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Day: 22 May 2026

Prince Albert II Foundation brings environmental photography exhibition to Rome

by: Cassandra Tanti
22/05/2026

The Prince Albert II of Monaco Foundation has opened a new photography exhibition in Rome showcasing some of the most striking images from its Environmental Photography Award, alongside a conference exploring the future of biodiversity conservation.

Inaugurated on 19th May at the Orto Botanico di Roma, the botanical garden operated by Sapienza University of Rome, the exhibition Uomo – Natura: Equilibri Fragili (Man and Nature: Fragile Balances) brings together winning photographs from the first five editions of the Prince Albert II of Monaco Foundation’s Environmental Photography Award. The exhibition highlights the delicate relationship between humanity and the natural world through powerful visual storytelling.

Photo credit: Mauro Salvatori

The launch event also featured a conference entitled Biodiversity Conservation: Challenges and Opportunities for the Future, bringing together institutional representatives, scientists and conservation specialists to discuss some of the most pressing environmental issues facing the planet today.

Opening remarks were delivered by Marco Colasanti, President of the Italian branch of the Prince Albert II of Monaco Foundation; Monaco’s Ambassador to Italy, Anne Eastwood; Eugenio Gaudio, President of Fondazione Roma Sapienza; Fabio Attore, Director of the Orto Botanico di Roma; and Sergio Pitamitz, National Geographic contributing photographer and Chairman of the Environmental Photography Award.

Following a guided tour of the exhibition, discussions focused on biodiversity protection and coexistence between humans and wildlife. Among the speakers was Piero Genovesi of the Italian Institute for Environmental Protection and Research, who addressed the return of wolf and bear populations in Italy, while Marco Oliverio of Sapienza University explored the role of modern biodiversity inventories in conservation efforts. Danilo Mollicone of the UN Food and Agriculture Organization presented an innovative reforestation initiative using birds to naturally disperse tree seeds, while Sergio Pitamitz shared the story behind his work documenting the bald ibis for National Geographic.

The exhibition forms part of the Prince Albert II of Monaco Foundation’s wider commitment to raising awareness around environmental protection and biodiversity conservation through art, science and international collaboration.

See also: 

British-German photographer wins Prince Albert II Foundation’s Environmental Photography Award

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Photo credit: Mauro Salvatori

World’s best showjumpers set to head to Port Hercule for €600,000 Grand Prix

by: Cassandra Tanti
22/05/2026
longines global champions tour monaco

Port Hercule transforms into one of the world’s most spectacular equestrian arenas from 2nd to 4th July, when the Longines Global Champions Tour – Jumping International de Monte-Carlo returns for its ninth stage of the prestigious international circuit.

Against a backdrop of superyachts, the Mediterranean and Monaco’s iconic architecture, the world’s finest horse and rider combinations will compete across three days of CSI5* competition, with the highlight being the Longines Global Champions Tour Grand Prix du Prince de Monaco on Saturday evening, carrying a prize fund of €600,000.

Founded in 1995 by Diane Fissore and integrated into the Longines Global Champions Tour since its creation in 2006, the Monte-Carlo event has established itself as one of the most demanding stops on the circuit — a technical track that consistently sorts the best from the rest.

Three days of competition

Thursday 2nd July opens with the GCL team competition over two rounds — the first at 1.60m qualifying for the Longines Grand Prix, the second at 1.55m. Friday 3rd July brings the Longines Pro Am Cup Monaco, before Saturday 4th July crowns the Grand Prix winner.

Last year, Simon Delestre and Cayman Jolly Jumper took victory, sounding the Marseillaise for the third consecutive year following Julien Epaillard’s win in 2023 and Inès Joly’s in 2024.

Monaco’s moment?

The Monegasque anthem has yet to ring out on a Saturday evening at Port Hercule — but 2026 may offer the best chance yet. Two Monegasque riders will contest the CSI5*, both with genuine credentials at the top level.

Anastasia Nielsen, just 19-years-old, won her first ever CSI5* Grand Prix at the Longines Global Champions Tour event in Rabat last October. A member of the all-female GCL team Cannes Stars powered by Iron Dames for the second consecutive year, she continues to confirm her considerable potential at every stage.

Iñigo Lopez de la Osa Franco, a long-standing presence at the highest level who represents the Monaco Aces in the GCL, will also be competing — with an added incentive: he is coached by none other than the reigning champion, Simon Delestre.

The Pro Am Cup

Friday evening brings the traditional Longines Pro Am Cup Monaco, conceived in 2010 by Charlotte Casiraghi. The format pairs an amateur rider with an international star on a relay course — the amateur tackling seven obstacles at 1.15m before handing over to their partner at 1.30m. Organised in support of AMADE, the event has become one of the most popular fixtures of the Monaco stop, offering young riders the chance to compete alongside their mentors.

Alongside the CSI5*, the programme includes 2* and national competitions, giving Monegasque riders the opportunity to continue building towards the highest level.

See also: 

Interview: Monaco’s show jumping prodigy Íñigo López de la Osa Franco

Image source: Longines Global Champions Tour