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Month: June 2023

Prince Albert I’s contributions to seabed mapping recognised by UNESCO  

by: Stephanie Horsman
29/06/2023
prince albert seabed mapping

Prince Albert I of Monaco was a pioneer in leading the charge to map the world’s seabed during the 20th century – a mission that is hoped to be completed by 2030. Now his efforts have been honoured at a UNESCO meeting in Paris.  

In 1903, Prince Albert I undertook a monumental task when he initiated the General Bathymetric Charter of the Oceans (GEBCO) programme: an ambitious project to map the world’s ocean floors in a standardised and uniform way.  

Up until this time, each country used their own terminology and nomenclature, making for a hodge-podge of data that was not accessible for general maritime use. Prince Albert I’s budding system, refined over the decades, has changed that forever.  

Today, GEBCO operates under the joint auspices of the International Hydrographic Organisation (IHO) and the Intergovernmental Oceanographic Commission (IOC) of UNESCO, and is celebrating its 120th anniversary this year.  

MORE IMPORTANT THAN EVER 

The need for seabed mapping is more imperative than ever. Knowing the cartography aids in the development of new knowledge, which in turn can help with future preservation and protection efforts, as well as to understand the tides, current circulation and environmental changes. Mapping can also assist professionals in a variety of ways, including forecasting tsunamis, planning for cable and pipeline routings, and avoiding underwater hazards.  

The United Nations Decade of Ocean Science for Sustainable Development has identified this global mapping project as a flagship programme under the title “SeaBed 2030”. The goal is to achieve 100% mapped areas by 2030. 

This is quite an undertaking, considering the current figure estimates that only 20% is mapped. The hope that it can be accomplished stems from new funding from the Nippon Foundation, as well as knowing that the pace at which the project is moving has been significantly ramped up. In 2017, for example, only 6% of the seafloor had been mapped.  

GUEST OF HONOUR 

Anne-Marie Boisbouvier, Ambassador and Permanent Delegate of Monaco to UNESCO, was the guest of honour at the UNESCO meeting due to the Principality’s active role since 1921.  

Monaco’s involvement is still felt through contributions to IOC that support its programme for the Global Sea Level Observing System (GLOSS) – a tsunami warning system – as well as the United Nations Decade of Ocean Science for Sustainable Development of which the SeaBed 2030 programme is a flagship project. 

 

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Photo: Anne-Marie Boisbouvier and Ambassador, Permanent Delegate of Monaco to UNESCO © DR 

Monaco’s chefs safeguarding local culinary heritage

by: Cassandra Tanti
29/06/2023

Local restaurants have come together for a workshop titled ‘From seed to plate’, designed to safeguard local culinary heritage. This time, it was was the Rose de Menton onion in the spotlight.

As part ‘Engaged Restaurants’, all of the chefs involved in the initiative attended a meeting at the Eileen Gray Salon at Monte-Carlo Beach on Monday 26th June.

Organised by the Monaco Government and the Monte-Carlo Société des Bains de Mer (SBM), a workshop was led by Farmer Maxime Schmitt and Artisan Chef Victor Brandi, co-presidents of the Maison des Semences Paysannes Maralpines, around local culinary heritage and cultivated biodiversity. The aim: to create a link between the seed and the plate.

It was an opportunity for the chefs to rediscover a local product that had fallen into oblivion, the Rose de Menton onion, that the Maison des Semences Paysannes Maralpines has resown and put back in the spotlight.

This onion is a strong marker of local culinary identity as several traditional dishes of the region have an onion base, in particular pissaladière and oignon farci.

The chefs then had an opportunity to discuss with their peers the numerous possibilities of using this native onion, which had been prepared in all its forms for the occasion.

“Beyond its flavour, this produce carries strong values that are perfectly consistent with those of the Restaurant Engagé label: the promotion of local and peasant agriculture, the safeguarding of cultivated biodiversity, the preservation of know-how and the independence of the peasants, and the ‘taste for good things’,” said the government in a statement.

The Committed Trade and Restaurant labels are managed by the Department of the Environment and its partner Ecoscience Provence and now include more than 100 establishments in the Principality, including 40 restaurants.

To find out more about the Rose de Menton onion and more native seeds, head to Menton on 9th July for the Pink Onion Festival (Fête de l’oignon rose).

 

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Photo source: Government Communication Department

Prince Albert II welcomes Piedmont towns into Grimaldi heritage network 

by: Stephanie Horsman
29/06/2023
prince albert piedmont

Prince Albert II of Monaco embarked on a whirlwind tour of Piedmont this week to welcome the newest members of the Grimaldi Historic Sites network into the fold. 

On a two-day trip from 26th to 27th June, Prince Albert II visited four towns in the Piedmont region that all with historic links to the Grimaldi family.  

Day One: Pianezza and Livorno Ferraris 

The first day began with a tour of Pianezza, located near Turin. Prince Albert got straight to business, unveiling a sign indicating membership at the town’s entrance before meeting with local authorities at the town hall.  

There he was shown a plaque commemorating his visit and was also made an honorary citizen of Pianezza. This was followed by trips to the Pieve di San Pietro monastery, which dates from the 11th century, and the Villa Lascaris, a spiritual and cultural site erected on the footprint of a castle built circa-1000CE by the bishops of Turin. 

The Pieve di San Pietro monastery in Pianezza. Photo credit: Axel Bastello / Palais Princier de Monaco

Prince Albert and his retinue then made the move to Livorno Ferraris, a town in the province of Vercelli in Piedmont, where he also unveiled a sign welcoming the town to the Grimaldi Historic Sites of Monaco network. 

An official ceremony was then held in the town’s central square to offer him honorary citizenship, with many locals present to cheer him on. This was followed by visits to the Museo Ferraris and the municipality’s archaeological museum. 

Both Pianezza and Livorno Ferraris are the former possessions of the Marquis of Pianezza and Livorno Charles-Emmanuel Philibert de Simiane, who allied himself to the Monegasque Princely family through his marriage in 1659 to Jeanne-Marie Grimaldi, a granddaughter of Prince Honoré II of Monaco and the sister of Prince Louis I. 

That evening, Prince Albert headed to the Palazzo Tursi in Genoa in the company of the city’s mayor, Marco Bucci. During an official ceremony, he received the Paganini Prize as Ambassador of this famous violin competition. The Premium Paganini, created in 1954, is one of the most prestigious violin competitions in the world.  

Prince Albert with Genoa Mayor Marco Bucci. Photo credit: Axel Bastello / Palais Princier de Monaco

A gala dinner for the benefit of the Prince Albert II Foundation was held later that night.  

Day Two: Rocca Grimalda and Carrosio 

The day began with a visit to Rocca Grimalda, a small town in the province of Alessandria in Piedmont. Purchased in the 16th century by a branch of the Grimaldi family from Genoa, the town, as well as the castle, remained in Grimaldi possession for some 250 years. 

Prince Albert unveiled the Grimaldi Historic Sites sign here in the company of Mayor Enzo Cacciola, before inaugurating a commemorative plaque in honour of his visit and receiving honorary citizenship of Rocca Grimalda.  

Prince Albert in Livorno Ferraris. Photo credit: Axel Bastello / Palais Princier de Monaco

On foot, the Prince then went to the church of Santa Limbania and the castle, which dates from the 12th century. 

The afternoon saw Prince Albert in the former Grimaldi stronghold of Carrosio, which was the family’s property between the 13th to 15th centuries. It was an important strategic place because it is located on the main road linking Genoa to Gavi and Novi.  

Upon his arrival, the Sovereign was welcomed by the mayor, Valerio Cassano, and unveiled a sign marking Carrosio’s membership to the Grimaldi Historic Sites at the entrance to the village. 

The retinue then took to the streets of the town for a tour that culminated in front of the church, where the Prince was given honorary citizenship.  

The day ended with a visit of the ruins of the castle. 

 

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Photo credits: Axel Bastello / Palais Princier de Monaco

Basketball: Skweek secure bumper Betclic Elite broadcasting deal

by: Luke Entwistle
29/06/2023
AS Monaco Basket's Mike James

Skweek has reached an agreement with the Ligue Nationale de Basket to broadcast Betclic Elite fixtures until 2030.

The Monegasque broadcaster is only in its infancy, having been created just last summer in order to satisfy the growing demand to watch European basketball.

The Fedcom Media business, whose owner Aleksej Fedoricsev is also the owner of AS Monaco Basketball, notably broadcasted the Roca Team’s incredible run to the Euroleague’s Final Four last season.

Skweek is now taking a natural next step in its growth by securing the broadcasting rights of the French division, the Betclic Elite, for the next seven seasons.

L’Équipe, a long-time broadcaster of French basketball, will show 25 regular season matches, 10 play-off matches – including the finals – as well as three Leaders Cup games and the All-Star Game. Skweek’s coverage will be more extensive, showing the regular season, the play-offs, the Leaders Cup in full and the All-Star game.

Responding to unprecedented demand

The production of the matches themselves will be handled by 21 Production, an affiliate of the L’Équipe group.

“For Skweek, this agreement marks an important step in a project that began in October 2022 with the broadcasting of the Euroleague and the EuroCup, which particularly highlighted the journeys of French teams. From next season, our platform will become the unmissable destination for fans,” said Skweek CEO Oleg Petrov.

AS Monaco Basket's Matthew Strazel v Boulogne-Levallois
Betclic Elite Final at the Salle Gaston Médecin by Luke Entwistle, Monaco Life

For the Monegasque broadcaster and the Ligue Nationale de Basket (LNB), it is hoped that this long-term agreement will be a mutually beneficial venture, meeting the current broadcasting needs whilst also facilitating growth in the game.

“This historic agreement until 20230 shows the unprecedented attractiveness of the Betclic Elite… It will allow the clubs to continue their development and allow professional basketball to shine more through its increased exposure,” said LNB president Philippe Ausseur.

 

 

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Photo by Luke Entwistle, Monaco Life

In the news: grants for electric vehicles, Pelagos meeting and support for the peace leaders of tomorrow

by: Elsa Carpenter
29/06/2023
monaco government news

Monaco Life brings you the latest government news and information, from increased grants for the purchase of eco-friendly vehicles to Monaco’s backing of a project to support the next generation of “global leaders capable of intervening in the world’s major conflict contexts to promote the development of peaceful social and political relations”. 

Improved grants and schemes for buying electric vehicles  

Did you know that the Monegasque government has been financially backing the purchase of “ecological” vehicles since 1994? Nearly 30 years later, 15% of the vehicles registered in Monaco are considered eco-friendly and almost half of those are electric.  

As of late June, the government has stepped up the package of grants available. Individuals in the Principality can now get up to €10,000 in assistance when buying an electric or hybrid vehicle that costs less than €60,000. Businesses can also receive as much as 30% cashback on similar vehicles, although no price cap has been set for the overall cost of a vehicle. Even two-wheelers get a look in: those buying a new electric motorbike or scooter can get up to 40% off the price of the vehicle, capped at €4,500, while prospective e-bike owners will be offered a €400 flat rate incentive to make a purchase as long as the bike has been manufactured in the EU and delivered to an address in Monaco.  

Leaders for Peace 

On 27th June, Monaco’s Minister for Foreign Affairs and Co-Operation, Isabelle Berro-Amadeï, signed the Principality on to the Rondine association’s “Leaders for Peace” initiative. The campaign champions higher education for the next generation of “global leaders capable of intervening in the world’s major conflict contexts to promote the development of peaceful social and political relations”. 

The concept was formally launched in 2018, but stems from the earlier “Rondine Cittadella della Pace” programme that was created in 1998 to finance the studies of young people born in countries in the amidst of or having previously suffered from armed conflicts. The “Leaders for Peace” campaign is asking each of the 193 UN member states to devote a “symbolic sum from its defense budget to the training of young global peace leaders”.  

monaco government news
Monaco’s Minister for Foreign Affairs and Co-Operation, Isabelle Berro-Amadeï, with members of the Rondine association and its “Leaders for Peace” campaign. Photo credit: Monaco Communications Department

Monaco, France and Italy meet to discuss the Pelagos Charter 

The Pelagos Agreement is a cross-border initiative between Monaco, France and Italy that acts in favour of protections for marine mammals living in the Pelagos Sanctuary, an area of 87,500km2 off the coast of the three nations.  

On 22nd June, more than 50 French and Italian municipalities, as well as representatives from Monaco, met in Sassari, northwestern Sardinia, to discuss its current charter and objectives. The results from studies and research projects undertaken in recent years were also presented, and individual towns and cities in the region were encouraged to come forwards with their own ideas for improving local conservation actions.

The Pelagos parties will meet again several times before the end of the year, when it is expected that a 2.0 version of the Pelagos Charter Agreement will be unveiled.  

“Monaco in Figures” 

Monaco’s statistically agency IMSEE recently published the 2023 edition of “Monaco in Figures”, an annual complication of statistics related to the Principality. The book, which is free to download or can be bought for €15 in a printed format from the agency’s headquarters at 9 Rue du Gabian, presents a vast range of data on everything from the climate and weather to tourism, real estate, employment and the population.  

The “Key Figures” report can be downloaded in English here.

Staying safe in the sun 

Soaring temperatures in the Principality towards the end of June led the government to issue a public awareness message via its online platform on personal safety during periods of intense heat. The communiqué covered everything from tips on SPF factors and UV ratings to basic but essential points on looking after one’s health, such as adequate hydration and avoiding strenuous activities during the hotter hours of the day.  

 

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Photo credit: Monaco Communications Department

Everything you need to know about this year’s U Sciaratu

by: Elsa Carpenter
28/06/2023
U Sciaratu

The U Sciaratu is Monaco’s big carnival-style festival. This year, it’s made all the more special by the centenary celebrations of Prince Rainier III and a circus theme in his honour. 

Set to take place on Friday 7th July from 6.30pm up on the Rock, the night will feature a mini circus show with fire eaters and stilts walkers. Giant bubbles and balloon sculptors will be on hand to entertain young party goers while the Grand Bal of the festival, from 10pm, will be the likely destination for the older crowd. Head to the Place de la Mairie to get involved! 

In the past, the focus was on disguise: women dressed as men and men dressed at women. It was a riotous party, with food fights and the burning of a straw-and-rags figure on the terrace of the Palace.

U Sciaratu was typically held in the late winter or early spring, and was a mainstay on the Monaco social calendar for centuries, but has been held later in recent years so that the many tourists visiting the Principality can join in with this bit of history.  

The event is totally free and open to all, Monaco residents and visitors to the Principality alike.  

 

Do you have an event in Monaco or the French Riviera that you would like us to include in our What’s On section and events calendar? Please email editor@monacolife.net.  

 

Photo source: Mairie de Monaco