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Photos: Inside the OceanXplorer

by: Luke Entwistle
01/09/2022

Monaco Life was invited on-board the OceanXplorer on Wednesday, currently docked in Monaco, to get an exclusive tour of a hyper-modern boat that is revolutionising ocean exploration.

Prior to Monaco Life’s visit, Prince Albert II boarded the ship to see the extensive laboratories, diving equipment and media hubs that make the vessel so unique. As Vincent Pieribone, vice-chairman of OceanX told us, they are in fact working closely with the Principality, through their partnership with the Prince Albert II of Monaco Foundation, whilst they hope to further solidify those ties.

“We both have an almost identical mission: to explore the ocean and share it with the rest of the world. Sharing it with the world helps build stewardship. The Prince has led this for years, and we’re arriving late in the game so we’re here for his help, for his advice and his partnership,” said Pieribone. “He’s got a lot of experience, more than we honestly have, and he’s a real world leader on this stage. Given the size of Monaco, the Principality has an outsised role. At all the UN meetings he’s front and centre, he’s a trusted source of information.”

The scientist also revealed the future plans for collaboration with Monaco. “We’re hoping Prince Albert and his teams will join us on expeditions. That scientists, researchers and storytellers from Monaco will join us in our exploits. We’ve had discussions whilst we’ve been here about them potentially joining us when we go to the Pacific Ocean. He’s got interests in the Polar regions, and the Oceanographic Museum has a beautiful exhibit right now. So, we’ll soon be in the Antarctic and hopefully he’ll join us there,” he said.

From left to right: Ray Dalio, Prince Albert and Vincent Pieribone. Photo by Gaetan Luci, Prince’s Palace

The OceanXplorer is a game-changer in the field of ocean exploration, and it has already carried out ground-breaking research in the Red Sea, which allows experts to more comprehensively understand coral ecosystems. “We spent 18 weeks in the Saudi and the Jordanian Red Sea region. It’s a very understudied body of water. We weren’t very familiar with it when we started… It has very diverse coral and the water is extremely hot. That seems counterintuitive to what we’ve all been talking about with regards to global warming killing coral reefs. If you take coral from Australia and you put it into the water right now, the Red Sea will kill it immediately because of the temperature. Those coral in the Red Sea have had 10,000 years to evolve to a state of handling high temperatures,” said Pieribone.

He continued,” It’s clear that coral can withstand high temperatures, but only after a long period of adaptation. So, we’re studying those corals to understand, because unfortunately for our world, in 50 years when most coral reefs are dead because of climate change and increasing temperatures mainly, the corals of the Red Sea will probably be one of the only reserves of living coral that can populate the rest of the oceans, and it will take them tens of thousands of years to leave those areas and propagate to the rest of the ocean.”

The partnership between OceanX and the Principality will further expand the frontiers of our knowledge about the world’s oceans, hopefully engendering a more sustainable relationship between man and water.

 

Click on Monaco Life’s gallery below to see more pictures of the OceanXplorer…

 

 

Photo above by Monaco Life

 

 

 

 

Sea and CO2 levels at record highs in 2021

by: Stephanie Horsman
01/09/2022

The 32nd annual State of the Climate report by scientists from the National Centres for Environmental Information reveals that global sea levels and greenhouse gas concentrations hit record highs in 2021, despite commitments to reduce CO2 emissions.

The annual international review is based on data gathered from over 530 scientists in more than 60 nations. It offers a full-spectrum account of the Earth’s climate indicators, notable weather events, and other such information collected by environmental monitoring stations and instruments located on land, water, ice and in space.

The latest report, based on data from University of Hawaii Sea Level Centre (NOAA), tells a scary story, showing global average sea levels at record highs in 2021. Globally, sea levels have risen nearly everywhere, and coastal areas where sea levels have fallen are places where the land is rising as it rebounds from being compressed by ice sheets and glaciers during the last ice age.

“The data presented in this report are clear – we continue to see more compelling scientific evidence that climate change has global impacts and shows no sign of slowing,” said NOAA Administrator Rick Spinrad. “With many communities hit with 1,000-year floods, exceptional drought and historic heat this year, it shows that the climate crisis is not a future threat but something we must address today as we work to build a Climate-Ready Nation, and world, that is resilient to climate-driven extremes.”

Other major findings reveal greenhouse gas levels rose to new records with global annual average atmospheric concentrations of CO2 at 414.7 parts per million. This is 2.3 parts per million higher than in 2020 and the highest level in at least a million years when compared against paleoclimatic records.

Methane also hit new highs, with an annual increase of 18 parts per billion and nitrous oxide had its third highest year since 2001, coming in at 1.3 parts per billion.

The planet also was warmer than normal, placing in the top six warmest years ever recorded since record taking began in the 1800s, a trend that has been ongoing this past decade. The average global surface temperature has increased at an average rate of 0.08 – 0.09 of a degree Celsius per decade since the start of record-keeping, and at a rate of 0.18 – 0.20 of a degree Celsius per decade since 1981, according to a range of scientific analyses.

Additionally, sea levels and and sea warmth were highest ever, while La Niña conditions continued to lower surface sea temperatures, and tropical cyclone activity was way above average.

A bit of good news is that the Arctic was cooler overall, but still hardly normal and is a harbinger of future events, such as the likelihood of complete ice cover melts in the future. The South Pole had its coldest ever winter recorded, but the Antarctic Peninsula had record or near record-breaking years for warmth.

“The 2021 AMS State of the Climate provides the latest synthesis of scientific understanding of the climate system and the impact people are having on it,” said AMS Associate Executive Director Paul Higgins. “If we take it seriously and use it wisely, it can help us thrive on a planet that is increasingly small in comparison to the impact of our activities.”

 

 

Photo of Patagonia by Wolf Schram on Unsplash

 

 

 

Prince Albert sends message of solidarity to Pakistan after “monsoon on steroids”

by: Cassandra Tanti
31/08/2022

Prince Albert has extended his condolences to the president of Pakistan and its population after weeks of torrential rain has led to catastrophic flooding. 

This year’s record monsoon is comparable to the devastating floods of 2010 – the deadliest in Pakistan’s history – which left more than 2,000 people dead.

Officials estimate that more than 33 million Pakistanis – one in seven people – have been affected by the flooding.

The UN Secretary General Antonio Guterres has described the situation as “a monsoon on steroids” and launched a $160 million appeal.

In a statement released by the Palace and addressed to Dr. Arif Alvi, President of the Islamic Republic of Pakistan, Prince Albert says, “It is with great emotion and sadness that I learned the tragedy the Pakistan population is facing with the terrible monsoon flooding submerging a third of the country. Let me assure you of my deep sympathy.

“In these tragic circumstances, allow me, along with my family and the population of Monaco, to convey my heartfelt condolences to the families of the victims and our support and compassion to the injured and the displaced people.

“May I also commend the massive evacuation efforts that are ongoing across your country. Let me assure you, Mr. President, of our profound solidarity in this difficult ordeal.”

South Asia is considered a “climate crisis hotspot” where people are 15 times more likely to die from climate impacts.

“Let’s stop sleepwalking towards the destruction of our planet by climate change. Today, it’s Pakistan. Tomorrow, it could be your country,” said Guterres.

 

 

Photo credit: Indianapolis Prize

 

 

 

 

Review: The Niwaki Japanese restaurant

by: Cassandra Tanti
30/08/2022

Forget what you think you know about Japanese food. It is so much more than raw salmon and California rolls, well at The Niwaki anyway. Think hamachi sashimi with truffle ponzu, smoked Chilean seabass with yuzu miso, and melt in your mouth lamb chops… Japanese cuisine has made its mark on Monaco and its likely better than you could ever have imagined.

It’s safe to say that all eyes were on Samy Sass when he opened The Niwaki this summer. With a Portuguese background, the Monegasque national is more well known for welcoming celebrity guests at Sass Café than for his forays into East Asian hospitality.

But as I discovered on a recent summer’s night, The Niwaki not only lives up to expectations, it confidently exceeds them.

The Niwaki, located in the Palais de la Plage building at Larvotto, is a new signature blend of culturally-defining, luxurious, texture-fuelled design meets attentive, friendly service and exciting, modern Japanese cuisine.

The menu is sold as Samy’s love affair with Japan, having honed his taste buds during his many visits to the Far East, and perfected by Corporate Chef Shahar Dahan and Executive Sushi Chef Wagner Spadacio.

The enormous list of dishes is a veritable choose your own adventure of contemporary Japanese cuisine, some with a hit of Mediterranean influence, and all with extremely high-end ingredients and extremely high-end preparation.

Be sure to start your meal with these shishito peppers with dry miso, photo by Monaco Life

We start the adventure with morish shishito peppers blanketed with dry miso, and scrumptious crunchy tuna aburi with smoked mayo. As an appetizer, they pair perfectly with our Japanese-inspired cocktails prepared by the very-capable Head Barmaid Edwige Coulomb.

The sushi chef’s skills are perfectly displayed on a plate of salmon and tuna nigiri and traditional maki before the hamachi sashimi with truffle ponzu reaches the table to showcase how the worlds of Asian and Mediterranean cuisine can intertwine deliciously. The chicken yakitori is a sumptuous nod to the classics, while there is no doubt as to why the smoked Chilean seabass with yuzu miso is a reported favourite among guests. We finish the mains with spicy ginger marinated lamb chops with hatcho miso glaze, broccolini with lime soy, and baby bok choy with miso glaze.

A delicate apricot and sobacha sensation prepared by Pastry Chef Ilaria Viano finishes what can only be described as a delectable gastronomic journey to Japan.

The sushi chef’s skills are perfectly displayed on a plate of salmon and tuna nigiri and traditional maki, photo by Monaco Life

And to wash it all down? They’ve got an extensive sake list to match virtually anything you order. Just ask the well-versed sommelier for suggestions. In fact, ask all the staff for their suggestions. These are incredibly experienced professionals that hail from some of the biggest restaurants in Europe, and they will gladly guide you through The Niwaki experience.

The space itself is elegant, warm, contemporary, and feels like a small part of Japan has been lifted out and delicately placed opposite the Larvotto beach. Everything from the floor to the ceiling is made from precious wood, luxurious marble and onyx stone.

It is clear from the outset where The Niwaki wants to position itself in Monaco’s exclusive fine dining scene, and it is obviously capable of vying for a top spot.

Click on the gallery below to see more images of The Niwaki, photos by Monaco Life. 

 

 

Photos of The Niwaki staff by Fabbio Galatioto, in order of appearance: Corporate Chef Shahar Dahan, Executive Sushi Chef Wagner Spadacio, Head Pastry Chef Ilaria Viano, General Manager Luca Fametti and Deputy Director Emeric Muller.

 

 

SEE ALSO:

INTERVIEW: SAMY SASS ON HIS NEW RESTAURANT, THE NIWAKI

 

Food photos by Monaco Life, all rights reserved

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Marine Biodiversity Treaty drafted at UN

by: Stephanie Horsman
30/08/2022

Major progress has been made on a new marine biodiversity treaty known as BBJN, of which Monaco has been a key contributor.

According to the French government, the past two weeks has been a busy time at the fifth session of the intergovernmental negotiations on a treaty on the conservation and sustainable use of marine biodiversity of areas beyond national jurisdiction, known as the BBNJ process, held at United Nations headquarters in New York.

A collective of countries had gathered to create the outline of a treaty that could have far-reaching impact on marine causes and conservation.

The basics of the treaty primarily address the creation of marine protected areas, the completion of environmental impact studies in the high seas, and the fair and equitable sharing of the benefits from the use of marine genetic resources.

France’s Ministry for Europe and Foreign Affairs and the Office of the Minister of State for Marine Affairs applauded the progress made in taking this important step which comes a few months before the UN Biodiversity Conference, more familiarly known as COP15, in December in Montreal.

During this year’s COP15, a legal framework is expected to be created for biodiversity, of which France and Monaco both are in support of, as evidenced by both Prince Albert II’s and French President Emmanuel Macron’s participation at the One Ocean Summit held in Brest earlier this year. Both countries were also active at last year’s COP15 conference.

“In this Year of the Oceans, which marks the 40th anniversary of the adoption of the United Nations Convention on the Law of the Sea, the international community must redouble its efforts to reach an agreement,” said the French government in a statement. “With its EU partners and the ‘Protecting the ocean, time for action’ coalition which it has initiated, France will continue to work so that an ambitious and universal treaty can be agreed in a few short months, which will strengthen governance of the high seas and create the necessary tools for the effective protection of the ocean and sustainable use of its resources.”

Furthermore, France is vying to be host, alongside Costa Rica, of the next UN Ocean Conference set for 2025.

 

 

SEE ALSO:

SUMMARY: MONACO’S CONTRIBUTION TO THE UN OCEAN CONFERENCE

 

Photo credit: Wexor Tmg on Unsplash

 

 

 

 

 

Back-to-back titles for Monaco Rugby 7s

by: Luke Entwistle
30/08/2022

The Monaco Rugby 7s have won consecutive titles, beating Section Paloise Béarn Pyrénées during Saturday’s final in Pau ahead of November’s grand final in Paris.

In the three tournaments in which Monaco have featured this season, they have reached the final every time, winning the last two, firstly in La Rochelle and now in Pau. It is also the Principality side’s sixth consecutive final.

Given their impressive record, Cecil Afrika’s men will certainly be ranked amongst the favourites to win the grand final in Paris on 19th November.

Whilst Monaco strode to victory last weekend, they didn’t have it all their own way this time around. Section Paloise Béarn Pyrénées ran Monaco close, finishing within three points of the eventual winners (24-21).

Monaco had enjoyed an easy ride to Saturday’s final, beating Victorieux de Brive (45-7), Bordeaux-Bègles (33-17) and most comprehensively, Racing 92 (34-0).

The squad will be teeming with confidence going into the finals, as they look to go one further than last year and win the title. On current form, it would be difficult to bet against them doing so.

 

Photo source: Monaco Rugby Sevens