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Photos: Monaco’s Princes and Princesses prep tortoises for transfer to Africa

by: Cassandra Tanti
11/12/2022

Hereditary Prince Jacques and Princess Gabriella have celebrated their 8th birthday in style with work helping to transfer Monaco’s endangered tortoises to West Africa and a multi-themed birthday party.

On Saturday 10th December, the twins and their parents Prince Albert and Princess Charlene were invited to the Oceanographic Museum of Monaco to help in the transportation of 46 young turtles for travel to the Turtle Village of Noflaye, in Senegal, as part of a population reinforcement project. This was the first part of a three-year programme to return the tortoises to the wild.

The Oceanographic Museum has housed several African spurred tortoises (Centrochelys sulcata), the third largest land tortoise in the world, since 2012. Seven specimens were offered by the former Malian President, Amadou Toumani Touré, to Prince Albert II of Monaco during an official trip. These tortoises, from a breeding centre in Mali, were then entrusted to Robert Calcagno, general director of the Oceanographic Institute, to raise awareness among visitors about the protection of this endangered species. The herbivorous reptiles had taken up residence in the L’île aux Tortues, a space specially designed for them on the panoramic terrace of the Museum, where they have since evolved in an 80m² landscaped enclosure.

“Protecting animal species, both on land and at sea, and making them known to the general public is a major challenge for the future,” explained Robert Calcagno. “Having these spurred tortoises, an animal now threatened, has enabled their reproduction while raising awareness among visitors of their need for preservation.”

Prince Albert and Princess Charlene took part in the “packaging” of the tortoises for travel, photo courtesy Oceanographic Institute of Monaco

Several have given birth to 49 juvenile tortoises and, now the enclosure is not large enough to accommodate them all, the Oceanographic Institute has joined forces with the African Institute for the Study and Protection of Turtles (African Chelonian Institute – ACI), which has set up a population reinforcement program for 46 of them.

The tortoises will first be received by the Centre for the Protection of Turtles in Senegal – Village des Tortues, before being introduced into the Koyli Alpha Nature Reserve in the northwest of the country where they will be monitored for two years.

Prince Jacques decorating the transport crate, photo courtesy Oceanographic Institute of Monaco

Tomas Diagne, a world-renowned turtle expert and winner of the Rolex Prize for Entrepreneurship in 1998, has been working for more than 30 years to save these endangered species in Senegal and West Africa. “This operation is exemplary in our eyes because in Africa, turtles are almost always exported to supply international trade. It is therefore a rare and beneficial exception to see them return to strengthen already weakened wild populations,” said Tomas Diagne.

After a first stage of “conditioning” at the Oceanographic Museum, during which the 46 juveniles were placed in a set of six specially designed crates, the tortoises were transported from Monaco to Paris-Charles de Gaulle airport, and eventually to Dakar.

Prince Jacques and Princess Gabriella celebrated their 8th birthday with their parents on 10th December. Photo credit: Eric Mathon, Prince’s Palace

On Saturday evening, the twins celebrated their birthday together with their parents Prince Albert and Princess Charlene.

A photo shared by the Palace shows a game theme for the little prince, complete with Mario and Sonic birthday cake, and a Japanese theme for the little princess, who looked adorable dressed up in traditional Japanese costume.

Click on the gallery below to see more photos…

 

 

All photos courtesy Oceanographic Institute of Monaco

 

 

 

Les Bordes Estate launches second round of luxury home sales in Loire Valley

by: Cassandra Tanti
10/12/2022

Les Bordes Estate has launched the second round of sales of Cour du Baron, a collection of luxury residences within one of the most exceptional, family-friendly private communities in the world.

Kings, queens, dukes and aristocrats have lived in Loire Valley castles since the 9th century; it has the longest wine route in all of France with vineyards stretching along the Loire River between Nantes and Sancerre, and black truffles flourish at the feet of ancient oak and hazelnut trees, much to the delight of local gastronomic chefs.

Now, there is a new Loire Valley luxury in the making.

Established in 1987 by Baron Marcel Bich, Les Bordes Estate is a majestic, 1,400-acre property situated in the mythical Sologne Forest, a UNESCO World Heritage site that is just 90 minutes from Paris.

Golf enthusiasts will know the name Les Bordes Estate thanks to the private golf club. It is one of the most acclaimed private facilities in the world and features two championship courses and a par three course designed by world-renowned golf course architects. They’re ranked in the Top 10 in continental Europe, and the New Course was recently included in Golf magazine’s Top 100 Courses in the World.

Les Bordes Golf Course. Photo credit Kevin Diss

But fewer have perhaps heard of the residences that are currently under construction here: Cour du Baron. In 2018, London-based RoundShield Partners assumed control of Les Bordes Estate with the aim of invigorating new life into the historic site. Their vision includes this string of unique single-family residences designed by renowned architecture firm Michaelis Boyd. They are between 170 and 550-square metre homes with spacious indoor-outdoor floorplans, up to seven bedrooms and some with private pool, on estate sites ranging from 1.5 to over 2 hectares.

Surrounded by lush forest landscape and situated along waterways, the Cour du Baron residences are being marketed to golf lovers – in fact 18 of the first 21 homes have been snapped up by Les Bordes Golf Club members – but the estate is also being billed as a lifestyle getaway for the whole family. There are endless activities here: fishing, horseback riding, archery, tennis, pickleball, bicycling, electric go-karting, a children’s playground, ziplining, a petting farm and more.

Les Bordes Estate horses

By 2025, there will also be a Six Senses Hotel Resort and Spa – a pioneer of sustainable hospitality – alongside a gastronomic restaurant, an organic kitchen garden and Earth Lab.

With the hotel situated metres from the estate, it will be the only fully-private, secure, gated community with its own golf course in Europe.

“We wanted to create a real lifestyle brand,” says Massimiliano ‘Max’ Binda, Chief Executive Officer of Les Bordes Estate. “It’s also both the security element and the fact that you want to be with like-minded people. We host and have as members, and we’ll have as owners, some extraordinary people that want to be with like-minded people in a safe and secure environment where they know they feel satisfied.”

Les Bordes Estate lake

The first 21 of 89 residences will be delivered by the end of 2023. The next 24 are now available for purchase, ranging from €1.5 to €6.5+ million, with a March 2024 move-in date. There are six different styles of homes, explains Max, most of them French countryside villas designed to blend in with their surroundings.

By next year, the largest residences will be released for sale, those on up to 10 acres of land that will allow you to keep horses, have your own private tennis court, recording studio, or perhaps a wine cellar.

The next phase will also see the addition of restaurants, a café and juice bar, organic farm, gym and Le Village with its own amphitheatre, serving as “a community gathering place for relaxation and socialisation”.

It’s an incredibly ambitious project, but at 1,400 acres, this estate can clearly have it all. There’s even a sandy “beach” and, eventually, an equestrian centre.

Les Bordes Estate Clubhouse

At just an hour and a half from France’s capital, Les Bordes Estate is looking to attract Parisians who wish to escape to the country on weekends, Europeans in need of a turnkey product, and “Americans who know this market well”, says Max, who brings over 25 years of hospitality experience to the role of CEO.

There are no cars allowed on the estate after arrival, he explains, so it’s just pure serenity and a real feeling of escape.

“Once you come into the estate, there is a certain peacefulness that surrounds you. Our members feel very relaxed here, they have no worries whatsoever,” he says. “The idea is to build a community that is extremely family friendly. I would say 90% of our activities are for kids. We understand that we need to create offerings that really capture the interests of the entire family.”

A Cour du Baron villa

Luxury is accommodation that removes any inconvenience, and Les Bordes Estate has plenty of tech in the villas. Owners can call ahead and make sure their home is ready when they arrive; the estate can also manage holiday lettings to subsidise costs for owners if they wish.

It is literally a millionaire’s family playground and, in this post-Covid world where family time has jumped up the list of priorities, this opportunity has come at a unique time. According to the latest figures, homes designed for seasonal and/or recreational use that sold for €1 million or more increased nearly 25% year-over-year in the second quarter of 2022. We can only imagine what 2023 will bring.

If you would like to experience Les Bordes Estate and discover more about the Cour du Baron residences, Monaco Life is happy to announce a special rate for our readers. It includes:

  1. Personalised Tour of Cour du Baron homesites and Les Bordes Estate
  2. Onsite accommodation: Suite: $950/night, Premium Room: $590/night, Standard Room: $520/night
  3. Special Monaco Life welcome amenity in your accommodation
  4. Access to the Country Club facilities: equestrian, tennis, go-karting, fishing, cycling and swimming lake, and the Club House facilities
  5. Access to the Wild Piglet par three golf course and a personalised tour of the championship golf courses by the Director of Golf
  6. 1-hour golf lesson with a Les Bordes Golf Club professional

This offer is valid now through the end of May 2023, subject to availability.

 

 

 

 

Monaco sees big jump in severe Covid cases

by: Cassandra Tanti
06/12/2022

The number of patients hospitalised in Monaco with Covid-19 more than tripled in a week as the coronavirus continues to affect more people in the Principality.

According to the latest figures from the health department, Monaco recorded 210 new cases of Covid in the week ending Sunday 4th December, 53 more than the previous week.

Hospitalisations have also jumped dramatically, going from 10 to 38 in the space of seven days. Of the current patients, 21 are residents. Two non-residents are in a critical condition in ICU.

The incidence rate in Monaco has now hit 536, up from 401 the previous week, with around 20% of all PCR and antigen tests coming back positive.

In the nearby Alpes-Maritimes department, where many of Monaco’s cross-border workers live, the incidence rate has reached as high as 738.

As reported in Monaco Life last week, the seasonal spike in Covid is not surprising. However, the rate of testing and vaccination is vastly different than this time last year.

Last week, 1,711 people tested for Covid in Monaco, compared to 7,051 people exactly one year ago.

According to French government figures, only 56% of people in the Provence Alpes Côte d’Azur region are vaccinated with a booster shot.

Photo by Monaco Life

Monaco National Council agrees on concrete reforms to legal system

by: Elsa Carpenter
05/12/2022

Monaco’s National Council has voted unanimously on a series of new laws that would bring the Principality’s judicial processes up to date and in line with France, including mental health support for criminals and rights for victims.

The National Council met on Wednesday 30th November as part of a public legislative session. The bills on the table, all positive in their ability to improve and reform Monaco’s legislative system, were ushered through somewhat quicker than normal as the government pushed the National Council to meet the deadline of an evaluation by MONEYVAL, a permanent monitoring body that is currently assessing the Principality’s conformity to international standards.

Although the laws were accepted unanimously, the rush to complete the tasks at hand has led to tension in the National Council, with President Brigitte Boccone-Pagès saying she had “never seen a situation such as the one we have experienced in recent weeks” and held the government accountable for the pressure put on her and her fellow councillors. Minister of State Pierre Dartouthas accepted her criticism of the “difficult conditions” and thanked the members of the National Council for their “responsibility in seeing these procedures through to their conclusion”. He promised “better anticipation” and “planning” in the future. 

Five important texts were examined, ahead of a vote which saw unanimity across the room. Here is a breakdown of the new laws.

Bill No.1030 pertains to preliminary investigation and alternative measures to prosecution, introducing a third option – something between the dismissal of a case and public prosecution – to the Attorney General. This “alternative measure” could offer perpetrators support from a health, social or professional structure in the place of incarceration, and assist them in “regularising their situation” or indeed go some way to repairing the damage caused by the offence they committed.  

Bill No.1031 lays the ground for reform of the investigative and appeal stages by modernising the existing procedures set out by the Code. Part of the bill includes the creation of an “assisted witness” status similar to that of the French law. It also clarifies Monaco’s standpoint on criminal liability and the appeal process.  

“The National Council is fundamentally in favour of any progress in human rights in the Principality. We are not and never have been a repressive or authoritarian society, but on the contrary an integrative society,” said Counsellor Guillaume Rose. “The icing on the cake [of Bill No.1031] is that the defence will have the first right to speak last. For fans of certain TV series, this seems like routine, but in Monaco [this development has been] a delay that is being made up for: a National Council tirelessly at work, years of negotiations that lead here.” 

Bill No.1067 brings Monaco’s laws governing the “seizure and confiscation of instruments and proceeds of crime” in line with those of the European Parliament and European Council (Directive 2014/42/EU). It also absorbs recommendations made by MONEYVAL in its ongoing evaluation of Monaco.

Bill No.1068 provides new provisions for international legal assistance in an effort to “strengthen the Principality’s international cooperation in criminal matters” as well as do away with any ambiguity in the pre-existing legislation. 

Bill No.1072 offers an amendment to a law previously passed in 2009 that represents the Principality’s crackdown on money laundering, terrorist financing and corruption. The government says that by widening the scope of this law, it brings Monegasque legislation up to scratch with the “latest international standards”.  

Following the meeting, the National Council’s president, Brigitte Boccone-Pagès said, “The National Council has once again assumed its responsibilities to preserve the reputation of the Principality and to develop our legislation, in accordance with the requirements of the international organisations, which establish new standards for the regulation of our contemporary economies. I have no doubt that these advances will therefore contribute to strengthening our attractiveness.” 

 

 

Photo source: Monaco Communications Department

Prince Albert honoured with prestigious German Sustainability Award

by: Jessica Tatam
05/12/2022

Prince Albert has been recognised for both his personal and his foundation’s work in sustainability at one of Europe’s largest awards ceremony for ecological and social commitment.

HSH Prince Albert II was in Düsseldorf on Friday 2nd November for the German Sustainability Awards (GSA), where he was presented with the most prestigious award of the event, the German Sustainability Award.

The Principality of Monaco, the second-smallest independent state in the world, is a big player when it comes to the environment and sustainability, and this is thanks in no small part to its monarch and leader, HSH Prince Albert II. Just one year after coming into sovereignty in 2005, he formed his namesake non-profit organisation, the Prince Albert II of Monaco Foundation, and since then has made it his mission to create a more sustainable future for our planet.

The foundation itself has funded 720 separate initiatives since inception, while the Principality of Monaco itself boasts a wealth of sustainability efforts including electric boat, bicycle, and car-sharing systems, a process of converting garbage into fuel, the lofty goal of zero single-use plastic waste by 2030, and even the world’s first 100% organic Michelin-starred restaurant. Just to mention a few.

The German Sustainability Award is a national prize for top performance in sustainability in business, municipalities and research. With eight separate competitions and around 1,000 entries, it represents the highest and most prestigious award of them all.

This year’s event marks the 15th anniversary of the award, and the two-day congress, attended by around 2,000 participants, has evolved to become the leading sustainability event and largest of its kind across Europe.

Ahead of the ceremony, Prince Albert was joined by German Chancellor Olaf Scholz at a welcome reception. The German Sustainability Award was then officially presented to him by Prof. Dr. Antje Boetius, German biologist and Director of the Alfred-Wegener Institute for Polar and Marine Research.

Just one week earlier, on Friday 25th November, the Prince Albert II of Monaco Foundation also celebrated the 15th anniversary of its own awards ceremony – the Planetary Health Awards – with three prize winners. Read more on that story here.

 

 

Photo credit: Gaetan Luci, Prince’s Palace

Monaco to host start of final stage of Tour de France

by: Cassandra Tanti
04/12/2022

In the presence of one of the biggest names in cycling, Thor Hushovd, Prince Albert II has announced that the final stage of the Tour de France 2024 will start in Monaco for a climatic showdown to Nice.

Alongside Tour Director Christian Prudhomme, Monaco’s Head of State made the announcement at the Yacht Club of Monaco on Saturday 3rd December, two days after it was revealed that the Tour de France will end in Nice in 2024.

It will be the first time the ending has been hosted elsewhere than Paris since 1905 due to the Olympic Games which will take place in the capital that summer.

“Paris is not easily replaced, we needed prestige to finish this event,” said Christian Prudhomme. “We could not have dreamed of better with this test of truth between the Principality and Nice.”

The last stage of the Tour de France 2024, an individual time trial, will leave from Monaco to reach Nice and while the exact route is unknown, it should encompass around 35km in total, with some elevation on the program.

The Tour de France has not visited the Principality since the 2009 Grand Départ.

 

Photo source: Prince’s Palace