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Month: March 2022

“Blue” finance and ocean conservation on agenda in Monaco

by: Stephanie Horsman
14/03/2022

The 13th edition of the Monaco Blue Initiative will be held this month, gathering prominent actors and decision-makers in ocean sustainable management and conservation efforts over the course of a packed full day agenda. 

The Monaco Blue Initiative, launched in 2010 by Prince Albert II and co-organised by the Oceanographic Institute, the Prince Albert II Foundation and the Prince Albert I Foundation, is a platform for debate that brings major players in ocean conservation and governance to “reflect on the key challenges facing our future ocean”.

Representatives of Governments, international organisations, civil society, NGOs, the private sector, the scientific community, and the media meet every year to explore and promote synergies between the protection of the marine environment and the development of a sustainable blue economy.

This year’s agenda has several themes including a call out for conservation for the next decade, ocean protection through capitalising on good practices and success stories within the blue economy, and broadening the scope of “blue” financing to transition to a positive economy for the seas.

The results and recommendations of the Monaco Blue Initiative are brought to high-level international discussions and negotiations on ocean protection and governance, such as the Convention on Biological Diversity, the United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change, the negotiations on Marine Biodiversity in Areas beyond National Jurisdiction and the International Marine Protected Areas Congress.

“To be truly aware of our relationship with the Ocean and to hope to change it, we need to see how we act vis-à-vis the seas,” says Prince Albert II on the event’s website. “This is the whole point of the Monaco Blue Initiative. Engage all the players involved in dialogue, so that we can gain a better understanding of the issues that link the seas and humanity. This is how we will be able to place the Ocean at the heart of our development paradigm.”

The Monaco Blue Initiative is being held on 21st March and is part of Monaco Ocean Week.

 

 

 

Photo source: Prince Albert II of Monaco Foundation

 

 

 

Exhibit on sport in the time of Albert I

by: Stephanie Horsman
14/03/2022

As the 100th anniversary marking the death of Prince Albert I gets underway, the Monaco Media Library is hosting an exhibition featuring sport during the time of his reign.

La Belle Époque usually conjures up images of impressive architecture, men in top hats, women in enormous bustles, and a flourishing of art and culture, but there was a decidedly sporty aspect to this period as well.

It was the era that saw the rise in cycling as a casual sports endeavour, as well as tennis, skiing, sailing and golf amongst others.

It was a prosperous time, marked by regional peace, economic prosperity and innovations in the fields of science, technology and culture. It gave many people, perhaps for the first time ever, the leisure time to pursue fun rather than focusing on hand-to-mouth existence and have fun they did.

In Monaco, Prince Albert I was a man of his time, and the Monaco Media Library has gathered together photos, documents, press clipping, posters lithographs and the like to create an exhibit featuring the pastimes of the people of the Principality during this epoch.

Called ‘La Belle Epoque sportive: influence and innovations under the reign of Albert I’, the show is a testament to the development of sport in Monaco throughout this period as well as the country’s contribution in the creation of major international competitions.

The exhibition is a can’t miss for fans of both the sporting world and the Belle Époque. It runs from 15thMarch to 10th April at the Salle d’Exposition du Antoine 1er, with guided tours available with reservation on Saturdays and without on Tuesdays, Thursdays and Fridays at 2pm and 3:15pm. The site is open Tuesdays to Sundays from 1pm to 7pm.

 

 

 

Chronically inconsistent Monaco slump to Strasbourg defeat

by: Luke Entwistle
14/03/2022

Little fight was shown from AS Monaco as they succumbed to back-to-back defeats in Strasbourg (1-0) in what was a fitting illustration of two sides whose seasons are following contrasting trajectories.

Monaco had little time to prepare for Sunday’s crucial clash of European contenders having played in Portugal less than 72 hours before. Tinkering on the edge of a Europa League exit, Monaco’s latest defeat adds to a growing body of evidence that suggests that Philippe Clement’s side needn’t worry about such a congested fixture list next season, with the prospect of European football looking evermore remote.

The contrast in the Meinau Stadium was clear for all to see. Whilst Strasbourg ended an unwanted three-game streak without a win, Monaco’s dour run continued, with only one win in their last seven in all competitions.

Whereas Strasbourg are exceeding expectations and find themselves only three-points off the podium, Monaco are falling drastically short of theirs. Subsequently, those tapered expectations are forcing a re-evaluation of what is possible between now and the end of the season, at least within the fan-base. Those changing, ever-less ambitious objectives are now likely set on securing a position in any European competition, although even the Europa Conference remains out of reach for now (6 points).

Clement’s men have been floundering in recent weeks, and although they have often pulled out big performances in the big fixtures, there has been a correlation between an increasing pressure to keep in the chase for the European spots, and a decrease in performance. Thus far, Clement has been unwilling to criticise his players, although that changed post-match on Sunday.

“It’s the first time the team has disappointed me,” he said. “The attitude of not fighting makes it impossible to win against a team with a good mentality. I was disappointed today, angry.”

Monaco went behind midway through the first half from a corner that never should have been, as the ball had already gone out before the touch from Ismail Jakobs. Nonetheless, the goal itself was a portrait of a side that wasn’t at the races as Ludovic Ajorque and Kevin Gameiro both won headers before Alexander Djiku finished spectacularly with an overhead kick.

Ajorque was a menace for the Monaco defence all afternoon and his horizontal, untracked runs allowed him to get into dangerous positions. His second-half header was the closest Strasbourg got to doubling the lead, as it clipped the top of the bar on the way over.

Monaco dominated large swathes of the match. As in recent matches however, it was a largely sterile possessional domination. Jean Lucas almost levelled the scores midway through the first-half, an outstretched Lucas Perrin leg enough to divert the ball away from danger.

Substitute Myron Boadu then had a golden chance late-on, but his glancing header from a whipped Vanderson delivery bounced just wide. Defeat leaves Monaco in eighth, above Lens and Lyon only on goal-difference.

Post-match Clement said, “I want a reaction from my team against Braga.” If he doesn’t get it, Monaco will be left fighting for scraps for the remainder of the season.

 

 

 

Photo source: AS Monaco football club

 

 

 

Roca Team finding rhythm

by: Luke Entwistle
14/03/2022

AS Monaco Basketball backed up Friday’s win against reigning Euroleague champions Anadolu Efes with a battling victory against Roanne (86-80) on Sunday, solidifying their play-off credentials.

Throughout large parts of the season, Monaco have struggled to back up big wins in the Euroleague with victories against domestic opposition. This has, however, become less of an issue in recent weeks, and Sasa Obradovic praised his sides mentality post-match.

“After a big match of very strong emotions, like against Anadolu Efes, we have a strong sense of emptiness. It’s difficult to remobilise, and we often lose this kind of match. This time we knew how to change our attitude at half-time and refind a level worthy of a Euroleague team.”

Following a difficult first-quarter in which Roanne took an early lead (22-30), Monaco immediately went about reversing that deficit. Thanks to a Dwayne Bacon three-pointer on the buzzer, the Roca Team went into the break with a slender advantage (52-49).

The second-half was a more defensive affair as the home side once again exhibited their much-improved game management to win both quarters, albeit by a tight margin.

That mental fatigue, which is often crippling following a big European win, is being alleviated by some clever squad rotation by Obradovic. Once again, many big stars such as Mike James and Donatas Motiejunas were absent, but those who are coming into the side are making their presence felt.

Bacon, who Obradovic believes is more suited to the European game, was once again prominent (15 points), prompting the Serbian manager to laud his American star with high praise. “Of all the players I have coached, he is the strongest offensively.”

Rob Gray who didn’t feature at all on Friday also had a positive impact on his return to the side (13), and as did Paris Lee (13), who understandably featured more prominently in the absence of James.

Despite a solid team performance, Roanne ran Monaco close, only six-points separating the sides at the final buzzer (86-80). Obradovic, however, believes that a tight game, albeit more physically draining, serves a positive psychological purpose.

“It’s not bad to win this way, a testing, painful way. It teaches us not to rest on our laurels and to work on our weaknesses.”

Monaco next face Strasbourg at the Salle Gaston Medecin on Wednesday before a four-day break thanks to the cancelled Euroleague fixture against CSKA Moscow.

 

 

Photo source: AS Monaco Basketball

 

 

 

Monaco’s Princess returns home

by: Cassandra Tanti
13/03/2022

Princess Charlene has made her long-awaited return to the Principality of Monaco where she will continue the final stage of her recovery with her family, the Palace has announced.

In a statement released late Saturday, the Princely couple said: “In agreement with her doctors and while her recovery is on the right track, Their Serene Highnesses have jointly agreed that Princess Charlene can now continue her convalescence in the Principality, with her husband and children.”

The Palace revealed that the princess had just returned to Monaco where “She is happy to have found her family and loved ones.”

Princess Charlene is expected to soon resume official duties.

“As soon as her health allows, it will be with joy that the Princess will again share privileged moments of conviviality with the Monegasques who have missed her so much. In order to facilitate her full recovery, Princess Charlene is still in need of calm and serenity, the Princely couple therefore asks that we continue to respect their privacy and their family environment.”

It’s been almost a year since Princess Charlene departed for South Africa to attend the funeral of Zulu monarch King Goodwill Zwelithini and launch an awareness campaign on the plight of rhinos as part of the Princess Charlene of Monaco Foundation.

Complications from a severe ear, throat and nose infection grounded the princess in her native country for eight months where she underwent a number of medical procedures. Intermittent social media posts showed a very frail woman, far from the healthy, muscular former Olympic swimmer that Monaco and its citizens had known.

Prince Albert and their children Prince Jacques and Princess Gabriella visited Princess Charlene on two occasions, and throughout his wife’s time in Africa, Prince Albert was forced to publicly dispel rumours that there was a rift in his marriage.

On 8th November 2021, Princess Charlene made her return to the Principality of Monaco, her frail figure evident even from behind a mask as she posed for photographers with her family in the Palace courtyard.

Within a week, the Palace announced that Princess Charlene would be suspending public duties and had entered a treatment facility for “deep general fatigue”.

Prince Albert’s sisters, Princess Stephanie and Caroline Princess of Hanover, have both stepped in to fill the official void left in Princess Charlene’s absence, often appearing alongside her children, Prince Jacques and Princess Gabriella during public engagements.

Monaco Life joins the people of the Principality in welcoming Princess Charlene home.

 

 

Photo of Princess Charlene’s return to Monaco in November 2021, by Eric Mathon, Prince’s Palace

 

 

 

 

Revealed: Café de Paris’ spectacular renovation

by: Luke Entwistle
12/03/2022

The face of the ever-transforming Casino Square will be altered once more as the iconic Café de Paris gets a substantial makeover, with work set to finish by June 2023.

The Monte-Carlo Société des Bains de Mer (SBM) revealed plans for the Café de Paris in an exclusive gathering of local press including Monaco Life on Friday. The renovation plans have been approved and the works, which are thought to total €40 million, will be completed at the end of June next year.

Architects Alexandre Giraldi and Alain-Charles Perrot were charged with modernising the Café de Paris. The aim is to maximise the potential of an iconic building, which occupies what SBM CEO Jean-Luc Biamonti described as “the most beautiful square metreage in the world”. The difficulty comes in doing this whilst keeping the building true to the Belle Epoque era.

The result of the work has yielded an incredible, modern design, which is in fitting with the modernisation of the rest of Casino Square whilst also respecting and conserving its architectural heritage.

Design plans for the new Café de Paris

Most notably, the brasserie of the Café de Paris will be getting two additional floors, including a unique rooftop and a variety of boutiques. The Brasserie will extend onto two floors, whilst a partially glassed roof will create a naturally lit ground floor bar.

The building will also welcome an ‘Amazonico’ restaurant, a concept from Madrid that combines tropical and Latin American cuisines. The restaurant, which also has a presence in London and Dubai, will be placed in the Salle Bellevue, which will be enlarged, and will also open onto a large rooftop. This will also be complemented by a speakeasy-style bar.

Although the details have not yet been finalised, there will be an additional 800㎡ dedicated to boutiques, and this will run down from Casino Square to Jardin des Spelugues.

Despite the enormity of the task, it will only take just over a year to complete and will also be largely undisruptive. As no demolition is needed to take place, there will be minimal noise pollution.

The Brasserie has moved to the Salle Empire for the duration of the work, whilst the lemonade terrace is undisturbed. The Café de Paris casino and the boutiques will also remain in place, although the SBM boutique has been moved to the Avenue de Monte-Carlo.