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Day: 11 October 2023

Nationwide strike action called for Friday 13th

by: Niki Borisova
11/10/2023

Schools are just one of many sectors in France joining forces in a mass protest planned for Friday 13thOctober, triggered by discontent over a range of issues including wages, gender equality, and environmental issues.

On Friday 13th October, the stage is set for another round of strikes and protests, with teachers across France coming together to demand improvements in their working conditions and salaries. At the forefront of this movement are the FSU-SNUipp, the main union for nursery and elementary schools, and the SNES-FSU, the largest union for middle and high schools. Schoolteachers have an obligation to notify parents 48 hours in advance should they choose to join the strike, but this obligation does not apply to secondary school teachers.

MUTLIPLE SECTORS TO MOBILISE

It’s not only the education sector that is ready to strike, but others are joining the protests. The three main railway trade unions – CGT-Cheminots, SUD-Rail, and CFDT-Cheminots, are calling on railway workers to strike on Friday 13th October, seeking increased wages and improved working conditions.

Public transportation services may be adversely affected, and specific details about train and subway schedules will be made available.

Catering and school activity staff, along with other public service workers, are also set to join the protest.

DOCTORS JOIN THE STRIKE

The healthcare sector, including general practitioners and specialists, is not exempt from the nationwide protest. The medical professionals are striking to demand an increase in consultation fees. As various medical unions are contemplating an “indefinite strike”, it remains to be seen how this sector will be affected.

More information can be found here: Confédération Générale du Travail – CGT.

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Photo by Monaco Life

 

 

SBM steps in to help drought-stricken Domaine d’Agerbol farm in Roquebrune Cap Martin 

by: Niki Borisova
11/10/2023
domaine d'agerbol

For over a decade, the Domaine d’Agerbol has been growing the organic fruit and vegetables that fill the menus of Monaco’s most celebrated restaurants, but the ongoing drought is threatening its future.  

At the height of summer, Anna Ferrari, the owner of the Domaine d’Agerbol, put out a desperate call for help. Her farm, which she runs with husband Virginio, has been struggling due to the prolonged drought that has brought on fierce water restrictions across the region.  

The drought has depleted essential water sources coming down from Mont Agel and natural irrigation systems have been seriously disrupted as best, and halted completely at worst.  

By early August, the issues brought on by water scarcity had reached fever pitch for the Ferraris and their Domaine d’Agerbol, which provides fresh and seasonal produce for many of the chefs of Monte-Carlo Société des Bains de Mer’s (SBM) restaurants in the Principality, including the Group’s flagship organic eatery Elsa.  

The commune of Roquebrune Cap Martin agreed to connect the farm to its municipal water network following the Ferraris request, but the natural topography of the Domaine d’Agerbol, which is found at between 430 and 490 metres above sea level, meant that much of the land was still extremely dry.  

Ultimately, the solution of an onsite reservoir and pumping system was far too expensive for the farm to bear alone, and the Domaine d’Agerbol needed additional help.  

Financial aid and assistance came, and gladly, from SBM, who decided to take swift action “without hesitation” to support the farm that has served the Group well over the years.  

domaine d'agerbol
SBM’s Stéphane Valeri, centre, and other high-level management visited the farm in September. Photo credit: SBM

An official statement from the Group tells of how the “management of Monte-Carlo Beach alerted the Group” to the plight of the Domaine d’Agerbol, leading to a top-level decision to provide the investment required to secure the long-term prosperity of the faarm as well as provide a more sustainable solution than using up vital drinking water reserves.  

In late September, SBM’s President-Delegate Stéphane Valeri and Secretary-General Virginie Cotta headed up to the farm to reaffirm their support of the Domaine d’Agerbol and promote the sourcing of locally grown produce. 

 

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Main photo credit: Domaine d’Agerbol 

 

Elevate 2023: Space, sustainability, and a historic space journey

by: Niki Borisova
11/10/2023

The Elevate conference is back with its second edition, featuring renowned astronaut Ron Garan’s return. Simultaneously, Monaco’s own Namira Salim, with roots from Pakistan, speaks of her aspiring journey to space.

Elevate, the leading global conference exploring the topics of space technology and sustainability, is back for its second edition. It is a platform where experts, innovators and thought leaders unite to discuss the pivotal role of space in tackling our planet’s most pressing sustainability challenges.

Scheduled from 17th to 19th October at Grimaldi Forum, this conference promises to be an unforgettable gathering of minds.

ASTRONAUT RON GARAN RETURNS WITH INSIGHTS

Elevate 2023 will be attended by astronaut Ron Garan, who has spent over 178 days in space across two missions to the International Space Station (ISS). His space journeys encompassed diverse experiments and observations, providing invaluable insights into Earth’s environment and challenges.

Beyond space, Garan is a dedicated advocate for sustainability and humanitarian causes. He founded the ‘Manna Energy Foundation’ to ensure clean drinking water access in developing countries and ‘Fragile Oasis,’ a platform inspiring positive change on our planet.

SPACE THEMES

The conference will feature keynote addresses, panel discussions, workshops, and networking opportunities, fostering connections with brilliant minds in space exploration and sustainability. Key themes include environmental stewardship in space, human space flight insights, space logistics, cutting-edge technology, and comprehensive discussions on space exploration and research.

REGISTRATION NOW OPEN

For those eager to be a part of this transformative event, registration for the Elevate Space and Sustainability Conference is now open. You can explore the full list of speakers and registration details at ELEVATE Monte-Carlo Space Conference. (elevatemontecarlo.com).

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Photo: Elevate Founder Zsolt Szemerszky, wth Colonel Ron Garan and Alexey Antropov; credit: Arbee Pachao.

 

 

YouTube video: watch Namira Salim’s historic spaceflight onboard Virgin Galactic

by: Cassandra Tanti
11/10/2023

History was made on Friday 6th October 2023, when Monaco resident and Pakistan native Namira Salim became the first person to represent either nation on a journey into space.

Salim carried the flag of Monaco with her during the spaceflight and said upon her return: “Besides seeing the black sky and the beautiful Earth, which doesn’t show any borders or boundaries, we also saw the Half Moon, which is incredible.”

Watch the historic moment in our YouTube video below…

 

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Monaco’s Namira Salim returns to Earth after historic spaceflight