Monaco to play key role in preparations for UN Ocean Conference in Nice

As Nice gears up to host the United Nations Ocean Conference between 9th and 13th June, the Principality of Monaco and its sovereign, Prince Albert II, will take a leading role in kickstarting discussions on the future of ocean conservation with the Blue Economy and Finance Forum.

The third United Nations Ocean Conference (UNOC3) in June, an event hosted by the city of Nice and co-organised by the governments of France and Costa Rica, will unite the international community, from world leaders and business figureheads to scientists and NGOs, for what is hoped to be a series of positive, collaborative and forward-thinking discussions and events that will help develop concrete solutions for ocean conservation.

The conference comes at a critical moment: climate change is causing rising sea levels and warming oceans, plastic pollution continues to accumulate in almost every corner of the globe, and marine biodiversity faces alarming decline.

The theme of UNOC3, Accelerating action to preserve the ocean, reflects the urgency of addressing the gap between commitments made under the UN Sustainable Development Goal 14 on Life Below Water in 2015 and the lack of progress in implementing these measures by nations and governments worldwide.

Monaco’s Blue Economy and Finance Forum

The Principality of Monaco, though not an official host of UNOC3, is set to assert its position as a solid proponent of ocean conservation by coordinating the Blue Economy and Finance Forum at the Grimaldi Forum on 7th and 8th June, ahead of the main event.

See more: Prince Albert II calls for global participation at Blue Economy and Finance Forum in June

The Principality has established itself as a leader in sustainable ocean management through its protected areas, forward-thinking fishing regulations and substantial investments in marine research. Meanwhile, the Prince Albert II of Monaco Foundation has funded numerous ocean conservation projects globally and is dedicated to raising awareness on critical marine issues.

At the Blue Economy and Finance Forum, participants will explore innovative funding mechanisms and sustainable business models to support ocean protection efforts.

Speaking about the event, Prince Albert has said, “We must develop an economic model commensurate with these evolving requirements. In order to achieve this, we will address key sectors: maritime transport, fishing and aquaculture, renewable marine energies, sustainable tourism and conservation of the marine environment. We will make the ocean’s immense value tangible, with its ecosystem services representing close to $30 trillion annually. We will explore how to mobilise $175 billion every year to meet the Sustainable Development Goals. Faced with such a challenge, businesses have a pivotal role to play. Governments must provide the impetus, and every stakeholder can be a vital force for change. That is why we must move forward all together.”

Other UNOC3 warm-up events

From 4th to 6th June, the One Ocean Science Congress in Nice will offer scientists a platform to present their latest findings on ocean health, climate impacts and emerging conservation technologies.

Then, on 7th June, the Ocean Rise & Coastal Resilience Coalition Conference, also in Nice, will focus on adaptation strategies for coastal cities facing rising sea levels.

The newly launched Ocean Rise & Coastal Resilience Coalition represents an ambitious initiative to unite hundreds of coastal cities worldwide. Coordinated by the Ocean & Climate Platform with support from Nice’s mayor, Christian Estrosi, this coalition will represent the approximately one billion people affected by sea level rise around the globe.

The coalition aims to mobilise resources, share knowledge and finance adaptation strategies for coastal communities facing increased flooding, erosion and extreme weather events. By creating a global network, the coalition hopes to amplify its collective voice in international negotiations.

Participation by all

A standout feature of UNOC3 is its emphasis on civil society participation and its “visioning” methodology that seeks to inspire participants to imagine desirable futures for the ocean rather than focusing solely on negative projections. This approach begins by identifying promising innovations or practices that could contribute to a sustainable ocean future, and will ultimately help shape the Nice Ocean Action Agreement, the main political outcome of the upcoming conference.

As such, the success of UNOC3 will be measured by tangible outcomes rather than declarations. Key metrics will include financial commitments secured for ocean conservation, binding agreements on pollution reduction and sustainable fishing, expansion of marine protected areas and robust monitoring systems.

See more: Oceanographic Institute of Monaco launches campaign promoting Marine Protected Areas 

As the international community approaches the 2030 deadline for the UN Sustainable Development Goals, UNOC3 represents a pivotal opportunity to reverse the decline in ocean health and set humanity on a course toward more harmonious relationships with marine environments.

For more information on the Blue Economy and Finance Forum, click here.

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Prince Albert II joins President Macron at SOS Ocean Summit in Paris

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Photo credit: Michael Alesi / Palais Princier de Monaco

Call for more women to speak up about sexual violence on public transport

A city bus parked in one of Nice’s busiest squares became the backdrop for a powerful public awareness campaign tackling sexual violence on public transportation.

On Monday afternoon, a striking visual took shape in Place Garibaldi as a city bus was stationed at the heart of the square for an awareness event organised by the association Alter Egaux, in partnership with Lignes d’Azur. The initiative aimed to shed light on the rising issue of sexual violence in public transit across the French Riviera.

According to a survey conducted by Alter Egaux, 58% of public transport users have experienced sexual violence. In addition, 68% have witnessed sexist behaviour, 44% reported seeing harassment, inappropriate advances, or prolonged staring, and 41% have observed acts of sexual violence. Despite this, 88% of witnesses neither intervene nor report these incidents.

Photo by Monaco Life

“This initiative began in 2021, in collaboration with the president of Lignes d’Azur, to address the concerning increase in sexual violence on public transport across the Alpes-Maritimes,” Maty Diouf, Deputy Mayor of Nice, told Monaco Life. “Since then, we’ve recorded a 6% rise in reported cases, yet 81% of victims still choose not to come forward.”

Throughout the event, members of the public were invited to board the bus in small groups every 10 minutes, where they were asked to observe a one-minute silence to show solidarity with victims and reflect on the impact of this issue.

“Awareness must lead to action,” said Gaël Nofri, President of Lignes d’Azur. “Women should not have to avoid public transport early in the morning or late at night out of fear of being victimised.”

Photo by Monaco Life

According to Lignes d’Azur, surveillance cameras are installed throughout the transit network and perpetrators risk up to five years in prison and fines of up to €75,000.

Following the demonstration, representatives from support organisations such as Maison d’Accueil and Demandez Angeladistributed resource cards with QR codes listing local victim support services. In a practical measure, drink covers were also handed out to women—designed to be placed over glasses in bars to help prevent drink spiking.

Anyone in the Alpes-Maritimes region seeking assistance can contact the victim support line at 04 97 13 52 00 or email accueil-victime@ville-ce.fr.

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

Main photo by Monaco Life

Borneo Wildlife Preservation to host evening of glamour and green credentials at Save the Rainforest gala

Elegance will meet environmental action at the Borneo Wildlife Preservation’s upcoming Save the Rainforest charity gala in May, an event that will unite changemakers, conservationists and high society in support of the world’s most threatened ecosystems.

As rainforests vanish before our eyes and countless endangered species teeter on the brink of extinction, the Save the Rainforest charity gala — organised by Borneo Wildlife Preservation and set to take place on 17th May at the Fairmont Monte Carlo — will serve as a call to action in the name of biodiversity conservation and enhanced protections for the “lungs of the world”.

“With this gala, we aim to raise awareness of the need to save our rainforests and their inhabitants worldwide,” say the event’s organisers. “Together, we can create lasting change and champion the fight for our planet’s future. Now is the time to take action and make a difference for generations to come.”

The evening will begin at 7pm in the Fairmont’s Salle d’Or Ballroom, where guests will be welcomed with a Premier Cru Champagne aperitif, followed by a gourmet three-course dinner paired with exquisite international wines.

The event’s true showstopper will be a sustainable fashion show hosted by Junk Kouture, a global youth movement redefining couture through eco-conscious creativity. At the Save the Rainforest gala, a group of teenage designers, aged 12 to 19, will dazzle guests with their boundary-pushing garments made entirely from recycled materials.

Adding to the excitement, guests will have the chance to participate in a charity auction and tombola, with all proceeds going towards global preservation efforts.

Appearances from leaders in wildlife advocacy, including representatives from the Shannon Elizabeth Foundation — which champions rhino conservation efforts in South Africa — and Chris DeRose, founder of Last Chance for Animals, who fights tirelessly for animal rights around the globe, are also expected.

Lending his voice to the evening will be Christian Moore, the president of the Monaco Ambassadors Club and the son of the iconic Sir Roger Moore, who will deliver the opening address. A longtime supporter of Borneo Wildlife Preservation, Moore will speak about the urgency of collective action in protecting our planet’s biodiversity, a cause aligned with Monaco’s long legacy of environmental stewardship.

From rainforest restoration in Malaysia to wildlife sanctuaries in South Africa and Congo, the proceeds from this one-of-a-kind gala will directly benefit conservation initiatives, including the Borneo Elephant Sanctuary, Virunga National Park and the Khusela Wildlife Sanctuary.

For more information and to purchase tickets, click here.

Read related:

Stelios Foundation raises €600,000 for Prince Albert II Foundation and World Wildlife Fund

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

Photo credit: Chennawit U, Pexels