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Day: 7 July 2023

Photos: 30 successful years of vulture reintroduction in the Mercantour

by: Stephanie Horsman
07/07/2023

Three decades after the creation of a reintroduction programme in the Mercantour for the European bearded vulture, an extremely endangered bird, Prince Albert visited the site to see the success story in action.  

The European bearded vulture is one of the most endangered species on the continent and was extinct in the Southern Alps from the start of the 20th century. Only a few breeding pairs were known to be in existence in the Pyrenees and it seemed as if the regal bird was going to go the way of the dinosaur.  

That is until ornithologists and concerned citizens stepped in to try and bring back the declining population. Efforts have been successful and the bearded vulture is now protected at a European level.  

LOCAL EFFORTS 

Locally, a reintroduction scheme was hatched in the Mercantour that saw three of the endangered birds released near Roubion in 1993. Two years later, a fourth bird was added to the group, and releases of new vultures continued in various places around the Alpes-Maritimes in subsequent years.  

The result is that a total of 45 young bearded vultures have been released in the Southern Alps. 25 births have been clocked, although there may well have been more. It is now estimated that 40 pairs of the species are thriving in the region, with five of those pairs regularly seen.  

The work continues with designated protected breeding sites in place and monitoring systems to track mortality rates, the impact of pollution and genetic information set up. Awareness programmes on the importance and plight of the bearded vulture have also been released.  

30th ANNIVERSARY AND ROYAL TREATMENT 

The 30th anniversary of concerted efforts are certainly something worth celebrating and Prince Albert II, whose Prince Albert II of Monaco Foundation has been a part of the programme to preserve the bearded vulture since 2007, met with the president of the Alpes-Maritimes department, Charles Ange Ginésy, in Saint-Dalmas-le-Selvage to commemorate the occasion at the start of July.  

Prince Albert II of Monaco with the president of the Alpes-Maritimes department, Charles Ange Ginésy. Photo credit: Fondation Prince Albert II de Monaco

“I would like to thank His Serene Highness Prince Albert II of Monaco for honouring us with his presence,” said Ginésy in his speech. “Everyone is aware of his powerful commitment to protecting our planet. A few months ago, we walked through the Roure Arboretum together, and he provided invaluable support for our efforts to reintroduce the bearded vulture.” 

The Prince was able to witness a bearded vulture nest via a telescope, before heading to the Camp des Fourches to tour the murals there, which was followed by a picnic in the countryside.  

A European bearded vulture nest on the cliffs of the Mercantour National Park. Photo credit: Fondation Prince Albert II de Monaco

Click on the images below to see more…

 

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Photos via the Fondation Prince Albert II de Monaco

Video: The Monaco Grand Prix through the eyes of Charles Leclerc

by: Stephanie Horsman
07/07/2023
video charles leclerc

A short film released by Monaco-native Charles Leclerc on his YouTube channel tells the touching story of what the iconic Monaco Grand Prix means to him as he prepared for this year’s race.  

Charles Leclerc has racing in his blood. His father, Hervé Leclerc, founder of French car parts manufacturer Mecaplast, was a Formula 3 racer in the 1980s and 90s. Indeed, the 25-year-old Monegasque was weaned on this track, these streets.  

In the new YouTube video published on his personal page on 5th July, the young F1 driver shares his preparations for the 2023 Monaco Grand Prix race, alongside some more intimate moments amongst family and friends who were there to support him on home turf.  

“It’s a crazy week,” he says of the race and the run-up. “It’s obviously home for me, so I see all the preparation and all the build-up to race day. It’s a week I’ve lived all my life.”  

FAMILY TIME

The video stands out for the relative calmness he takes in the day-to-day preparations before the race. For example, he and a friend take a boat to the Iles des Lérins for a more private training session. Afterwards, he remarks on what a beautiful day it is and how much less hectic it is than trying to train in Monaco.  

The viewer also sees Leclerc head to his mother Pascale’s hairdressing shop for a pre-race trim. It’s a tender moment, but not without a bit of playful teasing between the two.

In another scene, he cooks a basic meal of pasta pesto for his team and there is a laugh around the table when they realise it has been undercooked: “It’s not al dente… It’s ‘croccante’!”

His humble reaction is endearing and he makes a point of saying that he is accustomed to having to fend for himself, and that his life isn’t all about having help and staff that look after him.  

“I swear people must be thinking, ‘Formula 1 driver and all that, the guy must have somebody at home cooking for him’. Well, no. I made pasta and totally messed it up. We still eat it though as we don’t let anything go to waste,” he tells the camera.

Later in the video, Leclerc attends a dinner with his team, family and Prince Albert. It’s a relaxed night complete with games and activities that helps ground Leclerc before the race.

LOVE IS ALL YOU NEED 

The charming sportsman makes a point of explaining the major role thatfamily and friends play in his life, and how their love and support are extremely important to him.  

“My mum tells us very often that however difficult the moment is, it’s really important to enjoy [life],” he says. “My mum and my dad were on the same line and were thinking the same way. So I recognise what my dad would have said. My dad probably would have been more technical on some advice, whereas my mum is not a driving professional.” 

During a boat ride with his mother and brothers, the older Lorenzo and younger Arthur, he gives warm advice to the latter, who is also following in the family footsteps as a driver, saying he is more concerned about him than himself in a show of brotherly affection.  

By Friday, we see Leclerc start to get his game face on. He shifts gears and becomes the trained professional he truly is.  

“It’s the time I love most,” he says.  

The video goes through the trials and ends with Sunday’s race, taking viewers from his morning routine, which is much like anyone else getting ready for work, through to the end of the race day, where he expressed his sadness at the way the race turned out, although it’s mixed with his trademark optimism for what’s to come.  

Watch the short film for yourself below…

 

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Featured photo via Charles Leclerc / Facebook

How to properly care for your pet in the heat

by: Stephanie Horsman
07/07/2023
pet care heat

If you’re feeling the heat, then chances are so is your pet. Here’s the official advice on caring for your pet during a heatwave and high summer temperatures.  

It’s that time of year again. Temperatures are soaring – it is likely to reach 30 degrees Celsius, if not more, across the French Riviera and Monaco in the coming days – and the shade is starting to look much more enticing than the sunshine.  

It’s important to remember that just as people can suffer from heat stroke, dehydration and discomfort due to overexposure to the sun and high temperatures, so can our furry friends.  

EXPERT TIPS FOR INDOORS 

One tip is refilling your pet’s water bowl reach time you yourself reach for the cold tap. This basic reflex could go a long way in avoiding dehydration. You can even add a few ice cubes to the bowl. 

Consider placing a cool, dampened towel on the ground for your pet to lie on or even lay it across their underbellies – if your dog or cat will accept it, of course. 

For those with a pet who really suffers in the heat, you might want to invest in a cooling jacket or mat for more consistent relief.  

AND FOR OUTDOORS? 

The experts say owners should make sure pets have a nice, shady place to relax in. If there is a doggie pool in the garden, keep it in a shady place as well to prevent sunburn – yes, animals can get it too – and to avoid the water from getting too warm to be of any use.  

It’s also suggested that owners skip the walks in sweltering heat. If a walk is necessary, make it a morning one, when the air is at its freshest.  

FUN WAYS TO STAY COOL 

In addition to the aforementioned trick of putting ice cubes in water bowls, frozen treats can also be a part of their mealtimes. Freezing yoghurt or lactose-free milk into cubes and adding them to the morning meal is a refreshing option. Putting wet food on “licky mats” and popping them into the freezer before serving is also a big hit. There are even pet-friendly ice lolly recipes that are easy to make and great for keeping pets cool.  

 

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Photo source: Mel Elias, Unsplash

Mortgage rates rise in France to levels not seen for more than a decade

by: Elsa Carpenter
07/07/2023
france mortgage rates

The cap on fixed 20-year mortgage rates will climb above 5% this month for the first time since 2012. 

It is a story of two sides. As mortgage rates continue to rise across the board in France, the real estate market is slowing and the average property price is falling. 

The revised cap on mortgage rates – the sixth consecutive rise since February this year – was announced by decree in France’s Journal Officiel on 29th June.  

It marks a new era of financial burden for prospective home owners. As of 1st July, the cap for fixed 20-year and over mortgage rates has been set at 5.09%. This is up 0.41% on June’s cap of 4.68%. It is the first time this type of mortgage has broken the 5% seal since 2012.  

It is a similar case for other forms of mortgages: the cap for a mortgage of less than 10 years is now 4.11% from 3.99% last month, and 4.84% for 10 to 20-year contracts, up from 4.45%.  

Pre-2023, France’s borrowing rates were reviewed by its central bank every quarter. Today they are reconsidered monthly, which explains the more frequent hikes that have been seen in the last six months. This new method was expected to end in July, but has now been extended until the end of the year. 

It is hoped that the new rates will make borrowing easier for potential buyers, and in turn loosen up the national real estate market, which has been experiencing contraction since the Covid boom.  

The lowest estimates suggest that sales have decreased by as much as 35% since this time last year, while other indicators point to a nationwide fall in property value of between five and 10% before the end of the year.  

 

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Photo source: Caroline Minor Christensen, Unsplash