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Hollywood rallies behind Prince Albert

by: Cassandra Tanti
30/01/2020

Academy Award nominated actress Uma Thurman will be presenting HSH Prince Albert with a Lifetime Achievement Award at the Hollywood for the Global Ocean Gala in February, recognising his leadership and commitment to the planet and ocean conservation. 
The gala, to be held on Thursday 6th February, is being hosted by philanthropist Milutin Gatsby and supported by Chopard, who designed and crafted the exclusive Lifetime Achievement Award.
Uma Therman, who is also a dedicated conservationist and civil rights activist, said she was honoured to be presenting Prince Albert with the award. “I’m delighted to be part of the ongoing projects associated with the Prince Albert II of Monaco Foundation in helping to take necessary action on climate change and the protection of our planet,” she said.
Meanwhile, Golden Globe winning actress and Hollywood icon Sharon Stone will present and announce the ‘Grand Earth Pledge’, an exclusive group of 33 ‘Advocates for the Planet’ ready to join forces with Prince Albert to face climate and ocean emergency, prevent the earth’s decline and preserve the future of humanity.
“There is a climate emergency, the earth is in decline and the fate of humanity is at stake,” said Sharron Stone. “We need to face this reality and decide to act now. I am delighted to be part of the Grand Earth Pledge, a group of amazing people that are taking the lead along HSH Prince Albert, to make a stand for our one and only planet.”
Chris Isaak and Macy Gray will perform at the exclusive gala dinner, hosted at a private estate in Beverly Hills for 250 privileged philanthropists and A-list celebrities.
“At a time of increasing natural disasters and climate threats impacting the delicate balance of our planet and the oceans of the world, this gala and its special award and pledge recognises the importance of shining a spotlight and taking action on these urgent issues,” said Milutin Gatsby.
Vice President of the Prince Albert II of Monaco Foundation Olivier Wenden will also be present at the awards, which will acknowledge the Prince’s “outstanding commitment to the planet, its rich biodiversity and its fragile eco-system”. Through his foundation, launched in 2006, more than 575 projects have been supported to date. The projects target three main geographical regions: the Mediterranean basin, the Polar regions and the least developed countries, all of which are heavily impacted by the effects of climate change, the loss of biodiversity and urgent threats to their water resources.
Notable achievements by the foundation include saving the Bluefin tuna species from extinction, encouraging the effective development of Marine Protected Areas, fighting plastic pollution in the Mediterranean and convincing the IPCC to produce a special report on the impact of climate change on the ocean and cryosphere.
Prince Albert is one of the world’s leading advocates for the planet, succeeding in gathering philanthropists and international artists to save the ocean during The Monte-Carlo Gala for the Global Ocean, the next edition of which will take place on Thursday 24th September 2020 in Monaco.
Photo: Prince Albert II of Monaco ©Agency Sabine Brauer Photos J.Reetz
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Michelin Guide reveals new green label

by: Cassandra Tanti
28/01/2020

The world’s most renowned restaurant guide is now awarding chefs deemed to be producing “sustainable gastronomy”. The Michelin Guide on Monday released its 2020 edition and while there were no major announcements for Monaco, the introduction of this new “green” category came as a welcome surprise.
The 2020 edition of the French version of the guide features a new green leaf motif, awarded to 51 chefs whose establishment is also awarded with a Plate, Bib Gourmand, or 1, 2 or 3 stars. The new category is being touted by the guide as an important reform.
“The Guide is helping promote the chefs who have taken responsibility by preserving resources and embracing biodiversity, reducing food waste and reducing the consumption of non-renewable energy,” said Gwendal Poullennec, International Director of Michelin Guides.
These chefs and their sustainable initiatives will be highlighted on the various platforms of the Michelin Guide throughout the year.
“The ambition of our approach is to amplify the scope of the good and ingenious practices of chefs by putting them in the spotlight,” said Mr Poullennec. “The ideas, methods and know-how developed by these chefs will thus help raise awareness of an entire sector to its customers and the general population.”
The so-called “gastronomy bible”, which received a relatively low-key launch in Paris, contains 3,439 restaurant listings in France and Monaco, 628 of them starred. New three-star ratings went to Christopher Coutanceau, who has a seafood restaurant in La Rochelle, Kei Kobayashi, the Japanese-born chef at Kei restaurant in Paris, and L’Oustau de Baumanière, a family restaurant at Les baux de Provence that lost its third star in 1954.

La Table de l’Alpaga chef Anthony Bisquerra with Gwendal Poullennec, International Director of Michelin Guides.

There were 11 restaurants given two stars for the first time, including La Voile at Ramatuelle, where chef Éric Canino “composes tastes as a homage to his Var homeland”; La Table de l’Alpaga in Megève, where chef Anthony Bisquerra “gives mountain cuisine its acclaim”; and gourmet dessert restaurant Sarkara at the K2 hotel in Courchevel, where chef Sébastien Vauxion “shakes up the rules and transforms vegetables, fruit and other ingredients into incredibly light and sweet dishes.”
Meanwhile, Pure & V in Nice was one of 49 new one-star restaurants. Using 90% organic produce, the restaurant was awarded for its mystery menu delivered by a Danish chef and a young sommelier with a penchant for natural wines. The guide called it a “sleek, canteen vibe restaurant – in other words, flawless.”
According to Michelin, restaurants are selected on four criteria: the quality of the ingredients used, mastery of flavour and cooking techniques, the personality of the chef reflected in their cuisine, and lastly value for money and consistency between visits.
One star denotes “high quality cooking”, two stars “excellent cooking”, and three stars “exceptional cuisine”.
 
 

Thierry Neuville’s electrifying win at Monte-Carlo Rally

by: Stephanie Horsman
27/01/2020

Thierry Neuville has snatched victory from Toyota’s defending champ Sebastien Ogier in the 2020 World Rally Championship season-opening Monte-Carlo Rally which ended Sunday.

Neuville was on absolutely brilliant form, winning both stages of the first loop of the race, then beating Ogier by 1.4 seconds in the La Bollene Vesubie-Piera Cava race and following that with an exciting Wolf Power Stage win-by-a-whisper, making the Hyundi i20 driver the victor in all four stages of the day, and giving him his first WRC Monte-Carlo Rally win.

“We had an incredible feeling the last couple of days and we were able to catch back the time,” said Neuville after the win. “We have been chasing this win for a while but we showed our performance this weekend and it’s a great way to start the season.” 

Elfyn Evans went into the day in a solid second place, but fell behind the leader by over 11 seconds, and eventually came in a respectable third after his Toyota teammate.  

Sebastien Loeb had a disappointing day when his Hyundai i20 Coupe’s tire was wrecked during the final stage of the first loop. The best driver in WRC history, therefore, came in sixth overall after fourth place Esapekka Lappi and fifth place Kalle Rovanpera.

Defending champion Ott Tanak suffered a huge crash after he lost control of his Hyundai i20, the car cartwheeling before rolling several metres down an embankment. Tanak and co-driver Martin Jarveoja emerged unscathed from the shunt.
https://www.instagram.com/p/B7sy1vEHJbH/?utm_source=ig_web_copy_link

The race covered a total of over 304 kilometres and was raced from the 23rd to the 26th of January through a variety of challenging conditions. Starting at the Quai Albert 1er and ending at Casino Square, it spanned sixteen stages, some snow and ice covered.

 
Photo: Automobile Club of Monaco
 
 

MEB reveals rich program for 2020

by: Cassandra Tanti
22/01/2020

More than 350 economic players came together for the first MEB Members Meeting of the year, during which a full calendar of events for 2020 was unveiled.
MEB members gathered under the gilding of the Salle des Arts, a faithful reproduction of the ceremonial hall of the former Sporting d’Hiver, and in the ultra-contemporary spaces adjoining it.
The event was an opportunity for MEB Executive Director General Guillaume Rose to launch a major survey of the 540 member companies under the slogan ‘The Monaco Economic Board, at your service’. Featuring both multiple choice questions and more open questions, the survey aims to give members an opportunity to raise improvement points on the proposed actions, garner expectations (new types of operations, new destinations, etc.) and validate the objectives of the association. The results of this survey will be announced at the general assembly on 19th March.

MEB Executive Director Guillaume Rose

Mr Rose then presented the 2020 agenda, which includes an impressive number of overseas operations.
During the first semester, economic missions will be organised in Novosibirsk, the third largest city in Russia, with the Ballets de Monte-Carlo from 19th to 21st February, then in Versailles on 30th and 31st March for a performance by Cecilia Bartoli and the Musiciens du Prince – Monaco at the Opéra du château.
The MEB will then be in Rome and Florence on 26th and 27th May, followed by Montenegro, Saint Petersburg, Antibes and Budapest. At the end of the year, Toronto, Montreal, Milan, Tokyo and Amsterdam are on the program. As for the Monegasque pavilion at the Dubai International Expo, the MEB plans to make several targeted trips.
In terms of economic promotion, and in collaboration with AMAF, the MEB considers the United Kingdom, Benelux and Switzerland as preferred destinations, while the world of luxury yachting will be further explored in Singapore and Dubai. An operation will also be organised in Washington in collaboration with Monaco Private Label.
The MEB will continue to be very active in the Principality with economic conferences planned with leading speakers, including Chief Economist of Coface Julien Marcilly on 3rd March, in welcoming delegations, such as Austria on 26th March, and organising training and events with its partners.
“More than ever, driven by the will of the Prince’s Government, the Monaco Economic Board wishes to be in tune with the expectations and aspirations of the Principality’s economic forces,” said Mr Rose. “The constant development of its networks, the strengthening of its partnerships and the dedication of its team are all assets to succeed in its missions.”
Photos: Courtesy MEB
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The MEB and its missions

Interview: Justin Highman on the success of the China expo

 
 

Staggering 26th home win for Roca Team

by: Stephanie Horsman
20/01/2020

Fans of AS Monaco basketball got what they paid for on Saturday night with a solid win against Pau-Orthez on their home turf at Gaston Médecin.
AS Monaco Basketball celebrated their 26th straight home win of Jeep Elite action over the weekend with an 89-76 win over tough Élan-Béarnais Pau-Lacq-Orthez.
The game started out less than auspiciously, as is often the case with two evenly matched teams, with only two points made by either side in the first five minutes of play. Then things exploded with Captain Dee Bost putting away two three-pointers and Eric Buckner everywhere. By the 12th minute, Roca Team had nearly double the points of their opponents, but Élan-Béarnais wasn’t going down without a fight.
After a series of spectacular shots, they came back just minutes later to even up the score. The entire first half played out this way, with Monaco taking the lead only to have Pau claw their way back. By the halftime buzzer, Monaco held onto a slim eight point lead, going into the locker rooms with a 44-36 score.
When play resumed, the Roca Team were decidedly on fire. Three-pointers by Yak Outtara and Dee Bost out of the gate set the tone, and aggressive offense kept the momentum going with big shots made by Norris Cole and another three-pointer by Kim Tillie and an end-of-game ringer by Vincent Vermillac.
Coach Obradovic gave his usual subdued credit where it was due, saying, “After a big victory in Russia and a long trip, the guys had the right attitude. It was a good job.”
Team Captain Dee Bost was a bit more effusive in his praise. “The ball was circulating well in our team. At home, the fans give us strength. We are ready for the big trip to Vilnius”, he said after the game.
Roca Team’s next two games are away. The first is on 22nd January against Vilnius in the Euro Cup and the next is on the 25th for a Jeep Elite match against the Boulogne-Levallois Metropolitans.
 
 
 

#SuperCoralPlay campaign

by: Cassandra Tanti
20/01/2020

The Scientific Centre of Monaco is backing a fun new awareness campaign in the US which is using NFL players and a catchy tune to help protect and preserve coral reefs. 
The MSC Foundation launched the #SuperCoralPlay campaign on Monday 20th January, in partnership between MSC Cruises, the Miami Super Bowl Host Committee (MSBHC), and 54 NFL players and influencers.
The campaign kicked off with an official music video featuring the ambassadors singing about the issues facing coral and the steps individuals and businesses can take to help.
Via a social media campaign, each participant will make a Super Coral Play – a simple action or pledge to help reduce negative impacts on the environment and their personal carbon footprint to help coral and to encourage others to make their own contribution.
Once individuals or businesses have chosen their “play”, participants are encouraged to share it on social media with a video or use the official campaign filter, tagging #SuperCoralPlay and challenging two others.

 
 
Coral reefs are among the most diverse ecosystems in the world and home to more than 25% of marine species. They serve as a food resource for half a billion people and protect coastal communities from storms and erosion. According to the UN’s Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change, scientists predict that 70% to 90% of coral reefs are in danger of dying out within the next two decades (2030-2050).
The MSC Foundation, working in collaboration with a team of scientists and environmental experts, are identifying hardy species of coral, colloquially termed “Super Coral 3”, that have survived recent extreme ocean heat events and other impacts in the waters near the Bahamas. By conducting research and studying and propagating these types of coral species, it is considered possible to restore reefs while enhancing their tolerance to future environmental change. This can provide a life-line for coral reefs and ensure their future survival.
“Over the years, at the newly-established marine protected reserve at Ocean Cay, more than half of the coral has already died,” said Matthew McKinnon, Chair of the Advisory Board of MSC Foundation. “Similarly, the ecological reef treasures of Florida – the coral state of the US – have been decimated, damaging marine life and leaving greater Miami exposed. If we act now, we still have a chance to help the reefs and the marine life and the benefits they offer to communities. We need to contain ocean warming with more done to reduce emissions and we need to experiment and invest in research and the development of Super Coral as well as advanced applied science to help regenerate resilient reefs, which is work MSC Foundation is developing in coordination with key international and local partners at Ocean Cay.”
This special scientific project will see some of the world’s leading experts in marine biology and coral conservation collaborating together, including the University of Miami Rosenstiel School of Marine and Atmospheric Science (UM), Nova Southeastern University (NSU), the Perry Institute for Marine Science, the International Union for Conservation of Nature (IUCN) and The Scientific Centre of Monaco (CSM), among other partners.
Joining MSC Foundation, MSC Cruises and MSBHC are 54 current and retired NFL players and influencers, coinciding with this year’s LIV (54th) Super Bowl. This includes Larry Fitzgerald, wide receiver for the Arizona Cardinals, Jarvis Landry, wide receiver for the Cleveland Browns, and Mark Sanchez, broadcaster and retired NFL quarterback.
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