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Prince highlights Med initiatives at Paris summit

by: Stephanie Horsman
12/01/2021

Prince Albert has addressed world leaders at the One Planet Summit in France’s capital, saying that the preservation of seas and forests is the preservation of humanity.
Prince Albert was in Paris for the One Planet Summit on Monday, organised by France and hosted by French President Emmanuel Macron. The environmental action meeting brought together more than 30 heads of state, government officials and leaders of international organisations, some via video conference, to discuss strategic plans and programmes in place or under development to protect the planet.
During the session dedicated to the protection of marine and terrestrial areas, Prince Albert highlighted the two initiatives developed in the Mediterranean with the support of his Foundation: the MedFund, dedicated to the preservation of marine protected areas, and Beyond Plastic Med – BeMed, which focusses on the fight against plastic pollution.
“To act for the preservation of the seas and forests is to act for the survival of humanity,” said the Prince.

Photo: Prince Albert sits next to French President Emmanuel Macron and other world leaders at the One Planet Summit in Paris on Monday, source Prince Albert II of Monaco Foundation

President Emmanuel Macron announced that the High Ambition Coalition for Nature and People, which was launched in 2019 by Costa Rica, France and Britain to set a target of protecting at least 30% of the planet by 2030, has now been joined by 50 countries.
The UK’s Prince Charles made an “urgent appeal” for private sector leaders to back the Terra Carta, or Earth Charter, which encourages businesses to get on track with sustainability and eco-friendly practices.
But the enthusiasm shown by leaders was slightly underscored by the challenge of how all these projects would be realised financially. UN Secretary General Antonio Guterres said there was a deficit of €5.85 billion per year for projects that are trying to meet biodiversity targets by 2030.
UK Prime Minister Boris Johnson has committed £3 billion (€3.35 billion) to climate change programmes and Canada’s Justin Trudeau offered $55 million (€45.26 million) to the UN Land Degradation Neutrality Fund.
President of the European Commission Ursula von der Leyen pledged that the EU would devote “several hundred million euros” to research pertaining to biodiversity, animals and health, adding that the EU will be introducing new laws to restrict products harmful to the environment by the end of the year.
The one-day summit focused on four major topics: protecting terrestrial and marine ecosystems; promoting agroecology, a more sustainable way to grow food; increasing funding to protect biodiversity; and identifying links between deforestation and the health of humans and animals.

It served as a prelude to the upcoming COP26 Summit on climate, the COP15 Summit on biodiversity, and the COP15 Summit on desertification, which are all scheduled for later this year.

A side conference on Monday focused on investment for Africa’s Great Green Wall project, which involves efforts to stop the Sahara Desert from spreading further south. Launched in 2007, it aims to plant an arc of trees running 7,000 kilometres across Africa — from Senegal along the Atlantic all the way to Djibouti on the Gulf of Aden.
Another initiative involves a new coalition of Mediterranean countries working to better protect the sea from pollution and overfishing.
 
Photo source: Prince Albert II of Monaco Foundation
 
 
 
 
 
 
 

Interview: Olivia Dorato, Monaco’s rising star

by: Cassandra Tanti
12/01/2021

At just 22 years of age, Olivia Dorato has released two albums, one EP and is waiting for the right time to introduce the world to her third album. She produced 17 songs during a global pandemic and has become the voice of Monaco’s heroes at the forefront of the health crisis.
Monaco Life caught up with the young Monegasque to talk about her brave decision to move away from a predictable life in law to the very uncertain and exciting life of a singer/songwriter.
Monaco Life: Have you always had a passion for music? What are your earliest memories of enjoying music?
Olivia Dorato: I think so. My parents tell me I used to sing rather than talk. There was a decisive moment when I was playing a game with my best friend and sister and I wrote a song titled ‘Rigoler’ (Nothing). I realised at that exact moment that I was actually a song writer, that I had something in me that makes me want to produce, create and compose music. I was around eight years old at the time.
Did you go on to study to music or singing?
I never studied music at school. I have always just taken my guitar and played something every day for at least one hour, to train and be the best I can be. That is why I believe that what I have is a real gift. But I have also worked very hard to be where I am.
What is it about the process of writing songs and composing music that you love?
I think music is really something that makes me happy. Without music I feel my life would have no real meaning. I am lucky to have found something that makes me happy every single day.

Did you always want to make a career out of music?
I actually studied to be a lawyer at university. Even when I received my law degree in 2019, I knew that music was my entire life. I tried to find the strength to do music full time, and it was pretty hard and I felt guilty of course, but I did it. And honestly, it is the best decision I have ever made.
That’s a very brave move. Did your parents support you in that decision?
I am so lucky because without them, nothing would have happened. My parents were very understanding and they were the ones who told me: “Olivia, if music makes you happy, just do it. Now is the right time, and if you don’t try it you will regret it for the rest of your life. Even if you fail, you will have tried and that is the most important part.” So, I did.
How old were you when you released your first album?
I released my first album at 14, then I released my second one at 17. I had a pause for my studies, and now my new EP has just been released.
How has your music evolved over the years, from that first album to this latest EP?
When I listen to my first album now, I can really see the improvement and the evolution of my music. And although I may think “Oh my god, that is terrible”, to be honest I wouldn’t change a thing. Of course, the vocals are better now, the music is better, and the quality of the production is better. Which is fortunate, I guess.

Photo of Olivia Dorato by Christophe Paitrault

Who are your influences in music?
(Laughing) I am a huge fan of Justin Bieber, because of the quality of his production and the fact he always tries to stand out from other artists. But Harry Hudson has been the biggest inspiration over the past few years. He overcame cancer and he actually gave me the strength to put my studies on hold and try my luck in music. I also like Charlie Puth because he is a genius, and also Billie Eilish because she really has her own thing going on and she’s in her own universe.
You produce songs in both English and French. Do you write and compose differently for each language?
For me, it has always been easier to write in English, because the words come easier. In French, you always have to be so serious. For example, in English you can say: “Butterfly, fly away”, but in French that sounds silly. I really like to write in English but if I want to be famous in France, I have to write in French. So, I make songs in both languages, and I think I have found a good balance between the two.
You were awarded l’Artiste de Monaco 2020 in November, produced and sang ‘Love the Ocean’ for the OceanoScientific project, and also wrote and performed a song about frontline workers during the Covid epidemic. How did this last collaboration come about?
I was contacted a few months ago by one of the Prince’s Carabinier, Major Olivier Drean, and asked if I could do something for the National Day celebration. He wanted me to write a song about all the people who have been working hard during the crisis, and I said ‘sure that’s a great idea’. I love to use my music to help others and shine a light on them.
The idea was to play the song live on National Day in front of the Palace, and until the very last moment we thought it was possible. But then I got a call that said we couldn’t do it because of everything going on, so we shot a music video instead, which in itself was an enormous task.

You must feel very patriotic to be able to do this for your country?
I feel so proud that they chose me to do this. I feel very lucky and happy to be able to show that Monaco has an existence through music. I really want to grow that perspective of Monaco, and this is the first step. I am extremely proud to be Monegasque.
What is next for Olivia Dorato?
I would like to release an album which I have already recorded. Initially, the release of the EP was planned for June 2020 but the recording couldn’t be done because of lockdown. So, when it was lifted, I recorded 17 tracks in the studio in almost a month, which is incredible. But I have to wait for the right time to release the album because the music world is struggling now, and it’s quite frustrating. So, the album is planned for release in 2021, but I have no specific date yet.
Where do you see yourself in the next few years?
I see myself touring the world and living for my music. I see myself on stage, writing songs, having a family, being happy and doing what I love, and still trying to help people with my gift.
 
Top photo of Olivia Dorato by Christophe Paitrault
 
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Bella’s guide to seasonal bargain shopping

by: Isabella Marino
11/01/2021

The end-of-season sales is definitely my favourite time of the year. I love shopping for beautiful designer items, but I consider myself a real bargain shopper.
After finding the perfect Christmas gifts for everyone else, it is time to put yourself first.
If you love shopping as much as I do, you don’t have to cut shopping out of your life. The trick is to buy smart, timeless pieces with great quality instead of wasting money on useless items during the year. It is all about timing and spotting ‘the pearl’.
The ecosystem is also a very important factor for the fashion industry. Sustainability has recently become a significant new driver in consumers’ purchasing decisions. A drop in demand caused by travel restrictions across the world, store closures and national lockdowns have led to excess inventory. Destroying unsold stock is a widely used but rarely discussed technique that luxury companies perform to maintain the scarcity of their goods and the exclusivity of their brand image. But incineration has some very negative consequences. Burning clothes releases carbon dioxide and other greenhouse gases into the atmosphere, which exacerbates global warming. Incineration of clothes made from synthetic fibres may also release plastic microfibers into the atmosphere.
But after receiving a lot of media criticism, some brands have stopped the practice and are now selling part of the unsold inventory in outlets or discounted in stores during the official sales period.
Most of my favourite brands are offering sales on autumn/winter merchandise and I have selected for you a mix of the best designer items which are on sale right now, as well as high street bargains.
Sales items on display can look messy sometimes, so I have found some amazing pieces for you. But hurry up, they’re selling out fast!
And remember, just because it is marked down doesn’t mean you’re getting a bargain. You need to be aware of what the item usually costs, and buying something that you don’t really need is never a bargain, no matter how discounted the price is.

 

 



 
Instagram: _bella_marino_
 

Government launches Monaco Boost incubator

by: Cassandra Tanti
07/01/2021

Monaco’s entrepreneurial eco-system has received a major “boost” thanks to the opening of another government funded start-up incubator capable of supporting 108 businesses.  
Monaco Boost was officially launched on Wednesday 6th January by Minister of State Pierre Dartout, Finance and Economy Minister Jean Castellini and President of the National Council Stephane Valeri.
Like its sister incubator MonacoTech created in 2017, Monaco Boost is able to provide office space to start-ups looking to get established and register as a company in the Principality.
“I welcome the implementation of this tool available to Monaco’s entrepreneurs who create and innovate, and which will be used to promote economic initiatives in the Principality,” said the minister of state.
Monaco Boost is located in zone F of Fontvieille and is 100% owned by the State, with Laurence Garino, head of the Monaco Welcome Office, taking on the position of administrator.

Photo by Michael Alesi – Government Communication Department

The 1,200 square metre business centre is made up of 32 closed office spaces, two co-working areas that include 16 shared offices and 12 “hot spots”, two meeting rooms, one multipurpose room, a cafeteria, a relaxation area and a terrace.
The whole space is capable of accommodating 108 companies.
The government has indicated that by the end of January 2021, a call for applications will be launched for individual offices, with a view to installing the first contractors in April 2021. The Allocation Commission will be chaired by the Minister of Finance and Economy Jean Castellini and include National Council representatives, the Administration des Domaines, the Directorate of Economic Expansion, and SAM Monaco Boost.
 
Photo by Michael Alesi – Government Communication Department
 
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Christmas at the Palace

by: Cassandra Tanti
27/12/2020

Princess Charlene has spread a little virtual Christmas cheer, sharing hilarious snaps of Prince Albert getting in the festive spirit this year – a playful contrast to the traditional holiday family portrait released earlier by the Palace.
On Wednesday, the Palace released a video of the Christmas family portrait on its Facebook page, with the message: “May the spirit of Christmas be with you throughout the New Year. We wish you a Merry Christmas and a happy New Year 2021.”
The picture was reportedly taken on 18th November, the day before Monaco’s National Day, which explains why Princess Charlene isn’t sporting the daring undercut that she revealed at the Palace gift giving event in mid-December.
 

Credit: Eric Mathon-Prince’s Palace of Monaco/Facebook

“It’s a really nice picture with a different kind of Christmas tree and a different tone. It’s kind of white and silvery more than red and green. It’s really beautiful,” Prince Albert told People magazine.
Due to the ongoing Covid situation, the Princely family spent a “low-key” Christmas between Monaco and Roc Agel in the hills above the Principality.
In pictures shared to Instagram by Princess Charlene, we can see that they were joined by Princess Stephanie and her children at the Palace on Christmas day.
 
Pictured left to right: Marie Ducruet, Pauline Ducruet, Princess Stephanie, Camille Ducruet, Princess Gabriella, Princess Charlene, Louis Ducuret and Prince Albert II. Credit: Princess Charlene of Monaco/Instagram

The Princess is also keen to show off her husband’s jovial side and capacity not to take himself too seriously, with the Prince sporting red Christmas pyjamas and matching red crocs, while another shows him wearing a Christmas hat and reindeer glasses in front of the giant tree with twins Hereditary Prince Jacques and Princess Gabriella (top photo).
 
Princess Charlene kissing the family’s pet Chihuahua. Credit: Princess Charlene of Monaco/Instagram

A third shows the Princess kissing the family dog, giving a close-up of her bold new hair style. ‘Merry Christmas to all our friends and families, love you all,’ the caption read.
 
Credit: Princess Charlene of Monaco/Instagram

Earlier in the week, Princess Charlene shared polaroid snaps of the family enjoying a Wild-West themed evening, with her cowboy Prince and adorable kids.
 
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What's on your face mask?

by: Cassandra Tanti
14/12/2020

The Grimaldi Forum is now equipped with new machines capable of disinfecting all types of face masks and small objects in just minutes, extending their lifespan and helping to reduce PPE waste.
As part of a partnership established with SIEMC – a Monegasque representative of the Montpellier start-up T.Zic, the Grimaldi Forum Monaco recently installed six UVO Care disinfecting machines.
The innovative device created by T.Zic is another weapon in the health and safety arsenal of the Grimaldi Forum, the Principality’s largest congress and cultural centre.
With one easy touch, the device opens, the mask or object is inserted, closed, and disinfected. Masks take two minutes to disinfect, small objects like mobile phones and keys take 20 seconds.
The UV-C LED technology is said to remove over 99.99% of viruses and bacteria from objects, including Covid-19.
“This innovative machine, which has already won over French companies and is starting to expand internationally, should rapidly penetrate the Monegasque market, where safety is a priority,” said Robert Biggi, SIEMC sales manager.
For Sylvie Biancheri, General Manager of the Grimaldi Forum, “It is essential that today we are able to protect and reassure our employees and our customers. Awarded the ‘Monaco Safe’ label, our establishment has shown in recent months that it is possible to organise events in compliance with strict health rules. We are delighted with this partnership which allows us to complete our system with the addition of the UVO Care machine.”
As well as their use in health and safety, the disinfecting machines also prove to be environmentally responsible technology, increasing the longevity of face masks and limiting their impact on the environment – an important factor for the ISO 14001 certified Grimaldi Forum. It is also energy efficient and requires no special maintenance.
Photo: UVO Care machine