Oceanographic Museum embraces Waste Reduction Week

The Oceanographic Museum, as part of a larger country-wide awareness campaign, is celebrating European Waste Reduction Week with three events centred around the “three-Rs” – reduce, reuse, recycle.

European Waste Reduction Week (EWWR) is taking place from 20th to 28th November and the theme of this year’s campaign is ‘Circular Communities’, inviting volunteer countries to take part in awareness-raising actions promoting the sustainable management of resources and waste. 

Monaco is clearly on board, and the Oceanographic Museum has leapt in with both feet, organising three events on the precepts of the movement: reduce, reuse, recycle.

Under the “reduce” heading, they are hosting a ‘One Day, One Chef, One Anti-waste recipe’ event. Running from 22nd to 26th November from 11am to 1:30pm, five well-known chefs from Monaco will offer visitors a menu using only zero waste recipes.  

On Monday 22nd November, Pastry Chef Patrick Mesiano, from the Hôtel Métropole Monte-Carlo, will produce an exquisite brioche perdue du verger, a take on pain perdue and an excellent way to use brioche that’s a bit past its freshest.

Chef Marcel Ravin, Executive Chef of the Monte-Carlo Bay Hotel and Resort, will be offering up a delicious citrus fruit and day old bread recipe on Tuesday 23rd November, another brilliant way to use up bread.

On Wednesday 24th November, Chef Jean Laurent Basile from Thermes Marins Monte-Carlo will make a tangy pumpkin tart with roasted seeds, a perfect use of this seasonal gourd.

Chef Sylvain Etiévant of the Riviera Marriott Hotel La Porte de Monaco in Cap d’Ail has come up with a creation that he’s hilariously calling the ‘beard of the left behind’ on Thursday 25th November. For the name alone, it’s worth the trip.

Finally, on Friday 26th November, Monaco City Hall’s own Chef Julien Baldacchino will have a mouth-watering tartlet stuffed with sardines and clementine marmalade on the menu.

To top it off, the snacks will be presented using ingenious edible cutlery and drinks served in edible cups, showing incredible dedication to the cause. Sugar and condiments will be served in bulk, the old-fashioned way, and napkins will be made from cellulose recycled from food cartons.

The events are free and included in the price of admission thanks to support of partner organisations and volunteers from CFM Indosuez Wealth Management and the Association of Friends of the Oceanographic Museum of Monaco (AAMOM).

 

Next up is “reuse”. For the second time, the Oceanographic Museum is organising a clothes collection from their staff, as well as from those from Monaco Explorations and CFM Indosuez Wealth Management to benefit Les Semeurs d’Espoir, a local association that collects and distributes gently worn items of clothing. The clothes will be distributed to the needy between Nice and Menton from 22nd to 28th November. 

Last but not least is “recycle”. On Wednesday 24th November and Saturday 27th November, young people aged six to 14 are invited to take up the ‘Super Sorter Challenge’. Several receptacles and types of waste will be placed at the entry to the Oceanographic Museum where clever kids can practice sorting and learn good recycling practices. Each Super Sorter will be given their own diploma and free entry to the museum.

Since 2019, under the coordination of the Monegasque government, European Waste Reduction Week has brought together many entities in the Principality looking to act for a more sustainable future. Those who involve themselves include institutions, schools, companies, associations, and even private citizens.

Worldwide, the EWWR has drawn support from 33 nations, with 38 coordinators equalling 10,695 actions since 2020.

 
 

 Photo source: Pixabay

 
 
 

Welcome home Princess!

Princess Charlene has finally been reunited in Monaco with her husband Prince Albert and children Prince Jacques and Princess Gabriella, after being held-up in South Africa due to medical issues.
The 43-year-old Princess of Monaco touched down at Nice airport in a Palace jet on Monday morning after a 10-hour flight from South Africa. But she wasn’t alone. By her side was a new member of the Princely family – a Rhodesian Ridgeback called Khan.

Photo by Eric Mathon, Prince’s Palace

Pictures taken by local media Monaco Matin show an exuberant set of twins and a very happy husband embracing the Princess in the Palace Square. Khan also appears to get quite a welcome.
Princess Charlene has been in her native South Africa since March this year after contracting a serious sinus infection which made her unable to travel. While her imminent return was recently revealed by Prince Albert, the arrival of Princess Charlene on Monday morning was an unexpected surprise for Monaco.
Before leaving South Africa, the Princess said: “It has obviously been a very challenging time to be here, but at the same time it has been wonderful being in South Africa. I would like to thank the doctors in South Africa who have done a tremendous job in helping me and I am so looking forward to getting back to my children.”
See the video here: https://fb.watch/99gLXlJo6x/
The Princess is now expected to accompany her husband to Dubai on 13th November to visit the Monaco 360° Pavilion at the World Expo, before returning to the Principality for National Day celebrations on 19th November, a day which will undoubtedly hold special significance as the Principality celebrates the return of their princess.
 
 
Photo by Eric Mathon, Prince’s Palace
 
 

Oceanographic Museum launches fun new contest

The Oceanographic Museum is organising a competition during the upcoming school holidays inviting people to imitate their favourite marine species for a chance to be the face of their next media campaign. 

This half term break, the Oceanographic Museum is putting out a call for people who have a knack for impersonating to be part of a special event called #TousOceano (All Ocean). Participants will be asked to select their favourite marine species from a selection and take a photo of themselves mimicking that animal.

The objective is to create awareness of the bond that exists between humans and animal life in order to mobilise people to live more sustainably for the future of our shared planet.

Awards will be handed out, including a grand prize for the best imitation, which is to become the face of the museum’s next media campaign that launches during the Christmas holidays.  

In order to take part, contestants must go online to www.tous.oceano.org or visit the photo booth located on the ground floor of the museum. A list of marine animals will pop up and players can choose between many species including the ribbon moray, the napoleon fish, the cowfish and the rayed jellyfish. Participants can photograph themselves doing their best imitation of their chosen animal, then share it on social media with the hashtag #TousOceano.  

Other prizes up for grabs are Waterlover solar products from the Biotherm brand, a brunch at Stars’N’Bars, a leisure day at the Monte-Carlo Bay Hotel & Resort, a gourmet break at the Hôtel Métropole, Beuchat snorkelling equipment, a free book creation with Fabrique à Histoires de Lunii, eco-responsible items from the Museum Shop such as water bottles, bags, and toothbrushes, free tickets, and ‘Sponsor a fish’ kits offered by the Association of Friends of the Oceanographic Museum.

The Oceanographic Museum is also offering fun distractions during the school holidays including a 30- or 60-minute sea-themed escape game, their Immersion 360º virtual reality experience, the touch basin, which allows visitors to pet crabs, starfish, sea cucumbers and many other marine animals, and Club Oceano where kids aged nine to 12 spend a magical week at the museum being part of the team, participating in games and activities and learning about the sea.

 

Rampoldi celebrates 75 years with huge birthday bash

Prince Albert joined in the 75th anniversary celebrations of Rampoldi on the weekend, one of the Principality’s oldest restaurants and “a part of Monaco’s history”.

For three quarters of a century, Rampoldi has been an emblem of Monte-Carlo’s fascinating lifestyle, welcoming the Princely family and Monegasque personalities into its warm embrace.

Since 2016, Chef Antonio Salvatore has been at the helm, keeping this Monegasque institution on its path of producing fresh, Italian cuisine using iconic produce from southern Italy and scents of the Mediterranean.

On Saturday 16th October, guests were invited to celebrate the important milestone with Chef Salvatore and his team. The gold-speckled champagne flowed as the chef welcomed Prince Albert to the celebration, presenting him with a copy of the Rampoldi book published in commemoration of the restaurant’s 75 years.

Prince Albert thanked the crowd for “celebrating this wonderful place that is a part of Monaco’s history.”

Chef Antonio Salvatore presents Prince Albert with the book commemorating 75 years of Rampoldi during Saturday night’s celebrations, photo by Monaco Life

With its Carrara marble, Murano lighting, crystal chandeliers and mirrored arches, Rampoldi has “just the right amount of Monegasque bling-bling”, according to the coveted Michelin Guide.

In 2021, La Table d’Antonio Salvatore, located underneath Rampoldi, was awarded its first Michelin star just a year after opening, marking a new chapter in the restaurant’s history.

Top photo by Monaco Life 

Prince officially opens Monaco Pavilion

Prince Albert II has inaugurated the Monaco Pavilion at the Dubai Expo in classic 2021 style – virtually from a mini Pavilion on Port Hercule.
Minister of State Pierre Dartout and Prince Albert, both situated in Monaco, were joined by Minister of State and Managing Director of the Expo Reem Al Hashimi, who was in Dubai, for the ceremony on Friday afternoon.
The real Pavillion, Monaco 360°, opened on 1st October.
Inside the 10sqm miniature pavilion is an interactive booth that allows people in Monaco to talk to visitors in the Dubai Pavilion, as well as a model of the real pavilion.
Via this platform, the Prince was able to praise the United Arab Emirates (UAE) for their success in the opening ceremony and their continued work during the first two weeks of activity, while Al Hashimi stressed that her country is moving toward a common goal of achieving prosperity for their people and those around the globe. She expressed gratitude to Monaco and all the countries who are participating for their commitment to the exposition.
Both agreed that international solidarity was needed to move forward productively to achieve global development goals and enhance sustainability, and that the Expo 2020 was an excellent opportunity to help realise this objective.

Prince Albert examines a model of the Monaco 360° pavilion, photo by Eric Mathon/Prince’s Palace

Inspired by a kaleidoscope, the Monaco Pavilion, under the theme Connecting Minds, Creating the Future, has incorporated The Rock and many other facets of the Principality to give visitors a taste of what Monaco has to offer.
It is spread over several levels and consists of an exposition area, a souvenir shop and a ‘Café de Paris’. The two main exhibition “worlds” are the Garden of Opportunities and a 360º immersion show.
The first is a fantasy garden highlighting Monaco’s special attributes. The scents of the region, such as pine and the sea, permeate the space whilst people walk through discovering the nation’s arts, scientific accomplishments, innovative technology, international reach and environmental protection measures.
The second reveals Monaco’s identity through history, culture and values that bind the country and its people together. Both are interactive experiences aimed at giving visitors a taste of the real Monaco.
Outside the Pavilion lies the Chemin de la Porte Nueve, full of typical trees and flowers designed by the urban development of Monaco.
The pavilion cost 52 million dirhams (€12.2 million) to construct and was built to convey an environmental message through the use of solar panels to generate its own electricity needs without harming the environment.
The Expo 2020 in Dubai will run from 1st October 2021 to 31 March 2022. The mini Monaco 360° Pavilion on Port Hercule will remain open to the public throughout this time.
On 13th November, the Principality of Monaco will celebrate its National Day at the Dubai Expo in the UAE.
 
Top photo by Eric Mathon/Prince’s Palace
 
 

Montecarlo Automobiles launches two new prototypes

Two sleek prototypes by Montecarlo Automobiles made their world-premiere during the Monaco Yacht Show marking the rebirth of the brand, with a new president and CEO at the helm.
Founded in 1983 by Fulvio Maria Ballabio, Montecarlo Automobiles has a long history of building exceptional vehicles.
The brand has recently undergone a series of changes, not least of which has been the recruitment of a new president in the form of Bogdan Skutkiewicz, as well as Giorgio Stirano who has been brought in as CEO. The duo has been charged with keeping the values of the company put forth by Ballabio whilst maintaining excellence in design and innovation.
To that end, the company presented two new prototype cars at the Monaco Yacht Show on 23rd September. Called the Ètè and the MIG20, they were created specifically to be debuted at the yacht show alongside some of the company’s other models such as the Jetmig and the ALA50.

The ètè had its world-premier at the MYS 2021

The grand unveiling was an event in itself and attracted many personalities including world champion racer Stéphane Richelmi and Alex Caffi, former Formula 1 racing driver, as well as international ballet star, singer and actress Lorena Baricalla.
Also on hand were artist Marcos Marin and Christian Tornatore, Automobile Club de Monaco General Commissioner, and Jacques Pastor, deputy mayor and sport advisor of the City of Monaco.
Montecarlo Automobiles has made a reputation over the years as a company that makes “handmade” sports cars to an incredibly high standard in terms of performance and engineering, making them instant collector’s items by car enthusiasts.
 
Click on the images below to see more pictures of the prototypes and world premier… 

 
Photos provided by Montecarlo Automobiles