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Month: March 2024

Monaco Ocean Week: How will declining marine biodiversity affect human and global health?

by: Niki Borisova
10/03/2024
monaco ocean week

Krill and the vast role this minute species plays in ocean health is to be explored at a Monaco Ocean Week event that aims to uncover the dynamics of the marine ecosystem and explore ways to safeguard the world’s oceans. Here are all the details. 

On Wednesday 20th March 2024, the Novotel Monte Carlo will be hosting the ‘Ancient Wisdom, Modern Guardianship!’ conference. Organised with the support of The Animal Fund, the event will feature talks from two distinguished speakers, who will combine their unique insights to provide guests with an enriched understanding of the issues facing marine biodiversity and the profound impact the oceans have on each and every one of us.

Dr. Marianne Helene Rasmussen, a marine biologist, research professor and Director of the University of Iceland’s Research Centre in Husavik, will be sharing her knowledge on marine ecosystems. With a focus on the decline of biodiversity in the oceans and its direct impact on humanity, Dr. Rasmussen’s discussion is expected to shed light on the lesser-known aspects of marine life.

Joining her at the event will be Daniel Kreizberg, an award-winning filmmaker, actor and the director of ‘Tahlequah the Whale: A Dance of Grief’. This 15-minute anime movie, which has garnered numerous accolades, tells the story of a whale’s grief and has sparked conversations about the emotional complexity of marine animals and the need for empathy in conservation efforts. It will be screened at the event.

Further information about the ‘Ancient Wisdom, Modern Guardianship!’ event can be found here. To register your interest, contact info@theanimalfund.net.

Read related:

Monaco Ocean Week 2024: A quest for viable and achievable solutions

 

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Photo source: Gabriel Dizzi, Unsplash

F1: Charles Leclerc earns first podium of 2024 in Saudi Arabia

by: Elsa Carpenter
10/03/2024
charles leclerc saudi arabia 2024

A week on from a disappointing race in Bahrain for Monegasque driver Charles Leclerc, the second round of the 2024 Formula 1 World Championship in Saudi Arabia saw the Scuderia Ferrari racer obtain his first podium of the year as well as extra points for taking the fastest lap. 

Leclerc was back on the front row for the race on Saturday 9th March in Jeddah, Saudi Arabia, but he was only able to hold his position until Lap 3, when Red Bull’s Sergio Pérez surged past to take the Monegasque’s second place.  

After pitting – along with most of the grid following Lance Stroll’s crash into the barriers during Lap 7 – Leclerc found himself in fifth and it would take until Lap 15 before he could overtake future teammate Lewis Hamilton and Lap 21 to regain his third place from Lando Norris.  

See more: F1: Lewis Hamilton will join Charles Leclerc at Ferrari in 2025

The order was set then: Red Bulls Max Verstappen and Pérez securing yet another P1 and P2, and Leclerc earning his first podium of 2024. The Monaco-born driver also picked up some extra points by getting the fastest lap time during his final sprint around the Jeddah Circuit. 

Charles Leclerc earned extra points for himself and his team by driving the fastest lap on the Jeddah Circuit in Saudi Arabia. Photo credit: Scuderia Ferrari Media Centre

Leclerc now sits third in the Driver Standings, with 28 points to Pérez’s 36 and Verstappen’s 51.  

“We maximised our potential today and couldn’t have done better than this,” said Leclerc. “We struggled a bit on the Mediums, the Hards were tricky at first but improved throughout the stint and I was able to set the fastest lap on them with a bit of help from DRS. All in all, I felt good in the car.” 

18-year-old Ollie Bearman, who had claimed pole position during the Formula 2 racing the previous day, was called up as Ferrari’s reserve driver and asked to stand in for an unfortunate Carlos Sainz, who underwent surgery for appendicitis while out in Saudi Arabia.  

The rookie is the youngest driver to ever make his debut in Formula 1 at the wheel of a Ferrari and follows in Leclerc’s footsteps as a product of the Scuderia Ferrari Academy.  

Called up a day before the Grand Prix, reserve driver and Formula 1 rookie Ollie Bearman achieved an impressive P7. Photo credit: Scuderia Ferrari Media Centre

Bearman ultimately took seventh in the desert, adding some important points to the Constructor Standings’ rankings for the Maranello marque. Ferrari maintain a strong second spot, with 49 points. Ahead is Red Bull on 87 while behind is McLaren with 28.  

“Ollie did an exceptional job this weekend,” said Leclerc. “To get into a Formula 1 car starting from FP3 when you don’t know the car and the track is one of the most challenging of the season, it is impressive to see someone get up to speed so quickly. It was super nice to see him so happy and excited all weekend and he’s done a great job.” 

The grid will now enjoy a few weeks’ break before the next Grand Prix on the Albert Park Circuit in Melbourne, Australia, on Sunday 24th March.  

Read related:

F1: Charles Leclerc takes fourth at a frustrating opening race in Bahrain

 

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Photo credit: Scuderia Ferrari Media Centre

How much do you need to earn to be classed as rich in France? 

by: Stephanie Horsman
10/03/2024

If your monthly pay cheque is above €4,170 then you’re in the top 10% of earners in France, but is that enough to make you ‘rich’? Well, that all depends on your family situation. 

The Observatoire des Inégalités, an independent French information gathering organisation, has looked at the range of monthly incomes in France with the goal of working out how much a person needs to earn in order to be classed as wealthy. 

Currently the median French salary sits at €1,800, according to data from INSEE, the nation’s official statistical agency. A quarter of full-time employees make less than €1,670, while a half earn under €2,092. At the higher end, 23% of workers make €3,000 a month while the top 10% of earners in the country bank €4,170. The biggest pay cheques, those over €10,000 per month, are reserved for the top 1% of salaried workers.  

For over a decade now, the Observatoire des Inégalités has been trying to determine thresholds for both poverty and wealth in France. The calculations are made with the help of the French Observatory of Economic Conditions (OFCE), another independent organisation, and the latest data put out by INSEE to compile up-to-date reports, such as this new insight into the wealth divide. 

“Since we consider that the poverty line is set at half the median standard of living, we have chosen to establish the wealth threshold at twice the median standard of living,” said Louis Maurin, the director of the Observatoire des Inégalités, to Le Figaro of this latest report into wealth classification.  

THE FIGURES 

In order to be considered rich in France, a single person with no dependents must make €3,860 net per month. Roughly 7% to 8% of the population falls into this category.  

When adding in different factors, the monthly nut changes considerably. For example, to be wealthy as a single parent with a child under 14, an employee needs to be making €5,018 a month to be classed as wealthy. For a couple with one child under the age of 14, their combined salary must be €6,948, which rises to €9,650 for two children over 14 and €10,808 for three children, with one under 14. A couple without children, meanwhile, need to be earning €5,790 to be counted among France’s most well-off.  

To read the report for yourself, click here. 

 

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Photo source: Priscilla de Preez, Unsplash

Elsa and Réséda Towers nearing finish line, crane dismantling to disrupt traffic

by: Cassandra Tanti
09/03/2024
The Elsa and Reseda Towers overlooking the Mediterranean Sea

Monaco’s skyline has undergone a dramatic transformation with the development of the Elsa and Réséda Towers. Now, as the final phase of their construction approaches, attention turns to the intricate task of dismantling the towering crane that facilitated their rise.

Scheduled from 11th to 22nd March, the dismantling operations of the 127.9-metre crane represent a crucial stage in Monaco’s urban development. Anchored to the facade of the Réséda Tower at three different levels, this crane has been an indispensable tool in the construction of the Elsa and Réséda towers.

The dismantling process, however, is no small feat. It requires the use of specialised equipment, including a telescoping cage, for the crane’s “self-disassembly”.

Meanwhile, mobile cranes positioned along Boulevard d’Italie will play a pivotal role in the meticulous removal process.

As part of the dismantling process, Boulevard d’Italie, particularly on the side adjacent to the Réséda Tower, will experience closures.

the structure attaching the crane to the construction building
The dismantling of the crane is no easy task. Photo source: Government Communication Department

From 12th to 14th March, Boulevard d’Italie will be closed to traffic in the direction from Monaco to Roquebrune-Cap-Martin / Menton, between 8pm and 6am. Vehicles will be redirected via avenue de Saint Roman and boulevard du Ténao.

Between 14th to 15th March and 18th to 21st March, Boulevard d’Italie will be closed in both directions between 8pm and 6am. Traffic will be diverted via avenue Saint Roman and boulevard du Ténao.

Finally, on 21st and 22nd March, Boulevard d’Italie will be closed to traffic in the direction from Monaco to Menton, from 8pm to 6am. Vehicles will be rerouted via avenue de Saint Roman and boulevard du Ténao.

Noise generated by the dismantling of metal parts and the movement of semi-trailer trucks will be unavoidable. As a precautionary measure, a security perimeter will be established, and personnel will be present on-site to ensure public safety.

Pedestrians are advised to avoid the area, and neighbouring occupants are urged to keep their windows closed and refrain from accessing balconies facing the crane during the dismantling process.

The development of the Elsa and Réséda Towers are a significant part of Monaco’s National Housing Plan to provide subsidised homes for Monegasque citizens.

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SEE ALSO:

Exclusive interview: Daniele Marzocco on building Monaco’s landmark skyscrapers

 

Main photo by Monaco Life

 

Roca Team’s Mike James crowned best scorer in Euroleague history

by: Stephanie Horsman
08/03/2024
Basketballer Mike James getting ready to take a shot at the net during practice

AS Monaco Basket star Mike James made history Thursday night, becoming the all-time leading point scorer in the Euroleague during a game against Etoile Rouge de Belgrade in Monaco.

“Magic” Mike James’ moment came with just under four minutes left in the first half of the game, when he took the crown from Greek legend Vassilis Spanoulis to a sold-out Gaston-Médecin crowd on 7th March.

4,464 points and counting

“It is a great honour for me to coach such a player,” said AS Monaco’s Head Coach Sasa Obradovic. “Over the past three years, we have developed our relationship and helped each other grow. We come from a different world, but it’s been a wonderful adventure since day one.”

James, who was fêted not only by fans as he surpassed the previous record, but by his parents who were also at the game, can now boast 4,464 points and counting on his Euroleague statistics.

“I didn’t want it to get too emotional, because we first had to focus on winning,” said James after the game. “I will savour this record at the end of my career. I enjoyed the present moment. My friends and family have been here for a while, we’re going to celebrate together tonight, but quietly. Because the most important thing is yet to come, we want to go all the way and win the Euroleague title. Spanoulis? He called me yesterday to talk to me and congratulate me.”

Mike James has been on a high lately. The American, who joined the Monegasque side in 2021, was voted MVP for February. It is the fifth such trophy that James has achieved in his career. With 20.3 points, 6 rebounds, 1.7 steals and 3.7 assists on average in the month of February, the Portland native easily won the title, leading the Roca Team to three consecutive wins and continuing the teams meteoric rise in the Euroleague standings.

The Roca Team’s latest win

Aside from James, the team played brilliantly against opponents Etoile Rouge de Belgrade, beating them handily 98 to 80. The Roca Team led in all but one quarter, where they tied.

In the end, Mike James was high scorer of the game, with 20 points. Élie Okobo and Donatas Montejunas had strong showings as well, bringing 14 points each to the table.

Magic Mike and the rest of the team are back in action again on 10th March at 4:30pm, when they take on Basketball Club Maritime Gravelines Dunkerque at the Gravelines Sportica.

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Photo of Mike James by Monaco Life 

Amazónico announces opening date for early April

by: Elsa Carpenter
08/03/2024
amazonico monaco

Ahead of the grand opening of the South American fusion restaurant, the management team at Amazónico have announced that a handful of job positions are still up for grabs. 

Amazónico is looking to finalise its team of 190 employees before the destination restaurant opens its doors on the rooftop of the recently renovated Café de Paris on Friday 5th April.  

See more: See it for yourself: The legendary Café de Paris is transformed after €55 million renovation

According to comments made to Monaco Matin, 97% of the team has already been contracted, but a number of roles are yet to be filled. 

“We are still looking for sommeliers [and workers] in the kitchen and at the bar,” said Angelo Truisi, the assistant to the General Director of Amazónico. “Recruitment began at the end of 2022 because, initially, the opening was planned for July 2023. 80% of people recruited over the past year have waited and are staying with us because they want to be part of the adventure. We know that we offer the people who join us one of the most beautiful places [to work] in the Principality.” 

Truisi has said that Monte-Carlo Société des Bains de Mer and D.ream International, which owns the Amazónico franchise, are still accepting CVs via email: recrutement@sbm.mc.

Once open, Amazónico will offer a Latin American-inspired cuisine with sushi options. The style and décor of the rooftop establishment, which will reportedly be open from 6pm to 5am, will to be decidedly tropical and exotic.  

See more: Welcome to the jungle: First look at the Café de Paris’ new rooftop restaurant, the Amazónico

Monaco is the latest locale to welcome the franchise after cities including London, Dubai and Madrid.  

An official inauguration is in the works for Thursday 4th April before Amazónico’s restaurant and adjoining club open to the awaiting public the following day. 

Read related:

What’s new in Monaco in 2024?

 

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Photo credit: Monte-Carlo Société des Bains de Mer