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It has been announced that world-renowned actor, activist, director and producer Robert Redford will be honoured at the third annual Monte-Carlo Gala for the Global Ocean this September. Redford will join previous honourees Leonardo DiCaprio and Orlando Bloom in receiving the award.
Organised by the Prince Albert II of Monaco Foundationon the terraces of the Opera of Monaco, the Gala will conclude a week of activities dedicated to the health of the Ocean. In bringing together global policymakers, business leaders, scientists, and celebrities, HSH Prince Albert of Monaco will once again shine a light on solutions to the existential crisis facing the world’s Ocean and its connection with climate change.
“We are delighted to honour Robert Redford, who has highly contributed to raising awareness about the environmental challenges the world is facing,” said HSH Prince Albert II of Monaco. “Mr. Redford is a long-time champion for climate change action, and it is our privilege to celebrate his life’s work.”
“I am honoured to be recognised by HSH Prince Albert II of Monaco and his Foundation,” said Robert Redford. “The Prince’s tireless leadership in the fight to preserve and protect our Ocean sets an example we all should follow. It’s our responsibility to work together to overcome the challenges before us in the fight to save our Ocean – and in turn, our planet.”
Mr. Redford has devoted his career to spurring meaningful change through the power of media. In his films, including All the President’s Men, The Candidate, Quiz Show, Out of Africa, and Truth, there has always been an underlying message of responsibility and advocacy, whether for the truth itself or for the preservation of the earth and those that inhabit it.
In 1981, Mr. Redford founded the Sundance Institute. The non-profit’s annual Sundance Film Festival is one of the largest and most respected of its kind, attracting a global audience to the work of emerging artists in independent film.
In 2005, Mr. Redford and his son, James Redford, established the Redford Centre, dedicated to harnessing the power of film, video, and new media to engage people through inspiring stories that galvanize environmental action.
And in December 2015, Mr. Redford delivered an inspiring message at the UN Assembly before the COP 21, on behalf of the National Resources Defence Council of which he has been a trustee for over 40 years.
Previously, the Foundation has honoured Academy Award winner Leonardo DiCaprio and Orlando Bloom with the Prince Albert II of Monaco Foundation Award for their work to protect and preserve the Ocean.
All proceeds from the Monte-Carlo Gala for the Global Ocean and its auction will support the Foundation’s Ocean initiatives, which make up 60 percent of its philanthropic portfolio and include the development of marine protected areas, the protection of threatened marine species, the mitigation of the impact of climate change and acidification on the ocean and the fight against plastic pollution.
In 13 years, the Foundation has supported over 470 projects around the world for a financial amount of more than 55 million euros.
Playing a key role in climate regulation, the Ocean covers more than 70 percent of the Earth’s surface, produces 50 percent of the oxygen that we breathe and absorbs 25 percent of carbon dioxide emissions. Overfishing, illegal fishing, rising temperatures and increased pollution are severely disrupting the Ocean’s balance.
This year’s gala will be the culminating event of a week of activities dedicated to saving the Ocean, including the launch of the Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change’s (IPCC) latest report on the Ocean and climate change in Monaco.
Sources: Prince Albert II of Monaco Foundation
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