15 ° C
Profile

Month: November 2021

National Day kicks off with Prince’s speech and incredible drone show

by: Stephanie Horsman
19/11/2021

On the eve of National Day, Prince Albert handed out awards for exceptional service and merit, gave a speech filled with memoriams, and offered hope for the future. Later that evening, the nation was dazzled by a drone show that exceeded expectations and proved environmentally sound to boot.

National Day in Monaco is usually filled with a great mixture of pomp, emotion, and a bit of fun. This year is no different, despite the challenges of the pandemic and economic recovery, with Prince Albert honouring the newest recipients of the Order of Saint Charles and the Order of Grimaldi, as well as those who were awarded medals for Physical Education and Sport in the Principality.

During the first ceremony, the Prince presented the Medals for Orders of Saint Charles and Grimaldi in the main courtyard of the Palace where he declared, “It is for me, every year, a pleasure and a renewed privilege to speak before the recipients of the two prestigious national orders – the Order of Saint Charles and the Order of Grimaldi – in order to distinguish them.”

He also used the time to thank all those in public and health services for their support and hard work during the pandemic but urged continued caution going forward as the indicators show that the crisis is far from over.

“Thanks to the tireless work of my government, the commitment of its services and the health professions, the support of the National Council as well as the support of the population, the situation has clearly improved in terms of health.”

“The game is not yet won,” said the head of state. “Shrewd observers agree in saying so in view of the current figures which are going up a little. It is therefore important to remain both vigilant and active. We must therefore persist in implementing measures preventing contagion, such as barrier gestures or vaccination.”

In reference to the economy, the Prince went on to say, “Most of the work has also been done to preserve our economy, safeguard our businesses and the standard of living of their employees. I do not forget either, of course, the care given to our school and sports system as well as to the situation of our elders. It is particularly important to me today to salute this collective effort.”

 

No speech by the Monegasque head of state would be complete without mention of a topic close to his heart, the environment. On this he said, “Our world is in turmoil and the Covid-19 pandemic is only one of its plagues. COP26, which I recently attended in Glasgow, highlighted many more. I also hear the desperation of populations struck in their flesh by conflicts of all kinds. We cannot be insensitive to these misfortunes and, moreover, this is the meaning to be given to our policy of international cooperation. But it is just as much our duty, our responsibility, towards those who will come after us, to project Monaco forward.”

The next set of awards were for Education and Sports and were presented at Stade Louis II. The Prince spoke before the assembled group of athletes, coaches, and other figures in the sporting world.

“I would like to thank you here warmly for the imprint with which you mark the sports disciplines to which you give the best of yourself,” he said. “Each and every one of you, with your personality, you contribute, in one way or another, to the aura of the sports disciplines which contribute to the reputation of Monaco.”

Lightening the solemn mood later that evening, Monaco’s residents were treated to a spectacular drone show, in lieu of the usual fireworks display. The precision and coordination of the 196 drones was extraordinary as they flew over Port Hercule and the Rock, creating symbols and words specific to the Principality, such as “Viva Munegu (Long Live Monaco), the planet Earth, and the intertwined A and C representing the union of Albert and Charlene.

The show began at 8pm with the full moon as a backdrop, and the whole of Monaco’s eyes were turned to the sight. Ten scenes in total were created by local company MC-Clic in this 100% eco-friendly event. The show lasted 12 minutes and was a huge hit.

Events continue Friday with the National Day mass at the Cathedral and the presentation of rank insignia and medals in the Cour d’Honneur, followed by the taking of arms and the military parade on the Place du Palais Princier.

 
 
Photo by Stephane Dana, Government Communication Department 
 
 
 

Prince talks about family ahead of National Day

by: Stephanie Horsman
18/11/2021

In his traditional National Day interview, Prince Albert has spoken of Princess Charlene’s recovery, the serious role he takes in parenting, and his children’s ‘mini school’ in the Palace.

Prince Albert II candidly spoke about a number of personal family topics in his annual pre-National Day interview with local daily newspaper Monaco Matin, namely about the ongoing health issues plaguing his wife, his love for his children and how he does what he can to ensure they have as normal a life as possible despite Covid concerns.

On the topic of Princess Charlene, the head of state said: “She is better but she still needs rest and peace. It is not in the Principality, but we will be able to visit very soon. I cannot tell you more out of discretion. There is fatigue, not just physical, which can only be treated with a period of rest and follow-up.”

The Prince also addressed allegations in certain media regarding his relationship with the Princess, saying he doesn’t want to be seen as “a cranky old man”, and that he is taking it in his stride as much as possible, trying to “make sure it doesn’t bother me too much.”

He then went on to talk about the twins, Hereditary Prince Jacques and Princess Gabriella, and how he spends as much time as he can with them, whilst juggling state duties.

“For me, it’s pretty simple: my priority is my family,” he said. “Of course, without neglecting state affairs. On the contrary, I do everything possible and essential. I hope everyone understands that. When I can be with my kids, I do it without hesitation.”

Prince Albert said it was important as a parent to be present for his children, especially given the trying times of the last year, the absence of their mother and the fact that his life as head of state is rather demanding.

“Indeed, this is an extremely important time in their life: the way they grow up helps them see the world. And if one of the parents is away for medical reasons, the other parent has to be there. I have heard too many friends and acquaintances telling me that they wish they had been there for their children, at a certain age, but were taken up by their work or their professional life. I don’t want to have these regrets.”

The Prince’s children have taken on more public duties this year, a concerted effort by both parents to slowly ease them into public life and not frighten them off, says the Prince. This, he told Monaco Matin, is modelled after his own childhood experiences, when one of his first official duties was a ribbon cutting ceremony when he was six years old.  

As for the twins’ unique schooling situation, the Prince explained that due to the “uncertainty of the pandemic” he and his wife had decided to move a small classroom to the Palace. The kids are educated by the same teacher they would have had at FANB and are socialised with the addition of four other students who currently follow the same curriculum as the twins. Additionally, they do some sport classes, such as swimming, with the other kids from school.

 
 
 

Kovac prepared for “complicated” match against Lille

by: Luke Entwistle
18/11/2021

In a pre-match press conference ahead of AS Monaco’s home game against reigning French champions Lille OSC, manager Nico Kovac spoke about the difficult challenge that awaits them, as well as broaching topics such as their attacking issues and player fitness following the international break.
Having had a difficult run of form in the build-up to last weekend’s international break, Kovac is hoping for a reaction from his side, although that task is made difficult by the quality of the opponent. Lille are the reigning Ligue 1 champions, having pipped PSG to the title last year. However, similarly to Monaco who also attained a strong league position last year, Lille have had difficulty recreating their form.
Hindered by various departures including that of their manager Christophe Galtier, who departed to join OGC Nice in the summer, as well as high-profile playing staff such as Boubakary Soumaré and Mike Maignan, their form this year sees them sitting directly below AS Monaco in the table in 12th.
Despite this, Kovac is aware of the task that awaits his side on Friday evening. “Currently, we are in a similar position to Lille. It will be a complicated match, difficult for both sides, but I want to once again stay positive,” he said.
The major challenge facing Kovac during the international break has been trying to remedy their attacking issues. Prior to the break, they had failed to register in three matches, the only saving grace being their strong defensive performances, which yielded two consecutive clean sheets. “I know we lacked efficiency… The group has worked a lot on attacking movements. Sometimes in football it is quite simple, you just need to click.”
If they are to click against Lille, they will have to do so without the suspended Aleksandr Golovin; the influential playmaker is joined by Benoit Badiashile in being suspended for the fixture. Apart from that, Kovac has a full squad to choose from. “All have come back in good fitness, without physical problems. They have also come back in good spirits and with a certain mental freshness.”
Sofiane Diop in particular had a fruitful international break, scoring twice for the France U21 side; he will be hoping to carry that form into his club football. Aurélien Tchouaméni also had a positive international break as he further cemented himself in Didier Deschamps plans for the 2022 Qatar World Cup, as he made one start and one substitute appearance.
The absence of Badiashile, who featured prominently for the French U21 side, will be a significant loss in ASM’s back three as they come up against the prolific strike partnership of Jonathan David and Burak Yilmaz, the former having netted eight times already in Ligue 1 this season.
The match, which kicks-off at 9pm on Friday at the Stade Louis II, should provide some fascinating match-ups. Given the importance that Kovac has attributed to producing an attacking display, the match is likely to be an entertaining, albeit tense affair, as both sides look for a welcome return to form.
 
 
Photo source: AS Monaco football club
 
 
 

“Plastic is not the problem, humans are the problem”

by: Cassandra Tanti
18/11/2021

Through the use of blockchain technology, Zak Johnson and his sustainable clothing company Naeco are putting traceability into the world of sustainability, allowing people to track plastic from the moment it is deposited for recycling to the time it is turned into high-end clothing.
Six years ago, Zak Johnson was an avid kite surfer and scuba diver who began to develop techniques to recycle the plastic rubbish that he saw washing up on the Bournemouth coast in England.
“I managed to create a machine in my spare bedroom that turned plastic bottles into pellets, which I then sent off to a fabric miller who milled it into a synthetic polyester. Eventually, we were able to produce a very water repellent fabric, so I decided to make it into a pair of swim shorts,” Zak tells Monaco Life from his office in London.
The niche business took off, and swimwear soon turned into fashion and corporate wear. Today, Zak Johnson is the multi-award-winning founder of sustainable brands Reborn and Naeco (ocean spelt backwards), with clients that include the Arsenal football club, Moët Hennessy, Poker Stars, Harrods and Magners. His mission: “to change the world, one bottle at a time”.
It’s an ambitious goal considering there are 812 billion plastic bottles currently on the planet, a number that is set to increase by 10 billion within the decade.
Still, Zak doesn’t see plastic as the problem.
“I love plastic, and I am happy to say it,” the young entrepreneur says enthusiastically. “Plastic is cheap, efficient and durable. Humans are the problem. We treat plastic as if it’s rubbish, we use it once and throw it away. Let’s just multi-use the plastic as many times as we physically can so we don’t need to produce as much.”
But success in re-using plastics is reliant on successful recycling, so how do you convince a sceptical western society in the recycling process? How do you guarantee that all that plastic doesn’t just end up in landfill in Indonesia?

Photo by Tanvi Sharma

The answer: blockchain. Naeco, with its patent-pending technology, is the first in the world to use fully traceable blockchain technology for its plastic recovery and recycling process, and manufacturing of sustainable clothing.
Through each of the company’s own Reverse Vending Machines (RVMs), Naeco is able to collect and store 1,000 plastic bottles at a time. Each bottle is scanned and its composition is recorded, determining if, for example, it is a 16g Evian water bottle. The item is crushed and stored in the machine before being transported to Naeco’s own recycling plant where it is turned into pellets. The pellets are milled into synthetic materials, and the materials are sewn into garments. Every stage of the process is marked on a public ledger: the blockchain.
So, what began as a sustainable swimwear business to clean up the coastline of Bournemouth has morphed into a complete vertical supply chain that includes mobile recycling machines, the recycling plant itself, fabric milling and garment manufacturing.
And thanks to blockchain technology, Naeco is able to guarantee the recycling process from the moment a plastic item is deposited to the time it hits the shelf as a piece of clothing.
“We did it by accident, to be completely honest,” laughs the entrepreneur. “I never set out to build a recycling company, I was into fashion, it was glamorous. Now I’m into dirty recycling. But we’re taking something that is not considered a commodity and turning it into a commodity, and that’s amazing.”
People are able to track and trace the plastic bottles that they deposit through an app, which also rewards them with cash and token incentives that can be redeemed at leading retailers.
The garments produced from this plastic can also be purchased from Naeco, a multi-award-winning British fashion label that allows consumers to buy sustainable garments that protect our planet and oceans.
Zak Johnson wearing Naeco merchandise

Currently, 80% of the company’s revenue is generated through its sustainable corporate clothing, aptly named Reborn.
“F1 now has a head of sustainability, so do shipping companies, oil and gas companies … businesses that are seen as non-sustainable brands are now thinking about sustainability,” says Zak. “We say to a business who is already buying uniforms, or already producing plastics, that we can take that plastic and turn it into a positive story and it is not going to cost them anymore to do so. It is a really easy win for them, they just need to take their CSR budget on uniform or buy a reverse vending machine for their stores.”
Within the next few years, demand for recycled plastics will increase as governments introduce penalties to help meet carbon targets. In the EU, a plastic packaging levy introduced in January 2021 mandates member states to pay a tax of €0.80 per kilogram on non-recycled plastic packaging. Similarly, in the UK, a plastic packaging tax will be introduced in April 2022 taxing plastic packaging that contains less than 30% recycled material at £0.20 per kilogram.
But in order for measures like this to be successful, monitoring systems must be in place, and blockchain technology provides the easiest solution.
As demand for recycled plastics and traceability grows, so too does Zak Johnson’s business.
“We have seen an 8X growth this year,” says Zak. “We are doing a series A fundraising now that we are closing in December which is helping us to grow the business more quickly because we have too much opportunity. It is a five-star problem but it is still a problem.”
So, what does the future look like for Naeco and Reborn?
“My vision, my utopian view, is that we will create a world where we are recycling our own plastic waste in-territory, so each country doesn’t need to produce anymore plastic because it recycles exactly what it has,” says the company founder.
More immediately, he would like to see an entire city adopt the system within the next six months, a city that is keen to trial reverse vending machines and full traceability on their plastics. “Because if we can do a city, we can show how it is done, what the benefits are, etc. If we can do a city, we can keep rolling it out on a larger scale.”
Could Monaco be that trial city?
 
 
 
 

Momentum for Waste Reduction Week is building

by: Luke Entwistle
18/11/2021

The build-up to European Week for Waste Reduction (EWWR) began on Tuesday with a conference hosted by Stars ‘n’ Bars, which brought together influential actors from a range of industries in the fight for waste reduction.
During the press conference, various enterprises and institutions, ranging from the Monaco Town Hall to Carrefour, outlined their plans for the week, which is designed to promote environmental policy as well as engage people from all backgrounds and fields in a discussion on the topic.
Stars ‘n’ Bars, the host for this conference, plays an active role in promoting environmentalism in the Principality with their own eco-friendly initiatives, as well as sharing the work of others through their social media base. Most notably, the restaurant recently received a National Energy Globe Award at COP26 for their environmental work during last year’s virtual EWWR.
This year, Star ‘n’ Bars has released a home-made environmental video for kids in an attempt to engrain positive environmental habits in younger generations. The video, which can be found on their YouTube page, also highlights the importance of individual actions such as recycling in the fight against climate change.
Meanwhile, speakers at Tuesday’s event presented their projects and goals for this year’s EWWR, which will run for the third time in the Principality from 20th to 28th November. Amongst the projects is a Carrefour initiative to incentivise waste reduction through offering price reductions for clients who take-away their meals in reusable containers, while the Oceanographic Museum of Monaco will be offering a zero-waste menu.
SEE ALSO: Oceanographic Museum embraces Waste Reduction Week
The conference was also an opportunity to showcase Monaco’s existing initiatives in the fight against climate change. The Monegasque Sanitation Company’s electric waste disposal truck was therefore on a display: a vehicle which, as well as reducing Monaco’s carbon footprint, also runs silently.
Since the first edition of the EWWR in Monaco in 2019, the event has grown in popularity, despite Covid restrictions that meant last year’s event was held virtually. This year, with the re-introduction of in-person events and conferences, it is hoped that interest will increase further, and that more and more people will engage in the discussion on environmentalism.
 
 
Photo source: Stephane Dana, Government Communication Department
 
 

Maccabi Tel Aviv edge out Roca team in tight contest

by: Luke Entwistle
18/11/2021

AS Monaco basketball’s difficulties on the road in the Euroleague continued as they succumbed to a narrow 95-84 defeat to Maccabi Tel Aviv in Israel on Wednesday.
Tel Aviv’s Scottie Wilbekin was the architect of their downfall, registering a career-best 37 points to put the game tantalisingly out-of-reach of La Roca side, who remained in the game until the closing stages.
Defeat for Zvezdan Mitrovic’s side extended their winless away run, with their last, and only, Euroleague victory on the road coming in early October against Unics. Perhaps more disappointingly for Mitrovic, his side didn’t manage to build upon last week’s empathic displays, and continue their momentum towards the Euroleague play-offs.
Maccabi Tel Aviv hit the front early, racing into a first quarter lead; Wilbekin provided a glimpse of what was to come as he manufactured space on the edge of the arc and accurately dispatched for his first three-pointer of the match. Moments later, Tel Aviv’s Derrick Williams converted another three-pointer, the Israeli side’s dynamic attacking movement this time creating space on the right touchline, as they rushed into a six-point lead.
Wilbekin’s full repertoire of skills was on display in the opening quarter, his incisive running creating a series of two-point scores that were converted either by himself or by his teammates, who were primed to capitalise on the space that he was creating. His impressive change of direction also carved out more opportunities at the edge of the arc, ultimately converting half of his 12 attempted three-pointers.
Tel Aviv ended the first quarter with a 26-19 lead, this was, however, quickly eradicated by Monaco in the second quarter, with their aggressive defence limiting the Israeli side’s chances. Donta Hall and the impressive Dwayne Bacon led the comeback for La Roca side; a three-pointer from Bacon on the buzzer saw the Principality side take a narrow 44-41 lead into half-time.
In the third quarter, the pendulum once again swung back in favour of the Israeli side, whose superior accuracy saw them take a slender 62-61 lead into the final quarter.
Wilbekin was once more imperious in the final quarter and continued to run the game. The prolific point scorer turned creator on numerous occasions, whilst his ability to glide past players saw him register a flurry of two and three-pointers to take the game away from Monaco.
Until the final moments it had been a highly competitive, tight game, but the unstoppable Wilbekin, coupled with a waning La Roca side in the closing stages, gave the scoreline an emphatic sheen for Tel Aviv, as the Israeli side came out 95-84 winners.
Post-match Monaco coach Mitrovic recognised the key role played by Wilbekin, saying, “It was a beautiful battle for 30 minutes. We knew how to respond to Maccabi, but in the face of the mad performance from Wilbekin, it was difficult to keep up.”
Monaco will be hoping to return to winning ways in their next fixture away to Anadolu Efes on Friday.
 
 
Photo source: AS Monaco Basketball