France, Monaco and Italy jointly committed themselves some time ago to applying for membership of UNESCO’s World Heritage sites for the cross-border “Alps of the Mediterranean.” The application is now in its final phase.

The area includes protected natural areas such as the Alpi Marittime/Mercantour European Park and the Alpi Liguri Park. The project involves nearly 80 cross-border municipalities, including 42 in the Alpes-Maritimes. The Principality is, for its part, involved because of its marine heritage.

The file was officially submitted by Italy, in January 2018, to the offices of the Secretariat of the UNESCO World Heritage Centre, after the nomination was jointly signed by HE Mr Bernard Fautrier, Minister Plenipotentiary, in charge of missions to the Minister of State and Managing Director of the Prince Albert II of Monaco Foundation, and Mr Paolo Salsotto, President of the EGTC European Park Alpi Marittime-Mercantour.

HSH the Sovereign Prince said: “This exceptional territory is located on the border of three countries, it associates three cultures and it gathers three populations with a common objective: its protection. Together, we bring this UNESCO World Heritage nomination, which will be the recognition of all our efforts to protect the Mediterranean Alps, which deserve so much international recognition.”

The final decision on the application will be made during the 43rd session of the World Heritage Committee to be held in Baku, Azerbaijan, from June 30 to July 10, 2019.