Monaco’s Prince Albert II recently joined a National Geographic expedition to the Solomon Islands alongside actor and environmentalist Leonardo DiCaprio and marine biologist and explorer Enric Sala. The group, joined by free-diving champion Pierre Frolla—an ambassador for the Prince’s eponymous Foundation—embarked on a submersible dive to witness firsthand the vibrant yet increasingly threatened biodiversity of the South Pacific archipelago.
The National Geographic’s Pristine Seas expedition, led by former university professor-turned-conservationist Enric Sala, recently invited Prince Albert to experience the unparalleled natural beauty of the Coral Triangle region aboard the mission’s dedicated vessel. During his visit, the Prince was joined by Academy Award-winner Leonardo DiCaprio and Pierre Frolla, a longtime collaborator with both the Prince Albert II of Monaco Foundation and the Princess Charlene of Monaco Foundation.
Through a submersible dive, the group explored the waters surrounding the Solomon Islands, a collection of hundreds of islands spanning 28,896 km² of primarily marine territory. Known as one of the most biodiverse regions on the planet, the Solomon Islands are home to a staggering array of marine life, but this ecological treasure trove faces mounting threats from overfishing, pollution and rising sea temperatures.
During the expedition, Prince Albert discussed his vision for ocean conservation with Sala and DiCaprio, reiterating the need to expand Marine Protected Areas (MPAs) worldwide. A dedicated advocate for marine conservation, the Prince has long championed inclusive and sustainable practices such as MPAs through his Foundation. His emphasis on MPAs reflects his commitment to preserving marine biodiversity, maintaining ecological balance and mitigating the impacts of climate change.
National Geographic’s Pristine Seas programme, launched in 2008, focuses on protecting the planet’s last untouched marine regions, such as that of the Solomon Islands.
The Islands, often referred to as the “Amazon of the Seas”, boast extraordinary marine diversity. Their waters are home to over 500 species of coral and thousands of fish species, from tiny reef dwellers to larger pelagic animals such as tuna, rays and sharks. However, many of the nation’s iconic species, like hawksbill turtles, leatherback turtles and dugongs, are now critically endangered, underscoring the urgent need for conservation efforts to protect this fragile marine paradise for future generations.
To see more photographs from Prince Albert’s trip to the Solomon Islands, click on the images below:
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Photos credit: Palais Princier de Monaco