Monaco renews €1.5 million commitment for MedFund

12/06/2025

In a side event during the United Nations Ocean Conference (UNOC3), the Principality signed a new five-year funding agreement word €1.5 million for MedFund in the presence of Prince Albert II, celebrating 10 years of Mediterranean conservation efforts.

The renewed commitment underscores Monaco’s dedication to the MedFund, an environmental trust fund for marine protected areas across the Mediterranean, establishment in 2015.

Born from a joint initiative between Monaco, France, Tunisia and the Prince Albert II of Monaco Foundation, MedFund now supports 20 marine protected areas spanning 10 countries, covering more than 9,500 square kilometres of marine and coastal zones.

Particularly striking is the fund’s contribution to high-protection areas, with 800 square kilometres of strictly protected waters representing more than half of all such zones in the Mediterranean. This achievement comes through €6.3 million already committed by approximately 15 donors.

“In 2024, we reached a key milestone: 20 marine protected areas supported across nine countries,” said Romain Renoux, MedFund’s executive director. “The objective set in our 2020-2025 strategy has been achieved. Today, driven by this collective momentum, we are resolutely setting course for 2030.”

Barbara Pompili, French delegate of the environment during UNOC3 and Isabelle Berro-Amadei,Minister of State and the Minister of Foreign Affairs and Cooperation of Monaco signing the five year funding agreement © Michael Alesi / Palais Princier

Filing a critical funding gap

The Mediterranean remains one of the world’s richest marine ecosystems, yet it faces unprecedented threats from climate change and human activity. MedFund addresses a fundamental challenge: the chronic underfunding of marine protected areas, particularly along the southern and eastern Mediterranean shores where financing is often irregular or insufficient.

The fund operates on three core principles that have proven essential for success: cross-border cooperation, co-management between authorities and civil society, and science-based decision-making. This approach has facilitated 15 co-management agreements bringing together national authorities and local NGOs, while benefiting more than 68,000 people through socio-economic opportunities linked to marine conservation.

Each supported marine protected area receives between €50,000 and €75,000 annually, with funding levels tailored to the specific characteristics and needs of each site. The model has mobilised €16 million to date.

Looking ahead, MedFund has set its sights on an ambitious expansion aligned with international ocean protection targets. The organisation aims to capitalise €35 million by 2030, supporting 40 marine protected areas across 10 countries in the southern and eastern Mediterranean.

The renewed €1.5 million commitment from Monaco, split between the Government and the Prince Albert II Foundation, provides crucial momentum for this expansion.

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Photo credit: © Michael Alesi / Palais Princier

The Leclerc brothers celebrate brother Lorenzo’s wedding to Charlotte Di Pietro

by: Kyriaki Topalidou

12/06/2025

On June 6th, the eldest Leclerc brother exchanged vows with Charlotte Di Pietro in a romantic seaside celebration. By his side during the intimate ceremony where his two brothers, Charles and Arthur Leclerc.

La Mairie welcomed the heartwarming family celebration, as Lorenzo Tolotta-Leclerc married his partner Charlotte Di Pietro surrounded by close family and friends.

The newlywed couple chose to keep things elegant yet relaxed, starting with a civil service at La Mairie before moving the party to the stunning Maona restaurant by the sea.

The bride’s post featured a beautiful photo of the happy couple, perfectly capturing the joy and elegance of their wedding day. “It’s officially Mr. & Mrs. Tolotta-Leclerc” she wrote.

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A post shared by Dr. Charlotte Di Pietro (@charlotte2304)

Lorenzo looked sharp in a navy blue suit that perfectly matched those worn by his famous younger brothers – Formula 1 star Charles Leclerc and racing driver Arthur Leclerc. The coordinated outfits were a lovely touch that highlighted the close bond between the three siblings.

Charlotte radiated beauty in a bustier gown adorned with delicate white floral embroidery, while she completed the elegant aesthetic with a stunning bouquet of peonies.

Among the wedding party was also Alexandra Saint Mleux, Charles Leclerc’s partner, who served as one of Charlotte’s bridesmaids. The bridesmaids looked elegant in champagne-coloured satin gowns.

Charles Leclerc shared a heartwarming photo as well, featuring the three brothers side by side, writing: “A beautiful day we’ll forever remember”.

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A post shared by Charles Leclerc (@charles_leclerc)

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Main photo credit: Charlotte Leclerc

Dworld brings together visionary speakers to tackle the future of virtual tourism

by: Kyriaki Topalidou

12/06/2025

The world’s brightest minds in technology, tourism, and sustainability gathered at Le Méridien Beach Plaza on 6th June for the Virtual Economy and Sustainable Tourism Forum. The landmark event hosted by DWorld’s CEO Manila Di Giovani is set to revolutionise the travel experience through immersive technologies.

The forum brought together visionary leaders from public institutions and pioneering companies to explore how artificial intelligence, blockchain, and virtual twins can transform tourism. The focus turned towards how these innovations can create a more sustainable, inclusive, and environmentally friendly future for the travel industry.

An impressive line-up of international speakers attended the event, including Maria Betti, Director at DG JRC European Commission and Director for Pélagos international agreement, Maria Elena Rossi, Director of Foreign Offices and International Development of the Triumph Group and former Global Marketing Director of the Italian Tourist Board, and Wayne Grixti, Chairman of Malta Digital & Innovation Authority and CEO of Tech MT amongst others.

Jersey pioneers digital tourism revolution

Marcus Calvani, CEO of Jersey Hospitality Association, revealed how the Channel Island is developing what he describes as a “digital twinned metaverse version” of Jersey that allows potential visitors to customise their experience before arrival. Speaking to Monaco Life, Calvani explained how the technology transforms the island into a personalised virtual experience.

“We’ve been looking at how we can take some of the layers of our offering as an island—our history and heritage, our food and beverage, our great outdoors and wellness—and enable a digital twinned metaverse version of Jersey to layer the experience for a potential visitor,” Calvani said. “They can turn that into a personalised pleasure park or theme park of their own desire.”

The concept allows food enthusiasts to virtually explore Jersey’s culinary landscape with the press of a button, transforming the entire island into “a wonderful world of food”. History enthusiasts can delve into the island’s rich past, including its Second World War occupation, or engage with historical figures like King Charles inside a digitally recreated Mont Orgueil Castle.

“It offers the ability to curate and design their own experience for the island and choose what they want to visit,” Calvani noted. “Then, when they do physically come to the island, maybe afterwards, they’ve already created their whole experience before they get there.”

Tackling tourism’s carbon footprint

The forum addressed critical sustainability challenges facing the tourism industry, focusing on how digital innovations can dramatically reduce tourism’s carbon footprint. Virtual twins and immersive technologies offer multiple pathways to environmental responsibility by allowing destinations to manage visitor flows more effectively and provide pre-visit experiences that can reduce over-tourism pressures.

The discussions centred on practical applications of blockchain for transparent and sustainable travel practices, AI for personalised experiences, and virtual twins for destination management. These technologies represent a shift toward tourism experiences that begin long before departure and continue after return, all while potentially reducing the environmental impact of traditional tourism models

The event served as a strategic platform for government leaders, public institutions, investors, and tech innovators to forge concrete strategies for tomorrow’s virtual economies.

Main photo featuring Marcus Calvani, by Monaco Life

Global Philanthropists Launch Polar Donors Roundtable at UNOC3 in Nice

by: Cassandra Tanti

12/06/2025

With the world’s eyes on ocean conservation at the United Nations Ocean Conference (UNOC3) in Nice, an urgent call to action for the polar regions has taken place. On Monday 10th June, the Polar Donors Roundtable (PDR) was officially launched at the Cryosphere Pavilion inside the Green Zone of ‘La Baleine’, bringing together some of the world’s most influential philanthropic leaders in a bold new alliance to protect the Arctic and Antarctic.

Spearheaded by the Prince Albert II of Monaco Foundation alongside the Albédo Foundation for the Cryosphere, Oceans5, the Gordon & Betty Moore Foundation, and the Blue Nature Alliance, the new platform responds directly to increasing alarm over the accelerating ice melt and climate destabilisation occurring in polar regions. The initiative aims to fill a dangerous funding gap in polar environmental action, with the Arctic and Antarctic warming more than three times faster than the global average.

“We can now take a key step forward together and launch this new initiative, which I am convinced will be a milestone,” said Prince Albert II of Monaco at the launch. “A platform created by and for donors — donors ready to commit resources and act now, and eager to do so in the most impactful way.”

Driving Collaboration, Science and Visibility

The Polar Donors Roundtable will serve as a collaborative platform, designed to support high-impact philanthropic action in the polar regions. Its pillars include knowledge exchange, scientific guidance, coordinated strategies and increased visibility for polar issues within global environmental circles.

Backed by a scientific advisory board and designed to amplify collective impact, the Roundtable will help donors avoid duplicating efforts while supporting transformative, data-driven solutions for the world’s most vulnerable climates.

A Timely Initiative with Global Vision

The launch of the PDR comes at a critical juncture, just ahead of the Decade of Action for Cryospheric Sciences (2025–2034) and preparations for the 5th International Polar Year (2032–2033). Both major global initiatives aim to expand understanding of the cryosphere and galvanise international cooperation in response to the climate emergency.

Organisations interested in contributing to the preservation of the polar regions—through scientific research, environmental protection or community resilience—are invited to join the Roundtable and strengthen this growing philanthropic movement.

Photo: Prince Albert II with the Polar Roundtable. Photo source: FPA2

Monaco passes first-ever law on end-of-life care

by: Cassandra Tanti

12/06/2025

In a historic vote on Tuesday 11th June, Monaco’s National Council adopted Law No. 1081, creating — for the first time — a dedicated legal framework for palliative care and end-of-life support in the Principality.

Until now, Monaco had no formal legislation addressing the medical, ethical, or legal aspects of end-of-life care. Access to palliative treatment existed in practice, but patients had no guaranteed right to it, and end-of-life decisions were often made without clear guidelines. Law No. 1081 now changes that.

The legislation guarantees the right for every patient to receive palliative care — focused on comfort and pain relief rather than cure — and allows individuals to draft legally recognised declarations about how they wish to be treated at the end of life. These written statements will help doctors and families make care decisions that reflect the patient’s own values and preferences.

Importantly, the law does not permit any form of euthanasia or assisted dying. Instead, it reinforces the principle of life’s natural end, with compassion and dignity at its heart.

Strengthening the doctor–patient relationship

Law No. 1081 also introduces protections and responsibilities for healthcare professionals, offering a structured legal basis for end-of-life care decisions. It aims to build trust between patients and medical teams by making expectations and roles clear.

In addition, for the first time in Monaco’s history, the law formally acknowledges the role of volunteers and charitable associations in supporting terminally ill individuals, recognising the invaluable emotional and practical support they offer.

“A pact of humanity”

Speaking during the National Council session, Monaco’s Minister of Social Affairs and Health, Christophe Robino, called the new law “a true pact of humanity”. He said: “It is our responsibility—as institutions and as individuals—to ensure that every person is supported, relieved, and respected until their final breath.”

The Princely Government described the law as a balanced, modern response to a complex issue—rooted in ethical values while adapted to the needs of today’s society.

A milestone for Monaco

With this legislation, Monaco joins a growing number of countries that have chosen to legislate end-of-life care without crossing into euthanasia. The law provides legal clarity and compassionate safeguards at a time when many families and healthcare providers are seeking guidance through some of life’s most difficult decisions.

Photo credit: Manny Becerra, Unsplash

What Monaco’s Blue Economy and Finance Forum achieved — the results are in

by: Cassandra Tanti

12/06/2025

More than €33.7 billion is now in motion to fund the future of the ocean, following two days of high-level negotiations and announcements in Monaco. The Blue Economy and Finance Forum, held on 7th and 8th June, turned international ambition into financial reality, with billions committed to marine restoration, clean shipping, and ocean innovation.

With delegates arriving from nearly 100 countries – among them seven Heads of State – the Blue Economy and Finance Forum wasn’t just another environmental conference. It was a pivot point. Over 1,800 participants filled the halls of the Principality to negotiate, commit and collaborate.

The outcome? According to figures released by the Monaco Government on 11th June, €25 billion in existing investments have already been allocated to ocean-related projects. These range from the decarbonisation of shipping and ports to marine ecosystem restoration, offshore energy, and blue biotechnology.

In addition, €8.7 billion in new financial commitments were secured during the Forum, with €4.7 billion from private investors and philanthropists, and €4 billion from public financial institutions. These funds are expected to contribute directly to the implementation of the Global Biodiversity Framework and the recently adopted agreement on marine biodiversity in areas beyond national jurisdiction (BBNJ).

Monaco at the centre of a growing global coalition

Held as a prelude to the UN Ocean Conference in Nice, the Forum brought together 1,800 participants from nearly 100 countries, including seven Heads of State. The event marked a significant acceleration in both the scale and coordination of blue finance.

The Forum’s co-chairs, Ilana Seid and Pascal Lamy, announced the formation of a structured coalition that will guide the sector in the years ahead. This approach, they said, combines long-term strategy with immediate action, and reflects a shared understanding that the ocean is central to climate, food, and economic stability.

Corporate and financial sectors join the effort

The private sector made its presence felt through the ‘Business in Ocean’ declaration, signed by 80 companies from 25 countries. Representing a combined €600 billion in annual revenue, these firms pledged to incorporate marine considerations into their business strategies, assess their ecological impact, and support community-based solutions.

Meanwhile, the launch of the #BackBlue Commitment Ocean Finance coalition added a significant financial dimension. With $3 trillion in assets under management, participating institutions have agreed to consider ocean sustainability in investment decisions. A further alliance of 20 development banks, now operating under the Finance in Common framework, announced the availability of $7.5 billion annually for marine projects aligned with Sustainable Development Goal 14.

Support for high-impact projects in the Global South

Recognising the importance of inclusivity, the Forum also introduced the ‘Philanthropists and Investors in Ocean’ initiative. Designed to direct capital towards ecologically and socially meaningful projects, it will prioritise efforts in vulnerable coastal regions, particularly in the Global South.

In his closing remarks, Prince Albert II described the Forum as a moment of genuine alignment between governments, markets, and civil society. “We must build more of these alliances,” he said. “In just two days, I think something has shifted. […] Occasionally, albeit too rarely, positive momentum does occur and what we have witnessed here in Monaco is precisely that. We witnessed it throughout our discussions: everything is now in place to make the major turning point our ocean requires and the world expects.”

See more:

Prince Albert II rallies global leaders In Nice: “The Ocean can’t wait”

Photo source: FPA2

Day: 12 June 2025