The Oceanographic Institute of Monaco has appointed Julia Marton-Lefèvre as chair of its Board of Directors, replacing Philippe Taquet who died on 16th November after holding the position since 2017.
Marton-Lefèvre, who led the International Union for Conservation of Nature from 2007 to 2015, brings extensive experience in environmental governance and biodiversity protection to the Prince Albert I of Monaco Foundation institution. The Institute has also welcomed Sylvie Goulard, former French Minister of the Armed Forces and Deputy Governor of the Bank of France, as a new director.
International career spanning environmental organisations
Born in Budapest and educated in the United States and France, Marton-Lefèvre began her international career with a joint UNESCO and UN Environment Programme initiative on environmental education. She subsequently served as executive director at the International Council of Scientific Unions, now the International Science Council, and at Leadership for Environment and Development International.
Her tenure also includes a period as rector of the University for Peace. During her eight years leading IUCN, one of the world’s foremost organisations dedicated to protecting biodiversity, she established herself as a prominent voice in sustainable development and conservation.
Marton-Lefèvre currently chairs the boards of the Bioversity International & CIAT Alliance, the Critical Ecosystem Partnership Fund and the Villars Institute. Having lived on several continents, she describes herself as a “citizen of the world” and remains actively involved in numerous international environmental bodies.
Financial expertise added to board
Goulard brings a different perspective to the board, with her background in European and financial affairs. She served as a Member of the European Parliament from 2009 to 2017 before becoming French Minister of the Armed Forces in 2017. From 2018 to 2023, she worked as Deputy Governor of the Bank of France, where she led major initiatives in sustainable finance.
She currently co-chairs the International Advisory Panel on Biodiversity Credits and contributes to strategic planning at several academic and international institutions. Her expertise in financial regulation, European affairs and sustainable finance is expected to provide insight on economic and political aspects of marine conservation.
Strengthening global reference role
According to the Institute, Marton-Lefèvre’s international vision, experience in biodiversity issues and commitment to environmental governance will strengthen its position as a global reference in knowledge, scientific outreach and ocean protection.
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