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Month: July 2026

Le Méridien Beach Plaza celebrates 50 years of marine conservation with new photography exhibition

by: Cassandra Tanti
15/07/2026

Le Méridien Beach Plaza is marking the 50th anniversary of the Monegasque Association for Nature Protection (AMPN) with a new photography exhibition celebrating five decades of marine conservation in the Principality.

Running from 15th July to 15th October, the exhibition, 50 Years of Commitment to Biodiversity, takes over the hotel’s Méridien Hub, offering visitors a visual journey through the history of Monaco’s Marine Protected Areas and the people who have worked to preserve them.

Founded in 1976 at the request of Prince Rainier III, the AMPN was established to help Monaco play a meaningful role in protecting the Mediterranean Sea. The association has since become a driving force in marine conservation, managing the Larvotto Marine Protected Area since its creation in 1976 and extending its stewardship to the Spélugues Marine Protected Area a decade later. Today, these sites are recognised internationally as models for urban marine conservation.

Over the past five decades, the association has led pioneering scientific research, ecological restoration programmes and long-term monitoring of marine habitats, while also introducing innovative conservation initiatives, including the world’s first 3D-printed artificial reefs in 2017. Alongside its scientific work, the organisation has placed education and public awareness at the heart of its mission, believing that inspiring future generations is essential to protecting the world’s oceans.

A visual journey through Monaco’s marine heritage

The exhibition is organised around six themes—Protect, Develop, Restore, Study, Innovate and Inspire—and combines archive material with contemporary photography to chart the evolution of Monaco’s marine conservation efforts.

Visitors will discover the creation and management of the Principality’s protected marine areas, major scientific discoveries, restoration projects and technological innovations that have helped safeguard one of the Mediterranean’s richest coastal ecosystems.

A longstanding partnership

Hosting the exhibition reflects Le Méridien Beach Plaza’s long-standing collaboration with the AMPN. As Monaco’s only hotel with a private beach directly bordering the Larvotto Marine Protected Area, the hotel has worked alongside the association on numerous environmental initiatives, including beach and underwater clean-ups, educational activities for children, awareness programmes for guests and staff, and support for conservation projects.

The Larvotto Marine Protected Area, which covers 33 hectares of Monaco’s coastline, is home to extensive Posidonia seagrass meadows and a remarkable diversity of marine life, including groupers, moray eels, octopus and spiny lobsters.

The exhibition forms part of Le Méridien’s global Unlock Art™ programme, which aims to connect guests with the cultural identity of each destination through exhibitions, artistic collaborations and exclusive cultural experiences. In Monaco, hotel guests can also enjoy complimentary admission to exhibitions at the Nouveau Musée National de Monaco by presenting their room key.

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

Photo taken from exhibition panel. 

Monaco unveils ‘Renature the City’ vision to create a greener, more climate-resilient future

by: Cassandra Tanti
15/07/2026

The Monegasque government has unveiled an ambitious long-term strategy to integrate more nature into the Principality’s urban landscape, as it seeks to prepare Monaco for the challenges of climate change while improving quality of life for residents.

The initiative, titled ‘Renature the City’, sets out the principles that will guide future development and urban planning projects across one of the world’s most densely built environments. Developed in collaboration with international landscape architecture firm Grant Associates, the strategy aims to strengthen Monaco’s resilience to rising temperatures, enhance biodiversity and create more comfortable public spaces.

Among its priorities are tackling the urban heat island effect, increasing green spaces and ensuring nature is incorporated into new developments from the earliest stages of design.

“In a vertical city as densely urbanised as Monaco, one of our foremost responsibilities is to imagine the city of tomorrow,” said Minister of State Christophe Mirmand.

“We must take into account the need to combat heat islands so that residents can continue to enjoy a high quality of life as the effects of climate change become more pronounced. This is essential for the Principality’s attractiveness, but it is also important for health and social wellbeing.”

Rather than treating greenery as an afterthought, the strategy will embed environmental considerations into the planning of public infrastructure, neighbourhood developments and open spaces, ensuring future projects are both more resilient and more enjoyable to live in.

Government Minister for Public Works, the Environment and Urban Development Céline Caron-Dagioni said the approach is already shaping the way new projects are conceived.

“From the earliest design stages, we are considering how nature can be integrated, even in spaces that have traditionally been highly mineral for technical reasons,” she said.

“Nature and technical requirements are not incompatible. We also want to ensure that pedestrians, whether walking past public or private developments, continue to enjoy those magnificent views of the Mediterranean, allowing the eye to remain connected to the blue horizon.”

The government has published a dedicated section on its website featuring a presentation video, the strategic framework behind the initiative and examples illustrating how the principles will be implemented in future projects.

See also:

Fontvielle’s Avenue des Papalins to get a green makeover

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Image source: Government Communications Department

Monaco and Germany reaffirm close ties as diplomatic relations mark 75 years

by: Cassandra Tanti
15/07/2026

Monaco and Germany have reaffirmed the strength of their longstanding relationship during a high-level bilateral meeting in Berlin, held as the two countries celebrate the 75th anniversary of diplomatic relations.

On 10th July, Monaco’s Minister of Foreign Affairs and Cooperation, Isabelle Berro-Amadeï, met with her German counterpart, Johann Wadephul, at the Federal Foreign Office in the German capital. The discussions highlighted the excellent state of relations between the Principality and Germany while providing an opportunity to address a range of shared priorities.

According to a government statement, among the key topics discussed were innovation, climate action, ocean protection, and cooperation on economic, scientific and cultural initiatives. The two ministers also underlined the shared values that continue to underpin relations between the two countries.

During the meeting, Wadephul congratulated Monaco on its current Presidency of the Committee of Ministers of the Council of Europe and praised the Principality’s commitment to advancing accountability mechanisms for Ukraine.

Berro-Amadeï was accompanied by Lorenzo Ravano, Monaco’s Ambassador to Germany, together with diplomats Jean-Laurent Imbert and Tatiana El Khoury from the Embassy in Berlin.

Monaco and Germany formally established diplomatic relations in October 1951 with the creation of a diplomatic legation, which was elevated to embassy status in August 1983.

Today, Monaco’s Embassy in Berlin oversees a network of six honorary consuls located in Munich, Frankfurt, Hamburg, Potsdam, Düsseldorf and Stuttgart, helping to strengthen the Principality’s presence and promote its interests across Germany.

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

Photo source: Government Communications Department

 

Keys to new Centre Hospitalier Princesse Grace handed to hospital director

by: Virginia D’Umas
14/07/2026

The official handover of the new Centre Hospitalier Princesse Grace (CHPG) building took place Monday 13th July, as Prince Albert II transferred the keys to the hospital director, Benoîte Rousseau de Sevelinges, in the presence of Minister of State Christophe Mirmand and senior government officials. The event signals the transition from the construction phase to the period of operational preparation, during which staff will ready the facility to receive patients.

Addressing the assembly, Prince Albert II framed the new facility as a central element of the Principality’s health strategy.

“These keys do not close a construction site: they open a future. This hospital is more than public equipment; it is a vital pillar of our country that expresses our constant desire to make health a lasting priority,” said Prince Albert II.

Minister of State Christophe Mirmand added that the extensive effort required to reach this stage, acknowledged the contributions of over 150 companies and the hundreds of workers involved. Addressing the medical staff, saying: “We have given you the tool: you will give it its soul.”

Engineering in a constrained environment

The project involved navigating significant logistical and technical hurdles, including building over a void and shifting the alignment of Avenue Pasteur, all while maintaining the operations of the existing hospital. Céline Caron-Dagioni, Minister of Equipment, Environment and Urbanism, explained the complexity of the site, saying that they were equipped with a logistics lot to manage all supplies in a constrained area: “It wasn’t a calm river, but through the strength of the collective teams, we always managed to find the right solutions.” 

Prince Albert II visiting the new Centre Hospitalier Princesse Grace / Photo credit: Manuel Vitali – Direction de la Communication

Facility upgrades and sustainability

The new building has achieved ‘High Quality Environmental’ (HQE) Excellent certification. Technical features include a connection to the Principality’s thalassothermic loop, energy-efficient elevators, and over 2,000 square metres of green space. Operational improvements include an increase of approximately 60 beds dedicated to psychiatry, the integration of modular hybrid operating rooms and surgical robotics, and a clinical design focused on secured patient pathways and the expansion of ambulatory care.

Operational timeline

The site will now undergo a series of technical trials, including full-scale simulations and ‘blank runs’ to verify system reliability. Support services, such as the pharmacy and laboratory, are scheduled to begin operations late in 2026. The phased transfer of hospital departments will commence in the first quarter of 2027, with the first patients expected to be received in January. The project will reach its final conclusion with the completion of Phase 2 in 2033. This development reinforces the medical partnership between the Principality and France, ensuring a continuum of care for both residents and the surrounding region.

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: From left to right: Christophe Mirmand (Minister of State), Prince Albert II, Benoîte Rousseau de Sevelinges (Director of the CHPG), Céline Caron-Dagioni (the Government Counsellor-Minister of Equipment, Environment and Urbanism),and Christophe Robino (Government Counsellor-Minister of Social Affairs and Health). Credit: Manuel Vitali – Direction de la Communication

A solemn tribute: Remembering the victims of the 2016 Nice terrorist attack

by: Virginia D’Umas
14/07/2026

Ten years have passed since the tragic terrorist attack that struck the city of Nice on 14th July 2016, claiming 86 lives and injuring hundreds. As the city approached its annual commemoration, the community gathered on Sunday 12th July for a solemn, participative march along the Promenade des Anglais.

Organised in close collaboration with the victims’ associations—’Promenade des Anges’, ‘Mémorial des Anges’, ‘Life for Nice’, and ‘Une voie des enfants’—the march served as a collective time for tribute and reflection. The journey began at 9am near the Lenval Hospital, proceeding to the Jardin Albert Ier, where participants laid white roses to honour those lost.

Voices of remembrance

The march remained a crucial tradition for those seeking to pay their respects. Reflecting on the heavy atmosphere, attendee Alexandre N. told Monaco Life: “Coming here is a necessity. It is deeply moving and brings back so many memories, but we gather to stand in honour of those no longer with us. To forget them is not an option.”

For the families affected, the event provided a vital sense of community. Reflecting on the impact, participants noted that finding support and connection with others is a key part of moving forward and building resilience in the face of such tragedy.

Salwa, who attends the commemoration every year out of respect for those lost and the families grieving their loved ones, shared her experience of the trauma with us, saying: “Some memories never fade—they are permanently seared into our minds.”

Honouring lives lost: Wreaths are laid at the ‘L’Ange de la Baie’ memorial by MP Éric Ciotti, standing in solidarity with families and local leaders. Photo by Monaco Life

A legacy of quiet dignity

Following the tribute to the firefighters, the procession stopped at the L’Ange de la Baie memorial statue, created by Jean-Marie Fondacaro, where wreaths were laid. The tribute included the participation of the Mayor of Nice, Éric Ciotti, alongside victims’ families and representatives of local associations.

The march then continued toward the Jardin Albert 1er, a path marked by shared silence and mutual support. Upon arrival, the atmosphere shifted into a space of quiet, profound reflection. Families of the deceased and members of the public approached the music kiosk to place white roses, a gesture of grace underscored by the delicate, peaceful melodies of a harpist. Throughout the verdant expanse of the garden, photographs of the victims were displayed among the trees—each portrait serving as a poignant, personal reminder of the vibrant lives that were tragically cut short.

A quiet, moving tribute as the public leaves white roses to honour those lost at the Jardin Albert 1er music kiosk. Photo by Monaco Life

As the formal procession concluded, the Jardin Albert 1er remained open to the public throughout the remainder of the day. This extended window provided citizens, visitors, and those still grieving the opportunity to return to the heart of the city to pay their respects. Within this sanctuary of silence, the community reaffirmed its commitment to keeping the memory of the victims alive, ensuring that even a decade later, the bonds of solidarity remain unbroken.

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  Facebook,  Instagram,  LinkedIn and Tik Tok. 

Main photo: Memorial march in tribute to the victims of the 14th July 2016 terrorist attack. Credit: Virginia D’Umas

 

Swiss Solar Boat claims overall victory at Monaco Energy Boat Challenge

by: Kayla Sauceda
14/07/2026

After four days of competition in the Principality, the 13th Monaco Energy Boat Challenge has concluded with Swiss Solar Boat being crowned the overall champion. The Challenge brought together 54 teams from 21 countries.

The Challenge represents an opportunity for higher education, research, and industry professionals to combine their knowledge to help shape the future of boating. Their innovations are developed and tested in real conditions, with support from the Corporate Mentoring Programme to accelerate the maritime sector’s energy transition.

Bernard d’Alessandri, Director and General Secretary of the Yacht Club de Monaco, said, “Yet again, the Challenge demonstrates that innovations destined to transform the maritime sector often gain momentum in Monaco,” highlighting the event’s role in shaping the future of the industry.

This year, Swiss Solar Boat was the overall winner as they consistently finished on the podium in the sports events and the E-Championship, also winning the Design and Eco-Design prizes.

Technological performance also reached new milestones, with average speeds increasing by around 8%, despite a self-imposed reduction of nearly 30% in permitted power. Additionally, the championship race saw just 30 centimeters between the top two teams. A new speed record was also set by the Frauscher x Porsche – 790 Spectre boat, achieving an average speed of 51.05 knots.

The debut of e-methanol was also one of this year’s highlight innovations, used by the Surge Methanol Foiling Team Twente. This fuel is converted back into hydrogen to power a fuel cell, providing significant storage advantages.

The weekend also offered conferences on advanced yachting technologies and alternative fuels for sustainable yachting. These topics are not only relevant to the competition, but also prove to be especially important for the Principality.

Additionally, a Job Forum held before the races connected students and companies through interview opportunities. Milena Idolo, Design Unit Coordinator for the Politecnico di Milano team, shared, “It is a great opportunity to speak directly with companies, discuss our future, and discover future opportunities.”

NatPower H and Aqua superPower, both taking part in the Challenge, announced their partnership to speed up the global rollout of electric charging solutions for ports and marinas.

Looking ahead, the event will enter a new phase in 2027 with the launch of the Monaco Energy Boat Challenge World Series. This new phase will enable new teams to join the Challenge while maintaining the standards that define the final in Monaco. The Challenge will continue to foster, test, and accelerate innovations that will help shape the future of the yachting industry.

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Photo provided