation”.
Over the past five years, through awareness-raising and visibility actions, international and national workshops and political advocacy, the ‘Because the Ocean’ initiative has encouraged the integration of the ocean into the debate around climate change policy, commonly referred to as the ‘ocean – climate nexus’, emphasizing that the ocean must be part of the solution to tackling climate change if greater ambition is to be achieved.
 
 
Photos by Gaetan Luci, Prince’s Palace
 
 
 

Population urged to take free Covid tests

by: Stephanie Horsman
01/11/2021

The Principality has brought back free Covid screening from this week in an effort to try and avoid a rebound of cases post half term break.

Covid loves a holiday. People are in high spirits, visiting with friends and family, and generally being more lax on social distancing and other health and safety precautions. These conditions give the virus a chance to spread faster than under normal circumstances, where people have been trained to be more cautious.

In the midst of half term break, the government of Monaco has decided to reintroduce its free Covid screening campaign to attempt to contain the virus as much as possible.

“Traditionally during the holidays, we are a little less attentive to barrier gestures. We have seen in the past that after returning from vacation, there were small epidemic rebounds,” said Health Minister Didier Gamerdinger to Monaco Info. “To avoid this, we offer free screening in our centre in the Rainier-III auditorium.”

The screening campaign starts on Tuesday 2nd November and runs until Sunday 14th November. It is aimed at residents, employees and students, and no medical prescription is required. In order to get an appointment for a test, just ring the Covid-19 call centre on +377 92 05 55 00.

“We must constantly remain mobilised because the virus continues to circulate in the Principality, as in the neighbouring department. The incidence rate at the moment in Monaco is at 52, a significant figure if we remember that last June we were at a 10 incidence rate. This virus circulates at home as with our neighbours in the Alpes-Maritimes where the incidence rate is at 62,” Gamerdinger explained.

The minister also used the opportunity to remind people of the benefits of getting vaccinated, including a third dose for those who were vaccinated early in the campaign.

“Thanks to the serological monitoring carried out on volunteers, we know, and it is in accordance with scientific publications in other states, that over time – and this is normal – the effectiveness of the vaccine gradually decreases, so it is prudent and judicious to offer the first people vaccinated, who were also the older, to think about the third dose.”

 

 
 

Roca team stride to victory against struggling Paris side

by: Luke Entwistle
01/11/2021

AS Monaco Basket rounded off a perfect week, securing their fourth victory in seven days with a comfortable victory against Betclic Élite strugglers Paris. The win takes the Roca team joint top of the domestic league, behind Boulogne and Lyon only on points difference.
Paris got off to a strong start in the first quarter, but Mitrovic’s men quickly fought back thanks to two hoops from Alpha Diallo. By the end of the first quarter, AS Monaco had eked out a narrow 23-22 lead. The Roca side built on their lead in an impressive second quarter that ultimately put the game out of reach.
Paris Lee set the tone for the half for Monaco, two three pointers from the American went unreplied and a lead started to grow. That was followed up by Ibrahima Fall Faye who scored an impressive dunk on the counter attack to score the 8th point without reply. A dominant Roca side continued to extend their lead, and by the half-time mark it had been extended to a comfortable 15 points.
Not content with simply consolidating their advantage, AS Monaco continued to attack in the third quarter. Their lead was extended further thanks to the playmaking efforts of Mike James, whose passes and attacking incision created numerous point-scoring opportunities, which were duly converted by a clinical Roca team.
Going into the final quarter, AS Monaco had an unassailable 24-point lead. Despite a closer fourth quarter, ASM continued to impose themselves. Ibrahima Fall Faye cleverly intercepted a loose Paris pass to score an impressive solo dunk on the break. Alpha Diallo and Rudy Demahis piled on the misery for Paris late on to secure a 100-75 victory for Mitrovic’s men. Diallo finished the match as Monaco’s leading point scorer with 15 points.
Mitrovic was unequivocal in his praise for his side post-match, highlighting in particular the squad depth at his disposal. “Only positives, all is good… the players that I called upon all responded… This season will be a long one and I’m going to need everybody. The next match will be against strong opposition against one of the strongest sides in the Euroleague. We need to be ready.”
Mitrovic will be hoping that his side can continue their winning streak away at Olympiacos on Friday.
 
Photo by Michael Alessi, Communication Department
 
 

This year's Planetary Health Awards winners are…

by: Cassandra Tanti
01/11/2021

A 17-year-old activist from Canada has become the youngest recipient of Monaco’s Planetary Health Awards. She was one of three to be recognised for her efforts to preserve the planet in a ceremony Friday night hosted by the Prince and his Foundation.
It was the 14h annual Planetary Health Awards ceremony at the Grimaldi Forum on 29th October, paying tribute to leading figures and organisations for their deep commitment to preserving our planet in the areas of water, biodiversity and climate change.
In his opening speech, Prince Albert II of Monaco acknowledged the actions undertaken by his Foundation since its creation in 2006.
“It is emotional to think that behind the 700 projects we have conducted or supported over those years, thanks to the €90 million we have spent, we have been able to protect dozens of species more effectively, we have helped to safeguard hundreds of ecosystems and we have helped thousands of our contemporaries,” said the Prince.
“I have crossed people from many countries and of every age, people in extremely different social settings (…) What I have felt over these 15 years is the extent to which all these people are dependent on a common destiny, one which is called Planet Earth. It is for them that we take action, it is thanks to them that we progress and it is with them that we will succeed. Because environmental protection is always about men and women.”

Prince Albert II of Monaco Awards 2021 © Axel Bastello, Palais Princier

The Water Award was presented to Chief Water Commissioner for the Anishinabek Nation and youth activist Autumn Peltier, in recognition of her work to promote access to clean water in Canada. The 17-year-old has been a guest speaker at United Nations World Water Day and the World Economic Forum in Davos, Switzerland, repeatedly raising awareness about the sacredness of water and the need to protect it. Autumn also advocates for the human rights of indigenous children, inspiring many young people around the world.
During a press conference held ahead of the awards ceremony, Autumn revealed that she has been an activist since the age of eight because “Some first nation communities in Canada have no water rights, which means they can’t drink their water. They have to boil it before using it, or they have to use bottled water for simple things like washing, bathing their children, and brushing their teeth. Canada is a first world country, but first nation people are neglected and treated as if we live in a third world country. That is why I do what I do.”
When questioned by Monaco Life about what the Planetary Health Award means to her and her activitism, she responded: “This award shows me that people are listening and hearing what I have to say. One of the main reasons why I speak up about indigenous issues specifically is because they were not talked about, there is no media coverage. A lot of people living here don’t know that first nation people are facing challenges like these. So, this award shows me that my voice is being heard internationally.”
 
Autumn Peltier, Prince Albert, Dr. Anne Larigauderie and Bren Smith at the Prince Albert II of Monaco Awards 2021 © Axel Bastello, Palais Princier

The Biodiversity Award was given to IPBES, the Intergovernmental Science-Policy Platform on Biodiversity and Ecosystem Services, in recognition of its valuable work on the state of knowledge about the world’s biodiversity, ecosystems and the contributions they make to people, as well as the tools and methods to protect and sustainably use these vital natural assets.
The award was accepted by Dr. Anne Larigauderie, IPBES Executive Secretary, who said during the press conference that IPBES does for biodiversity what the IPCC does for climate change.
“Climate change is often considered the preeminent environmental challenge of our time – but the biodiversity crisis is too important to be an afterthought,” said Dr. Larigauderie. “Nature’s contributions to people are more degraded now than at any point in human history, but science tells us we can still reverse course if we act urgently, driving transformative change for people and the planet.”
IPBES was established as an independent body by governments in 2012 and now has 137 member states. It brings together expertise from all scientific disciplines and knowledge communities, including indigenous and local knowledge, to provide policy-relevant information for policies at all levels of government, the private sector and civil society.
The Climate Change Award went to GreenWave, a non-profit co-created by Bren Smith in 2014 to replicate and scale the ecological and economic benefits of regenerative ocean farming throughout North America. The organisation’s 10-year goal is to provide training, tools and support to 10,000 farmers to catalyse the planting of one million acres of regenerative ocean crops and yield meaningful economic and climate impacts.
“There is no denying that the impacts of climate change are accelerating. Our backs are against the wall, but we have a choice. We can give up, flee, and just let the planet die slowly, or our communities can work with the ocean to innovate a better future, one where we can all make a living on a living planet.”
Prince Albert II of Monaco Foundation grant for IPCC recipients, © JC Vinaj FPA2

The Prince Albert II of Monaco Foundation Grant for IPCC
Another highlight of the evening was the awarding of grants to young researchers under the ‘Prince Albert II of Monaco Foundation grant for IPCC’ programme, supported by the Foundation since 2011. The grants, attributed every two years, are a springboard for young researchers from developing countries, giving them the chance to continue their studies and post-doctoral research on climate change, for a three-year period.
Mr Abdallah Mokssit, Secretary of IPCC underlined that the programme was not only a success but a real advance because supporting over the years these young researchers is not only giving them access to science but it is also positively impacting their communities and region by increasing the scientific knowledge on local climate change issues. It is an important step in the fight against climate change enabling the implementation of innovative and efficient solutions.
The 2021 cohort integrates 27 students honoured for the quality of their work in the field of climate change and living soils. 10 students are sponsored by the Prince Albert II of Monaco Foundation, 10 by Moët Hennessy and 7 by the Cuomo Foundation, a longtime partner of the Foundation.
12 of the students attended the ceremony and received their diplomas on stage from HSH Prince Albert II of Monaco, alongside Mr Abdallah Mokssit, Secretary of the IPCC, Maria Elena Cuomo, President and Founder of the Cuomo Foundation, and Philippe Schaus, CEO of Moët Hennessy.
Opening the door on Art and Environment
The Prince Albert II of Monaco Foundation also presented the world premiere of ‘The Way of the Rain – Hope for Earth’ created and directed by Sibylle Szaggars Redford, in collaboration with composer Tim Janis and video film artist and editor Thomas McBee. The environmental performance is an ode to nature’s powerful beauty while calling attention to the Earth’s vulnerability brought on by climate change, a message which echoes the work conducted by the Foundation.
“We congratulate HSH Prince Albert II of Monaco and the Prince Albert II of Monaco Foundation on its 15th anniversary. It is truly an honor to be invited to participate in this important occasion with the presentation of The Way of the Rain— Hope for Earth,” said Sibylle Szaggars Redford and her husband Robert Redford. “Now, more than ever, as the impacts of climate change continue to escalate and adversely affect our global communities, the dedication and efforts of HSH Prince Albert II and his Foundation shine brightly, leading the way for others to follow.”
The multidisciplinary show imagined as a film-concert welcomed on stage the ZhangomusiQ Orchestra and choirs from the Monte-Carlo Opera and Soprano Norah Amsellem. Robert Redford delivered words accompanied by young Monegasque pianist Stella Almondo.
 
 
Top photo left to right: Bren Smith, Dr. Anne Larigauderie, Prince Albert, Autumn Peltier ©Axel Bastello Prince’s Palace
 
 

Lowly Brest sink ASM with smash-and-grab victory

by: Luke Entwistle
01/11/2021

AS Monaco slumped to a disappointing away defeat to Ligue 1 strugglers Stade Brestois, who, despite being deprived of the ball for much of the match, came away as comfortable 2-0 winners.
The game quickly settled into its rhythm: ASM dominated possession whilst Brest were content to sit in a low block, remain compact and hit on the break whenever the opportunity arose. Having had barely a touch of the ball, it was Brest who took the lead through Mounié in the 18th minute. After a tussle near the ASM corner flag, where Caio Henrique’s shirt was clearly tugged, it was Brest who were controversially awarded the freekick. Brest took full advantage, and the subsequent freekick was bundled in by an unmarked Mounié at the back-post after a flick-on from Le Douaron.
Now with a lead to hold on to, Brest dropped deeper and deeper, but were combative and well-organised enough to withstand the pressure. As well organised as Brest were, ASM’s lack of dynamism in attack was clear to see. Despite having 71% of possession in the first-half, their build-up play was lethargic, and their over-reliance on making long balls stick meant that they created very few notable chances.
Brest came out for the second-half in an even lower block. They were happy to cede possession and territory, and allowed ASM to play deep within their half without any pressure on the ball. For ASM, however, it was the same story as the first-half. Despite the introduction of their talismanic playmaker Golovin midway through the half, they couldn’t break down the stubborn Brest defense.
Gedson Martins had the best chance for ASM, but his back-post header was straight at the keeper. The smash-and-grab was completed in the 79th minute. With Monaco committing men forward in search of an equaliser, the space was available for Brest to hit on the break. A swift counter attacking move reached its crescendo when Honorat slotted in unmarked from Cardona’s cross to send the home fans at the Stade Francis-Le Blé into raptures, and secure an important victory in their fight for Ligue 1 survival.
Post-match, Nico Kovac was critical of ASM’s lack of cutting edge, saying, “I am not satisfied with the performance of my team. We had a lot of the ball but we didn’t show ourselves as being dangerous. We have to improve, otherwise these kinds of matches will always be difficult.”
Defeat sees ASM slip to 10th in the Ligue 1 table and four points adrift of the European places. Kovac’s men have a chance to bounce back in their crucial Europa League tie against PSV at the Stade Louis II on Thursday.
 
Photo source: AS Monaco Football Club