In the presence of HSH Prince Albert, France handed over the chairmanship of the International Coral Reef Initiative (ICRI) to Monaco, Australia and Indonesia, during a ceremony at the National Museum of Natural History in Paris on Wednesday, July 4, 2018.

In his address, HE the Sovereign Prince recalled the great responsibility of human societies whose development and short-term focus threatens the world’s coral reefs.

Monaco, during this co-presidency, will focus on the reinforcement of the political tools needed for the management and preservation of the reefs and on public mobilisation and new financial capabilities to counter the threats.

HE Mr Bernard Fautrier, Vice-President of the Prince Albert II of Monaco Foundation, took part in a session devoted to the financing of international commitments on the reefs.

The co-chairmanship of ICRI until 2020 is recognition of Monaco’s concern with the problem and its expertise. The Scientific Centre of Monaco has been wholeheartedly supported by the Prince’s Government, the Prince Albert II of Monaco Foundation, and by the Coral Reef Life Declaration, made in October 2017 by the Sovereign and His Royal Highness the Prince of Wales.