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Month: November 2021

Ocean anchored in Glasgow Climate Pact

by: Stephanie Horsman
17/11/2021

After six years of effort spearheaded by the Prince Albert Foundation, the oceans have now been firmly added to the list of ecosystems to protect in the Glasgow Climate Pact, signed during the COP26 summit.
A solid victory has been won for the seas in the aftermath of the COP26 summit in Glasgow. The work done by the association ‘Because the Ocean’, of which the Prince Albert II of Monaco Foundation is a founding partner, has paid off in spades with the inclusion of the seas into the Glasgow Climate Pact, which was adopted on 13th November.
The pact confirms “the importance of ensuring the integrity of all ecosystems, including forests, the ocean and the cryosphere, and the protection of biodiversity”.  This small concession is a major step forward in the fight to preserve the seas.
In Paragraph 60 of the agreement, the relevant work programmes and constituted bodies under the United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change (UNFCCC) were asked “to consider how to integrate and strengthen ocean-based action in their existing mandates and work plans and to report on these activities within the existing reporting processes.” It goes on to say in Paragraph 61 that the Chair of the Subsidiary Body for Scientific and Technological Advice is also invited “to hold an annual dialogue, starting in June 2022, to strengthen ocean-based action and to prepare an informal summary report thereon and make it available to the COP”.
On 31st October, the first day of the COP26 conference, Prince Albert II launched the third ‘Because the Ocean’ declaration alongside several world leaders at a special event held at Edinburgh University. The declaration called for more acknowledgement of the links between the seas, climate and biodiversity, as well as appeals for ambitious measures to be put in place to combat global warming and protect the oceans.
Some of the highlights were calls to phase out greenhouse gas emissions from international shipping, promoting further development of clean offshore renewable energy sources, and the strengthening of both private and public support for climate adaptation and mitigation in the oceans. The final note declared that those who sign up must commit to working with the Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change (IPCC) to achieve these lofty goals.

Photo by Gaetan Luci, Prince’s Palace

A plurilateral initiative in favour was signed by the governments of Australia, Belgium, Canada, Chile, Columbia, Costa Rica, Dominican Republic, Fiji, Guatemala, Honduras, France, Indonesia, Ireland, Norway, Panama, Spain, Seychelles, Sweden, the UK, and Monaco.
This was a follow up on the COP25 mandated Ocean and Climate Dialogue held in December 2020, where it was universally recognised that this event should not be a “one-off”, but a first step in cementing ocean protection linked to climate into the general overall rhetoric. The direct result is that the Glasgow Climate Pact decided to hold annual ocean and climate meetings as a matter of course from 2022.
Ongoing ocean climate discussions give the opportunity to share lessons learned, challenges faced, and offers a direct forum to talk about direct financing options, as well as technical assistance in support of sustainable solutions.
Talks also allow more concentrated ways to combine process and practice for a better understanding of how the ocean, climate change and biodiversity are inextricably linked and therefore must be considered not as separate parts, but as a whole. Collaboration is essential to make this work, say the advocates, and ocean-based solutions must be integrated into the Nationally Determined Contributions (NDCs), National Adaptation Plans (NAPs) and other UNFCCC processes.
This has been seen as a big leap forward by some ocean activists, but it still falls short of solid plans toward the 1.5ºC target agreed to in the Paris Agreement. Prince Albert II expressed regret at this delay, but remains hopeful, declaring that “solutions exist that protect nature and enable advances for mankind.”
 
SEE ALSO: 

“The COP has turned blue”

 
Photo by Naja Bertolt Jensen on Unsplash
 
 

Drone show to replace fireworks on 18th November

by: Cassandra Tanti
17/11/2021

The Mairie on Tuesday announced that 196 drones will take to the sky above Monaco on Thursday night for a light show in celebration of National Day on the 19th.
The Mairie traditionally organises a host of festivities to celebrate Monaco’s National Day, including a fireworks show on the 18th.
But this year, the City Hall is putting on a more environmentally-friendly display, a drone light and music show, created and choreographed by local company MC-Clic.
At around 8pm, 196 light drones will fly in the sky above the Prince’s Palace for 12 minutes for a display that can also be enjoyed by people as far away as the Fun Fair in Port Hercule.
A secure area with sound will be reserved for the public on the north side of the port. Access is free and mask wearing is mandatory.
 
 
Photo by William Daigneault on Unsplash 
 
 
 

Oceanographic Museum embraces Waste Reduction Week

by: Stephanie Horsman
17/11/2021

The Oceanographic Museum, as part of a larger country-wide awareness campaign, is celebrating European Waste Reduction Week with three events centred around the “three-Rs” – reduce, reuse, recycle.

European Waste Reduction Week (EWWR) is taking place from 20th to 28th November and the theme of this year’s campaign is ‘Circular Communities’, inviting volunteer countries to take part in awareness-raising actions promoting the sustainable management of resources and waste. 

Monaco is clearly on board, and the Oceanographic Museum has leapt in with both feet, organising three events on the precepts of the movement: reduce, reuse, recycle.

Under the “reduce” heading, they are hosting a ‘One Day, One Chef, One Anti-waste recipe’ event. Running from 22nd to 26th November from 11am to 1:30pm, five well-known chefs from Monaco will offer visitors a menu using only zero waste recipes.  

On Monday 22nd November, Pastry Chef Patrick Mesiano, from the Hôtel Métropole Monte-Carlo, will produce an exquisite brioche perdue du verger, a take on pain perdue and an excellent way to use brioche that’s a bit past its freshest.

Chef Marcel Ravin, Executive Chef of the Monte-Carlo Bay Hotel and Resort, will be offering up a delicious citrus fruit and day old bread recipe on Tuesday 23rd November, another brilliant way to use up bread.

On Wednesday 24th November, Chef Jean Laurent Basile from Thermes Marins Monte-Carlo will make a tangy pumpkin tart with roasted seeds, a perfect use of this seasonal gourd.

Chef Sylvain Etiévant of the Riviera Marriott Hotel La Porte de Monaco in Cap d’Ail has come up with a creation that he’s hilariously calling the ‘beard of the left behind’ on Thursday 25th November. For the name alone, it’s worth the trip.

Finally, on Friday 26th November, Monaco City Hall’s own Chef Julien Baldacchino will have a mouth-watering tartlet stuffed with sardines and clementine marmalade on the menu.

To top it off, the snacks will be presented using ingenious edible cutlery and drinks served in edible cups, showing incredible dedication to the cause. Sugar and condiments will be served in bulk, the old-fashioned way, and napkins will be made from cellulose recycled from food cartons.

The events are free and included in the price of admission thanks to support of partner organisations and volunteers from CFM Indosuez Wealth Management and the Association of Friends of the Oceanographic Museum of Monaco (AAMOM).

 

Next up is “reuse”. For the second time, the Oceanographic Museum is organising a clothes collection from their staff, as well as from those from Monaco Explorations and CFM Indosuez Wealth Management to benefit Les Semeurs d’Espoir, a local association that collects and distributes gently worn items of clothing. The clothes will be distributed to the needy between Nice and Menton from 22nd to 28th November. 

Last but not least is “recycle”. On Wednesday 24th November and Saturday 27th November, young people aged six to 14 are invited to take up the ‘Super Sorter Challenge’. Several receptacles and types of waste will be placed at the entry to the Oceanographic Museum where clever kids can practice sorting and learn good recycling practices. Each Super Sorter will be given their own diploma and free entry to the museum.

Since 2019, under the coordination of the Monegasque government, European Waste Reduction Week has brought together many entities in the Principality looking to act for a more sustainable future. Those who involve themselves include institutions, schools, companies, associations, and even private citizens.

Worldwide, the EWWR has drawn support from 33 nations, with 38 coordinators equalling 10,695 actions since 2020.

 
 

 Photo source: Pixabay

 
 
 

Transfer round-up: Tchouaméni, Golovin and Adamu linked with moves

by: Luke Entwistle
17/11/2021

In our new, regular feature, Monaco Life sports journalist Luke Entwistle brings you the ‘Transfer round-up’, uniting all AS Monaco related transfer rumours in one place.
Aurélien Tchouaméni – linked by Tuttosport to Chelsea. Touted for a fee of €50 million. A deal could be complicated by interest from other clubs, most notably Manchester United, Real Madrid and Juventus, but it remains to be seen whether ASM would be willing to let their young international star leave mid-season. Tchouaméni’s impressive form for Kovac’s side has seen him become a full French international, and he has quickly asserted himself in Didier Deschamps’ side.
Benoit Badiashile – linked by Calciomercato to Tottenham. The French U21 international’s recent impressive form has seen him linked with a potential £25 million move to Antonio Conte’s side. An integral element of an ASM defence which hasn’t conceded in their last three matches, Badiashile would fetch an attractive fee, and with interest throughout the continent, a subsequent bidding war would only increase this fee.
Aleksandr Golovin – linked by Liverpool Echo via Championat to Everton. Benitez is thought to be a long-term admirer of the Russian playmaker, and ASM are hoping to fetch a fee of around £40 million. Although it remains to be seen whether Everton would be willing to meet the asking price in the January transfer window, what is clear is that Benitez is keen to replace James Rodriguez who left the Mersey club to join Qatari side Al-Rayyan towards the end of the summer transfer window.
Chukwubuike Adamu – linked by The Daily Mail to AS Monaco. The British newspaper is reporting that Kovac is interested in Red Bull Salzburg. The £15 million rated Austrian striker is attracting interest from all around Europe with Southampton, as well as a host of Bundesliga sides interested in securing his signature.
Jonathan Clauss – linked by Foot Mercato to AS Monaco. The French right-back, who has enjoyed a strong start to the season with RC Lens is in demand on the French Riviera, with interest from both OGC Nice and ASM Monaco. According to Foot Mercato, Clauss would be available for a fee of around €15 million, and would compete with Aguilar for the right wing-back position.
Patrick Wålemark – linked by Göteborg Posten to AS Monaco. The Swedish right-winger, capped six times by his country at U21 level, is believed to be a player of interest. Having registered eight goals and six assists for Häcken in the Swedish top division, he has now started to catch the attention of numerous clubs across the continent. The 20-year-old winger interests Monaco greatly, but is also attracting interest from Girondins de Bordeaux, Ajax, Atalanta, Anderlecht and Sassuolo.
 
 
Photo of Aurélien Tchouaméni, source: AS Monaco football club
 
 
 

“A real man doesn’t hit a woman”

by: Stephanie Horsman
16/11/2021

The International Day to End Violence against Women is being observed on 25th November and to mark the event, two Monaco associations are banding together to show boys and men how they can help stop aggressive behaviour towards girls and women. 

Since the start of the pandemic, something just as sinister as Covid has been on the rise. According to frontline workers reporting to the United Nations (UN), domestic violence against women and girls has risen sharply with some countries reporting a five-fold increase in calls to helplines since the start of the health crisis.

This “shadow pandemic”, as it has been nicknamed by the UN, is being highlighted on 25th November on the International Day to End Violence against Women.

In the Principality, an event will be held on Friday 26th November by Monegasque organisation SheCanHeCan with the support of the Committee for the Promotion and Protection of Women’s Rights. The event is aimed at teaching men and boys how they can take an active role in preventing violence against women.

A stall will be set up in the Commercial Gallery of Fontvieille from 10am to 6pm, and men and boys are invited to have their photos taken along with a message of support to the cause.

Represented by ambassadors Louis Ducruet, Pierre Frolla and David Coulthard, the goal of the day is to collect over 200 portraits of men standing up against violence against women. Each participant will choose the message he wants to convey, such as “A real man doesn’t hit a woman” or “I say NO to violence against women”.

They will also be asked to take a “Pledge for Equality”. This pledge comes in the form of a daily action such as, “I pledge to speak about this experience with my family or friends.” The hope is that by speaking openly about the issue, people will begin to incorporate equality and non-violence into their lives as a matter of course.

As most violence against women and girls is inflicted by the opposite sex, their participation and support are vital in reminding people that the vast majority of men and boys are against such behaviour.

The photos will be available for viewing on the SheCanHeCan, Fight AIDS Monaco, and the Committee for the Promotion and Protection of Women’s Rights social media and websites.

To show support, the Prince’s Palace, National Council building, Oceanographic Museum, the Hôtel de Paris and the Odeon Tower will all be swathed in orange, the official colour of the movement, on the night of 25th November. This tradition has been followed since 2015.

 
 
 

Opinion: an overview of the COP26 summit

by: Nathan Jones
16/11/2021

COP26 was the most significant climate conference since 2015, a unique opportunity to finalise the Paris Agreement to drive tangible action on the climate emergency. National leaders were urged to take the necessary steps to reduce emissions, mobilise funding, and boost adaptation and resilience across multiple, beautifully constructed sites in Glasgow city centre on the banks of the River Clyde.
The result was an important step in the fight against climate change; a new pact that talks about the world’s use of fossil fuels for the first time. Yet there is still much to do to build a positive human future and now is the time to turn all these high level “conversations” into actions.
Implementing change with the necessary pace and scale will require unprecedented commitment, innovation, collaboration and partnerships across governments, industry, financiers and innovators. To avoid the worst impacts of climate change, global carbon emissions need to fall by 45% by 2030. But the recent IPCC (Intergovernmental Panel for Climate Change) report shows emissions are set to rise by 16% during this period.

Methane has a global warming potential of more than 80 times that of carbon dioxide over a 20-year period, making it a powerful heat trapper. But it only stays in the atmosphere for 12 years, far less than carbon dioxide. In practice, this means reducing methane emissions can have a faster impact on reducing global warming and buy us some valuable time. Over 60 countries have joined the Global Methane Pledge to cut methane emissions by 30% by 2030.
Current commitments put the world on track for a global temperature rise of 2.7°C by the end of the century. To stand a chance of limiting global warming to even 1.5°C, the next eight years will be crucial. Greenhouse gases need to be halved and drastic changes need to occur through international policies.
Any temperature increase approaching 2.7°C would be a disaster for humanity and many of the planet’s species. According to the IPCC, even an increase of 2°C would have a major impact on food, security and human health. Insects, vital for pollination of crops and plants, are likely to lose half their habitat at 1.5°C. This becomes twice as likely at 2°C. The frequency and intensity of droughts, storms and extreme weather events will rise with every increment in temperature, as we are already seeing with a global temperature increase over pre-industrial levels of around 1.2°C.

We must all work together to accelerate and scale the climate response through financing and technological innovation. But how can we achieve this?
It is all well and good highlighting the issues and it is a huge step forward by just making the environment part of our vernacular. But it is action that counts, and unless we all make changes to our lives then we will still be having the same conversations in decades to come when it will all be too little, too late.
The world leaders at COP26 are capable of large scale change, which in turn can see almost immediate results. But it is us mere mortals that need to change our daily habits to make a real difference. And unless we make them habits, then how do we ever expect this situation to improve?
Let’s see how many of the conversations had this November will have been actioned by COP27 in Sharm El Sheikh next year.
 
Click on the photos below to see more pictures from COP26…