A new report on the “blue economy” produced during Monaco Ocean Week has been released for policymakers, and will now form part of key climate change conferences across the world.
The report, titled First Blue Economy Round Table, was produced from a workshop co-organised by the Environmental Economics section of the Scientific Centre of Monaco (CSM) and the Meri Foundation during Monaco Ocean Week in March.
It focuses on achieving an economic, social, political and environmental approach to fishing by establishing methods for sustainable resource management and mitigation measures to limit losses and restore biodiversity.
What is the blue economy?
The ocean contributes to the global economy with an annual added value of 1.5 trillion dollars.
Meanwhile, through blue carbon sinks, the ocean absorbs up to 30% of CO2 emissions.
This is why experts say that the interaction between the fishing industry and the world ocean needs to be carefully considered.
Blue economy report
The workshop focused on five themes for a multidisciplinary and comprehensive approach to the issue, each belonging to different dimensions.
Firstly, the Environmental/Ecological dimension, which looks at overfishing and its effects on biodiversity as well as the role of subsidies and marine ecosystem services; the Public Policy dimension including Ocean Literacy: how to address gaps in policymakers’ common understanding of the oceans; the Public Policy/Governance dimension: marine protected areas as a tool for controlling and conserving biomass, solutions and governance; the Economic Dimension: towards a sustainable economy considering marine ecosystem services; and the Economic/Finance dimension: financial markets and investments in biodiversity.
Who will use the report?
The report will be presented at international conferences, including COP 28 in November in Dubai and COP 16 on biodiversity in Turkey 2024. The aim is to place the fundamental theme of the blue economy and fishing at the heart of discussions about the future of the global ocean. It addresses issues related to food and economic security, biodiversity, and combating climate change.
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AS Monaco have confirmed the signing of Ghanaian international Mohammed Salisu. The 24-year-old joins from Championship side Southampton.
Salisu joins for what is being reported in the media as a €15m fee. Les Monégasques have secured a cut-price deal after Southampton’s relegation from the Premier League to the Championship last season.
He will reinforce a defence that was in need of strengthening. The defensive wall that had been constructed over these past years was, at times, dismantled last season. Monaco finished the Ligue 1 season with the seventh worse defence in the division.
One in, one out?
One of the pillars of that defence, Axel Disasi, looks set to depart. The France international will join Chelsea imminently, according to media reports. Salisu’s arrival will compensate for Disasi’s impending departure, but there could be further defensive reinforcements arriving at the Stade Louis II before the end of the window. Fulham’s Tosin Adarabioyo is a prime target, according to L’Équipe.
Photo of Axel Disasi by Luke Entwistle, Monaco Life
Salisu has already arrived in Monaco, met his new teammates and given his first reactions to the club’s media channels.
“It is a very big club. I am very happy to be here and it’s a big step for me in my career. I’m looking forward to the journey and to winning matches,” said the Ghanaian defender.
He will likely make his debut when Monaco kick-off their 2023/24 campaign against Clermont Foot in under a fortnight’s time.
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If the summer flurry of yachts coming in and out of Monaco’s Port Hercule has left you wanting more, then head to Cannes this September to view the yachts on display at the Cannes Yachting Festival.
Year-on-year, the glamourous seafront town of Cannes plays host to the annual Cannes Yachting Festival and its eclectic offering of motor and sailing yachts, old and new. The much-anticipated show signals the end of the summer yachting season and the beginning of the autumn sales season, with potential buyers and charterers coming from across the globe to view the newest yachts displayed by the leading shipyards and second-hand yachts exhibited by brokerage companies from all over the world.
Held from 12th to 17th September, the show is spread across two locations, with new yachts displayed in the Old Port, and sailing yachts and pre-owned yachts across the bay in Port Canto. Along with a fine selection of superyachts, experts from the leading brokerage houses, such as Northrop and Johnson, will be on hand to share their knowledge and insights on the market.
Cannes Yachting Festival, source CYF
The fabulous time to visit Cannes
The month of September is one of the most pleasant periods to visit Cannes – the summer crowds have largely dissipated, the climate is only slightly cooler than the peak summer temperatures, and most things remain open, but much less crowded than the preceding months. It’s a great time to discover the goings on of the city, aside from the show itself, of course. From beach clubs and grand hotels to the iconic La Croisette, take some time out from the show or spend a few days either before or after the event and discover all that Cannes has to offer with recommendations from yachting experts.
“If you only have a few hours to spare then a stroll along the famous Croisette is a must,” says broker Richard Higgins from Northrop and Johnson. “Stretching for over two miles from the Palais des Festival, where the Cannes Film Festival takes place, to Port Canto, the beachfront promenade is flanked by the sparkling Mediterranean on one side and some of the most iconic hotels to the other.”
The beach club scene along the French Riviera rivals that of the Balearics or the Greek Islands. In fact, nearby Saint Tropez is where the beach club scene first began, and the glamourous coastline has been attracting the jet set for decades. Many of the finest establishments along the Côte d’Azur are affiliated with the leading hotels, and in Cannes the famous beachfront promenade is lined with some of the best.
From the 1950s-style Carlton Beach Club and La Môme Plage to Madamoiselle Gray at La Plage Barrière, enjoy the dolce vita lifestyle with a long lunch beneath the shade of parasols while overlooking the Mediterranean and the yachts at anchor.
“Spend an afternoon enjoying the sunshine and sunset accompanied by chilled music, fantastic fare and cocktails,” recommends Patrick Coote from Northrop and Johnson. “With the largest jetty along the Croisette, the scene-stealing location of La Plage Barrière is ideal for those coming by tender from the show.”
Shop till you drop
Cannes also has a shopping scene to rival that of Monaco and Saint Tropez, with international brands like Louis Vuitton and Chanel intermingling with independent boutiques along the Croisette and the Rue d’Antibes, which runs parallel to the seafront. And, for those looking for a more local “Cannois” experience, the Marché Forville covered market is the place to head for all manner of fresh Provençal produce.
What to do after the Cannes Yachting Festival
After a day pounding the docks on yacht viewings, head to one of the beautiful Belle Epoque hotels for some of finest cuisine along the Riviera. For a spectacular setting and superb Israeli cuisine, reserve a spot at the rooftop restaurant Bella at Hotel Belle Plage.
Alternatively, Le Fouquet at the Barrière or Riviera at the Carlton Cannes are both worthy of reservation.
Those seeking more local fare should head to the old town with the locals, where a number of family-run restaurants serve the quintessential cuisine of the region.
And, if you want to simply soak up the nightlife then join the yachting crowd at Le Bâoli. Begin the night with cocktails on the panoramic rooftop terrace, Cloud Nine, followed by dancing at the club.
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The Côte d’Azur and Monaco have some of the best shopping malls in the world – award-winning, in fact – and there are many destinations to suit every taste and style. Here are a few that are definitely worth a look!
Like playing a sport or painting, there is an art to shopping that true connoisseurs of the activity endlessly appreciate.
Some love the thrill of the sale, whilst others adore the thought of owning something few others have. Whatever the motivation, there are several amazing choices in and around Monaco where seasoned shoppers, and even those who only seldom set foot in the shops when strictly necessary, can find just about anything they want or need.
Metropole Shopping Monte-Carlo
Let’s kick things off with the Metropole Shopping Monte-Carlo, Monaco’s own hometown mall. Situated right next to the Metropole Hotel, it is a beautiful chandelier-ed, marble and wrought iron space home to 80 shops from top-shelf brands like Kenzo, Gucci, Versace, Tom Ford and Boss, as well as more mainstream chains and a smattering of independents.
In addition to clothing, shoes and accessories, there is also a selection of gourmet food options, jewellery, watches, homeware and décor, beauty and even antiques.
The glamourous locale alone is enough to make it worth a visit, but it’s the great selection of shopping options and boutiques that keeps customers coming back for more.
There’s even a beauty salon amidst the boutiques, the recently opened Stori’S Monte Carlo. Photo source: Metropole Shopping Monte-Carlo
Cap 3000
Cap 3000 is 135,000sqm of pure shopping heaven located on the seafront in Saint Laurent du Var, near Nice’s international airport. Voted “World’s Best Shopping Centre” at the 2022 MIPIM Awards, it includes over 300 shops, a food court that reads like an around-the-world tour, an events centre and a luxury “corso”, a wing featuring more than 45 premium brand name stores.
First opened in 1969, it has changed with the times, but never more so than with its latest incarnation, which is all curved lines, light colours and open, airy space. Parking is plentiful and free for the first three hours. It is sleek, modern and just what the doctor ordered in terms of shopping in this part of the Riviera.
The luxury brand “corso” within Cap 3000. Photo source: Cap 3000
The website calls it “a new generation centre for all generations, which promises its visitors a multi-purpose service that goes beyond the traditional experience of a shopping centre,” which sounds very lofty, but in fact is quite on the mark.
With all the usuals, such as womenswear and menswear, sporting goods, jewellery, beauty stores, opticians, homewares and every kind of accessory, there is also a massive Monoprix hypermarket, gaming stores, art and a spa, which help take Cap 3000 a step beyond the same old, same old.
Additionally, the mall offers a special pass to international customers, giving them discounts of up to 50%, as well as tax-free shopping.
The beachfront restaurant section of Cap 3000. Photo source: Cap 3000
POLYGONE RIVIERA
Part of the Westfield chain, Polygone Riviera has the shopping experience down pat. The Cagnes sur Mer-based mall opened in October 2015, but took a bit of time to catch on as traffic woes and location were slight obstacles. Today, however, it has really come into its own and now is immensely popular.
The clean, outdoor concept is reminiscent of American-style malls, and has 172 shops and eateries of all varieties to choose from.
This shopper’s haven also has incredible amenities and surprises, such as a babysitting service for parents who would like to browse in peace, a loyalty card programme for returning clients, a tax refund centre for international customers, an open-air museum and a huge cinema. Parking is also free for two hours.
THE MALL SANREMO
The Mall in Sanremo is just a hop-skip over the border from Monaco and features all the best designer brands, with some supremely amazing ups and extras.
The facility houses a tax-free lounge, a VIP corner, electric vehicle charging stations, free parking and free wi-fi. The Mall is welcomingly open-handed, offering clients who need wheelchairs and pushchairs these services for free, and will also help with setting up in-store appointments for those who hate crowds and queuing. Additionally, there is a “shop-from-home” experience that can get items to customers no matter what time zone they find themselves in in great time.
The Mall is also an events venue that has art, music and entertainment-based evenings, as well as a golf course, which hosts The Mall Sanremo Golf Cup in August.
The stylish – and clearly Italian – mall in Sanremo. Photo source: The Mall Sanremo
SERRAVALLE DESIGNER OUTLET
Designer retail therapy only three hours from Monaco awaits at Serravalle Outlet mall. Part of the McArthur Glen group, which has 25 centres in all, this place really knows how to “do” shopping.
It features designer brands at discounted prices, 14 restaurants and several amenities, such as a bag storage service, tax-free international shopping, a play area and water park for kids, and even a shuttle bus from Milan.
Serrevalle Outlet also holds special performance evenings and has an eco-vibe, with a clothing recycling centre that hands donators 10% off vouchers to use at participating stores.
Serrevalle has a real village vibe about it, with shops found in quintessential “houses” along the boulevards of the outlet. Photo source: Serrevalle Outlet
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The deadline for a new property declaration requiring owners to register the status of their homes has been extended for the fourth time.
First it was 30th June, then 31st July, then 1st August. Now the date to comply with the French government’s mandatory declaration of all real estate holdings by homeowners is set for 10th August, after the www.impots.gouv.fr website experienced technical issues that left panicked property owners unable to complete the online form.
NEW RULES
Since announcing the phasing out of the housing tax, or taxe d’habitation, on main residences in France, the government has been working to implement a new way of tracking the status of properties such as second homes, holiday rentals, long-term rentals and even vacant homes.
As such, property owners must now declare the identity of the occupants, if any, of their properties via the newly introduced déclaration d’occupation.
The original due date to declare was set for 30th June, but after thousands of last-minute phone calls from real estate owners poured in, the government relented, and said they may have been “overly optimistic on the level of awareness”, and pushed the deadline to 31st July.
On 31st July, the Ministry of the Economy, noting an “influx of declarations” that caused the online declaration system to crash, extended the date by 24 hours.
Now, the deadline has been moved once again, much to the relief of the many people who are still yet to declare.
Fines up to €150 can be imposed for non-compliance, but as the document is part of a new procedure, the government is giving the public a grace period of one year to adjust.
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Over the last few days, sightings of jellyfish up and down the coast have been proliferating. Here’s what to do if you get stung.
The scourge of local beaches in the summer, jellyfish populations appear to be on the rise. From Menton in the east to La Seyne sur Mer in the west, an ACRI-ST map noting recent sightings in the region is dotted with warnings about the pelagia noctiluca or mauve stinger.
This species is a regular visitor to the French Riviera, particularly in August, when it is fairly common to see swarms of them in the water.
Numbers have been on the rise in recent years, and this is thought to be due to a combination of warmer temperatures, declining natural predators and less competition for food from plankton-eating fish, whose stocks have been depleted from over-fishing.
TOWNS ON THE CASE
Since these sea pests seem to be here to stay, measures are being put in place to safeguard beachgoers from the worst of their effects. Some coastal towns and villages have gone as far as to put up barrier nets in an attempt to keep the bulk of them at bay, such as in Villefranche sur Mer, Cap d’Ail, Saint Jean Cap Ferrat and even Monaco’s Plage du Larvotto. The effect is limited, but it does offer some shield against them.
Another more scientific method is also being put into play. The Oceanological Institute in Villefranche-sur-Mer has a 48-hour forecast, which aims at predicting an influx before the presence of the jellyfish becomes an issue. The predictions are based on an observed link between the breaching, or the shore invading behaviour of the jellyfish, wind and currents.
There is a five-point probability rating system used, with zero being no threat to five, meaning there is a strong likelihood of a jellyfish “invasion”. This early warning system has been helpful for towns who can now alert tourists to a jellyfish risk before they get into the water.
WHAT SWIMMERS CAN DO
Whilst more of a nuisance than a nightmare, getting stung by one of these slippery creatures is still an unpleasant experience and best to be avoided.
Some people have resorted to wearing protective clothing or wetsuits, but let’s be honest, this isn’t ideal when temperatures are in the upper 30s and a suntan is in the making.
Another solution has come in the form of sunscreens containing ingredients that “deactivate” the stinging mechanism of jellyfish tentacles. Medusyl is one brand that is easy to get in France, and has been proved efficient, though there are plenty of others on the market.
IF THE WORST HAPPENS
Sometimes, despite being careful, people get stung. Most people will only experience a certain amount of discomfort, which will fade in a short period of time, but others may feel the effects for up to a month, so quick action is the best way to lessen the after-effects of a sting.
The goal of treatment is to neutralise the nematocysts, the small capsules containing a venomous barb. To do this, and to lessen the pain, there are a few things that can be done. Immersing the area with hot sea water for at least a half hour or pouring vinegar over the sting has been known to help take the burn away faster. If any of the barbs are visible, remove them with tweezers or the edge of a bank card. Applying sand to the affected area and allowing it to dry is another tip suggested by the Prefecture of the Alpes Maritimes.
Contrary to popular myth, urinating on the area does not help, nor does alcohol or dousing the sting with fresh water. Rubbing will only make the pain worse, so avoid this.
Finally, take a painkiller like paracetamol or ibuprofen to reduce any residual discomfort.
Jellyfish need not ruin a beach day, and can be avoided with a bit of vigilance, foresight and preparation!
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