5 ° C
Profile

Month: November 2024

Prince Albert and Leonardo DiCaprio join National Geographic mission in the Solomon Islands

by: Elsa Carpenter
28/11/2024

Monaco’s Prince Albert II recently joined a National Geographic expedition to the Solomon Islands alongside actor and environmentalist Leonardo DiCaprio and marine biologist and explorer Enric Sala. The group, joined by free-diving champion Pierre Frolla—an ambassador for the Prince’s eponymous Foundation—embarked on a submersible dive to witness firsthand the vibrant yet increasingly threatened biodiversity of the South Pacific archipelago.

The National Geographic’s Pristine Seas expedition, led by former university professor-turned-conservationist Enric Sala, recently invited Prince Albert to experience the unparalleled natural beauty of the Coral Triangle region aboard the mission’s dedicated vessel. During his visit, the Prince was joined by Academy Award-winner Leonardo DiCaprio and Pierre Frolla, a longtime collaborator with both the Prince Albert II of Monaco Foundation and the Princess Charlene of Monaco Foundation.

Through a submersible dive, the group explored the waters surrounding the Solomon Islands, a collection of hundreds of islands spanning 28,896 km² of primarily marine territory. Known as one of the most biodiverse regions on the planet, the Solomon Islands are home to a staggering array of marine life, but this ecological treasure trove faces mounting threats from overfishing, pollution and rising sea temperatures.

During the expedition, Prince Albert discussed his vision for ocean conservation with Sala and DiCaprio, reiterating the need to expand Marine Protected Areas (MPAs) worldwide. A dedicated advocate for marine conservation, the Prince has long championed inclusive and sustainable practices such as MPAs through his Foundation. His emphasis on MPAs reflects his commitment to preserving marine biodiversity, maintaining ecological balance and mitigating the impacts of climate change.

National Geographic’s Pristine Seas programme, launched in 2008, focuses on protecting the planet’s last untouched marine regions, such as that of the Solomon Islands.

The Islands, often referred to as the “Amazon of the Seas”, boast extraordinary marine diversity. Their waters are home to over 500 species of coral and thousands of fish species, from tiny reef dwellers to larger pelagic animals such as tuna, rays and sharks. However, many of the nation’s iconic species, like hawksbill turtles, leatherback turtles and dugongs, are now critically endangered, underscoring the urgent need for conservation efforts to protect this fragile marine paradise for future generations.

To see more photographs from Prince Albert’s trip to the Solomon Islands, click on the images below:

 

Monaco Life is produced by real multi-media journalists writing original content. See more in our free newsletter, follow our Podcasts on Spotify, and check us out on Threads,  Facebook,  Instagram,  LinkedIn and Tik Tok. 

 

Photos credit: Palais Princier de Monaco

What do Monegasque citizens really think of their lives in Monaco?

by: Stephanie Horsman
28/11/2024

Following the release of the findings of a survey conducted by the Principality’s National Council, Monaco Life delves into the details to find out what makes Monegasques tick and what their concerns are about life in this Mediterranean enclave.

The results of a public survey into the quality of life in Monaco were revealed at a public meeting with 500 people at the Grimaldi Forum earlier this week.

During the month of September, Monegasque nationals living in the Principality received a detailed questionnaire about various facets of life in Monaco, from health and social care to public safety, housing, work life and leisure.

Some 2,768 people responded, a participation rate of 38%, with more than half aged over 55 years.

Overall, 89% of participants reported feeling happy with the quality of life in Monaco, and 74% believe that their fellow Monegasques generally share this sentiment.

BIGGEST CONCERNS

Traffic, air quality, and noise ranked among the top points of contention, with 63% of respondents identifying these issues as their primary concerns. Healthcare and safety followed closely, with 37% and 34% respectively. Nevertheless, 48% positively assessed state efforts to improve living conditions, an improvement from 41% in 2019.

The large majority, 80%, said that mobility could be enhanced through better SNCF TER train services, while 71% supported promoting sustainable transport, even at the cost of limiting car use. Measures such as rethinking pedestrian areas, expanding green spaces, and curbing street parking also garnered substantial support.

Current transport habits reveal that 79% prefer walking, two-thirds use buses, and 41% drive within the Principality’s borders, with half of 18 to 24-year-olds choosing this method. Alternative options like bicycles (6%) and Monabike rentals (10%) saw less use.

HOUSING

Housing ranked fourth among concerns, although 79% reported being satisfied with their accommodation. Dissatisfaction was more prominent among the 25 to 44 age group and those in private housing. For those in state-owned accommodation, rent and service charges were the top criteria for dissatisfaction (46%), followed by accessible parking (39%) and location (36%).

See more: Government vows progress on housing and Fontvieille amid National Council budget standoff

Respondents expressed strong interest in the National Council’s proposed State Estate Agency, underscoring a general desire for greater choice in housing and a streamlined, single point of contact for related matters. Simplified processes and more frequent allocation committees were also recommended by survey respondents.

WORKPLACE

Regarding employment, 56% believe that the priorities given to Monegasque workers are being upheld, a view most common among students (73%) and young adults (67%). Among professionals, opinions were more divided, with 42% doubting its implementation.

Job satisfaction was high among respondents, with 74% feeling fulfilled professionally, though levels of pay received lower ratings. Entrepreneurs and liberal professionals expressed the highest career satisfaction at 70% and 67%, respectively.

HEALTHCARE

While 77% said they were satisfied with Monaco’s healthcare services, only 63% expressed the same for CHPG hospital services, citing long wait times as a key issue. Consequently, 78% supported the creation of health centres.

SHOPPING AND LEISURE

A full 70% of Monegasques appreciated the quality of local retail services, but only 29% were satisfied with value for money. Renovation plans for the Fontvieille shopping centre received mixed reactions: 47% favoured a comprehensive overhaul, while 26% suggested minor improvements, and 25% advocated for limited upgrades.

Youth-focused facilities were identified as a gap. Two-thirds of respondents—and 80% of under-35s—supported a multi-activity space featuring go-karting, karaoke, and more. Common calls for enhanced cultural venues, such as a larger cinema or multi-use centres, reflect broader concerns about recreational opportunities.

Despite these gaps, 56% expressed satisfaction with Monaco’s amateur sports infrastructure, though dissatisfaction was higher among 25 to 34-year-olds.

Education also came into focus, with 67% supporting a preparatory class for elite business schools.

SOCIAL VIEWS

On social issues, a significant 80% supported legalising abortion, with 66% entirely in favour. This marks a notable shift in Monaco’s traditionally conservative context. Legislators are said to be exploring avenues to address this sentiment.

ELDER CARE AND BULLYING

Opinions on elderly care were mostly positive, with 65% satisfied.

Bullying in schools, however, prompted mixed reactions: 36% viewed it as well-managed, 31% disagreed, and the remainder were undecided.

See more: Transforming pain into purpose: Monaco launches art against bullying campaign

NATIONAL COUNCIL APPROVAL RATING

The National Council’s approval rating stands at 70% among respondents, with 53% viewing Monaco’s equivalent to a parliament favourably. However, trust in elected representatives has declined compared to previous survey results, prompting calls for initiatives to bridge the gap. Suggestions included personalised exchanges with officials, public meetings to discuss issues, and government-debate forums.

Concluding the presentation, Council President Thomas Brezzo thanked the participants of the survey, which was managed by BVA Xsight, and announced that the full report is now available online. To read it in full, click here.

 

Monaco Life is produced by real multi-media journalists writing original content. See more in our free newsletter, follow our Podcasts on Spotify, and check us out on Threads,  Facebook,  Instagram,  LinkedIn and Tik Tok. 

 

Photo source: Conseil National de Monaco

The Glaciers gala wraps up Prince Albert II’s Asia-Pacific tour in style

by: Cassandra Tanti
28/11/2024

The Singapore branch of the Prince Albert II of Monaco Foundation hosted The Glaciers gala ball on Wednesday evening, marking the final event of Prince Albert II’s Asia-Pacific tour. The evening brought together dignitaries, environmental leaders, and philanthropists to raise awareness and funds for glacial conservation efforts.

Among the prominent attendees were Singapore’s Minister of Foreign Affairs Dr. Vivian Balakrishnan, and the event’s host, Jacky Deromedi, chair of the Singapore branch of the foundation. The 5th edition of the ‘Ball in Monaco’ gala highlighted the Prince’s ongoing commitment to global environmental advocacy, with proceeds supporting initiatives to combat climate change and protect the planet’s vulnerable ecosystems.

Anne Fontaine presenting her Ice & Snow White collection at the Singapore gala; photo credit: Michael Alesi, Prince’s Palace

Fashion and fundraising take center stage

The evening featured a runway presentation by French-Brazilian designer Anne Fontaine, whose Ice & Snow White collection was inspired by the gala’s glacial theme. Fontaine’s designs combined high fashion with the event’s underlying environmental message.

A charity auction, held during the gala, showcased several unique items. These included a one-of-a-kind Chronomètre à Résonance watch by François-Paul Journe, engraved with “S.A.S Albert II Singapore 2024”, and a bespoke polar bear bracelet by Faidee featuring Burmese rubies, diamonds, and sapphires. Both pieces also underlined the theme of environmental preservation and drew attention to the impact of climate change on glaciers worldwide.

The Ball in Monaco raised significant funds for the Prince Albert II of Monaco Foundation and other entities. Photo credit: Michael Alessi, Prince’s Palace

A reflective conclusion to the Asia-Pacific tour

Prince Albert II used the event to highlight the importance of collective efforts in addressing climate challenges, encouragine attendees to become ambassadors for the cause.

Past editions of the ‘Ball in Monaco’ have promoted projects and initiatives such as agricultural development in Bangladesh, renewable energy in Myanmar, the protection of endangered animal species in Vietnam and China, and combatting deforestation in Myanmar and Indonesia.

The 5th edition of the gala was an important conclusion to Prince Albert II’s Asia-Pacific visit, which included meetings with entrepreneurs and organisations focused on blue economy initiatives, particularly those related to the collection and recycling of plastic products.

Monaco Life is produced by real multi-media journalists writing original content. See more in our free newsletter, follow our Podcasts on Spotify, and check us out on Threads,  Facebook,  Instagram,  LinkedIn and Tik Tok. 

Main photo: Prince Albert II with, from left to right, event host Jacky Deromedi, and Fashion Designer Anne Fontaine. Photo credit: Michael Alessi, Prince’s Palace

 

Football: Monaco slump to first Champions League defeat in controversial circumstances

by: Luke Entwistle
28/11/2024
AS Monaco players walking around the track around the Stade Louis II during the defeat to Benfica.

AS Monaco suffered their first Champions League defeat of the campaign at the hands of Benfica (2-3), who dramatically reversed the score-line in the dying stages.

The Principality club could have gone second in the standings in the event of a victory at the Stade Louis II and for long periods of the match, they looked on course to do exactly that. After Monaco’s academy side beat their Portuguese counterparts in La Turbie earlier in the afternoon, the first-team rushed into an early lead thanks to Eliesse Ben Seghir. He profited from Aleksandr Golovin’s good work – the Russian beginning the move deep inside his own half before providing the assist for Ben Seghir.

In control for large parts of the first half, the match ultimately hinged on a refereeing decision just before the break. Álvara Carreras, already on a yellow, hacked down Wilfried Singo but the referee did not brandish another yellow. Instead, it was Thilo Kehrer, Denis Zakaria, and then Singo himself who all went into the book for their protests. The yellow card for the latter proved costly later on.

Ben Seghir celebrates his goal in front of the Monaco fans. Photo credit: Luke Entwistle

Having lost their last two in the Champions League, Benfica came out with intent at the start of the second half. Whilst Breel Embolo almost doubled Monaco’s advantage, striking the post, seconds later it was the Portuguese side that was level thanks to a Caio Henrique error.

The Brazilian’s headed pass was too weak to make its way as far as Radoslaw Majecki and Vangelis Pavlidis snook in to intercept and walk the ball into the net.

Singo sending off the turning point

It was a roller-coaster of emotions for Monaco, who thought they had retaken the lead just seconds later, only for Maghnes Akliouche’s effort to be ruled out for offside before Benfica too saw one of their efforts ruled out by VAR for a marginal offside.

Then came the game-changing moment. Singo, already on a yellow, was shown a second for his involvement in an aerial duel and was sent off. Monaco, however, weren’t just willing to sit back and settle for a draw, and sensing an opportunity, they continued to impose themselves.

They got their reward late on with substitute Soungoutou Magassa latching onto Christian Mawissa’s ball into the box and thumping home his first-ever goal in European competition. But having re-taken the lead, despite their numerical disadvantage, they couldn’t hold on – their heroic efforts ultimately in vain.

Di María continues his fine record against Monaco

Former PSG forward Ángel Di María likes playing against Monaco, and whilst he was restrained for large periods of the encounter, he came to the fore late on, assisting Alexander Bah and then Arthur Cabral as Benfica turned the game on its head in the space of just four minutes. “He was the decisive player in this moment,” reacted Adi Hütter, referencing the influential Di María, who across the course of his career, has registered 11 assists against Monaco, significantly more than against any other club.

“We should have defended our box better and we were punished with two goals at the end of the match when we didn’t defend well as a team. It makes the result even more frustrating because we were leading 2-1. We deserved at least a draw,” added Hütter post-match.

A blow for Monaco’s top 8 chances

It is a result that brings an end to Monaco’s unbeaten run in the Champions League. It – almost certainly – won’t be consequential in their objective to secure a top 24 spot, but it does hamper their chances of finishing in the top eight, which would see them bypass the play-off round of the tournament.

It certainly doesn’t get any easier for Les Monégasques, who still have Arsenal, Aston Villa and Inter Milan to face in this revamped ‘League Phase’ of the competition. “Disappointed” with the result, Monaco can, however, take plenty of heart from another strong display.

 

Monaco Life is produced by real multi-media journalists writing original content. See more in our free newsletter, follow our Podcasts on Spotify, and check us out on Threads,  Facebook,  Instagram,  LinkedIn and Tik Tok. 

Photo source: AS Monaco

Fonds Bleu evolves to drive Monaco’s digital future and business growth

by: Cassandra Tanti
28/11/2024

The Monaco Government is taking its digital revolution to the next level with the launch of phase two of the Fonds Bleu, or the Blue Fund, initiative. This ambitious program is set to spark innovation and provide fresh opportunities for local businesses to thrive in an increasingly tech-driven world.

Initially introduced in late 2020 as a response to the economic challenges of the pandemic, the Fonds Bleu has already made a major impact. More than 700 businesses have embraced the program, with €52 million invested in digital transformation projects and €24.3 million given as direct support. Local digital service providers took the lead in over 90% of these projects, strengthening Monaco’s homegrown tech scene, while more than 3,500 professionals gained new skills through specialised training.

Now, the government has announced that Fonds Bleu is evolving beyond economic recovery to focus on pushing businesses toward greater digital sophistication. This next chapter promises to help companies explore advanced technologies and find innovative ways to grow, creating a competitive edge in the digital marketplace.

Health and data security are also taking centre stage in this new phase, with the introduction of the MonacoSanté Sécurité plan. Designed in collaboration with the Department of Social Affairs and Health, it will address one of the most pressing issues of the digital age: safeguarding sensitive health data. By enhancing security and building trust, this initiative aims to open new doors for innovation in Monaco’s healthcare sector.

The second phase of Fonds Bleu offers Monaco’s businesses the chance to embrace cutting-edge digital tools, elevate their competitiveness, and ensure they stay ahead in a rapidly changing global economy. The Principality is doubling down on its commitment to creating a dynamic and digitally advanced business environment.

For more information, visit Plus eme.gouv.mc / monacosanté.mc

Monaco Life is produced by real multi-media journalists writing original content. See more in our free newsletter, follow our Podcasts on Spotify, and check us out on Threads,  Facebook,  Instagram,  LinkedIn and Tik Tok. 

Photo by Monaco Life

 

Fairmont Monte Carlo announces Alexandre Ariel as new General Manager

by: Stephanie Horsman
28/11/2024
Alexandre Ariel

Alexandre Ariel has been appointed the new General Manager of the Fairmont Monte Carlo. With over two decades of experience in luxury hospitality, Ariel brings a wealth of expertise to one of Monaco’s most iconic hotels as it prepares to celebrate its 50th anniversary. 

Following a successful tenure as Acting General Manager, Ariel has officially taken the helm as General Manager of the four-star Fairmont Monte Carlo. 

His distinguished career began in France at prestigious establishments such as Hôtel de Crillon in Paris and Trianon Palace in Versailles, while his international experience includes roles at Disney’s Chefs de France in Florida and Club Med in Paris, as well as a position as Assistant Director of Food and Beverage at the InterContinental Chicago. 

Ariel joined the Fairmont Monte Carlo team in 2007 and has since held several key roles across multiple departments, including Director of Events and Director of Food and Beverage. He briefly left for a stint at Fairmont Rey Juan Carlos I in Barcelona before returning to Monaco in 2018 as Hotel Manager. In this role, Ariel spearheaded transformative projects that elevated the hotel’s operations and solidified its reputation as a top-tier establishment. 

Under his leadership, the Fairmont Monte Carlo is entering an exciting new chapter. In 2025, the renowned hotel will celebrate its 50th anniversary. 

See more: Fall in love with Amù Monte-Carlo at the Fairmont

“This hotel has two treasures: its location and its staff,” says Ariel. “I am very proud to support the hotel’s 650 employees daily to offer our guests a warm welcome in Monaco.” 

Ariel’s dedication to innovation and excellence will continue to guide the Fairmont Monte Carlo to new heights while upholding its legacy of outstanding service and luxurious hospitality. 

Read related:

Inside Nobu Monte-Carlo’s chic renovation, blending Scandinavian warmth with Japanese style

 

Monaco Life is produced by real multi-media journalists writing original content. See more in our free newsletter, follow our Podcasts on Spotify, and check us out on Threads,  Facebook,  Instagram,  LinkedIn and Tik Tok. 

 

Photo supplied