Fpa2 newsletter 0117 issu UK

11 N°

NEWS P.

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THE FOUNDATION'S 10TH ANNIVERSARY

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BEYOND PLASTIC MED

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P.

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INTERVIEW ROMAIN TROUBLÉ

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THE OCEANS AT THE

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HEART OF CLIMATE ISSUES

© DR

LETTER P.

IPCC

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A REPORT ON THE OCEANS

FOCUS

© JC Vinaj

10 YEARS

THE PRINCE ALBERT II OF MONACO FOUNDATION CELEBRATES 10 YEARS OF ACTION On 30th June 2016 the Prince Albert II of Monaco celebrated its 10th anniversary. Since it was first established, the Foundation has supported 370 projects amounting to a total of 36M Euros, and it has been actively involved in environmental protection and the promotion of sustainable development on a global scale. Starting with a concrete approach, as close to the field as possible, all these projects have been through a rigorous selection process, based on the decision of the Board of Directors following the opinion of the Scientific and Technical Committee; two governing bodies made up of international experts.

The Foundation’s success hinges on a network of a hundred or so partners (NGOs, universities, foundations, companies) and the invaluable assistance of its nine foreign branches located in France, Italy, Great Britain, Switzerland, Germany, USA, Canada, Singapore, and since April 2016, Spain.

• To raise the awareness of both the public and government authorities concerning the impact of human activities on the natural environment and to promote greater eco-friendly behaviour.

• To promote and encourage outstanding initiatives and innovative solutions, including through the awarding of prizes and grants.

After 10 years' experience, the Foundation's involvement, alongside its partners, has led to action to protect endangered species (blue fin tuna, vulture, Bonelli's eagle, monk seal...); to advance scientific knowledge in regard to climate issues (IPCC report devoted to the oceans, ocean acidification...) and to preserve and restore fragile ecosystems on earth (fight against deforestation in the Congo Basin and in Indonesia); offshore: support for the development of MPAs (Madagascar, Cambodia and the setting up of a trust fund devoted to the development of marine protected areas in the Mediterranean) and finally, to progress international negotiations on the environment.

The Foundation develops its projects and partnerships with three specific goals: • To establish partnerships in order to implement projects successfully and conduct concrete efforts in its priority action areas.

Monaco • Canada • France • Germany • Italia • USA • Singapore • Spain • Switzerland • United Kingdom

3 FLAGSHIP PROJECTS: BLUE FIN TUNA, MONK SEAL, RAINFOREST...

© JC Vinaj

© JC Vinaj

“In 10 years, we have grown in both geographic and thematic terms”, points out H.E. Mr Bernard Fautrier, the Foundation's Chief Executive Officer.

Concerning the blue fin tuna, a partnership was initiated in 2008 with WWF, to preserve it from ecological extinction. “I should also mention our strong involvement in the protection of the monk seal, with the creation of an MPA in the coastal region around Gyaros Island”, continues Mr Bernard Fautrier. The Foundation has also been involved in the protection of the bald ibis for several years with BirdLife International.

At the same time, the Foundation has contributed towards the creation of the first Fisheries Management Zone (FMZ) in the waters of the Koh Rong archipelago in Cambodia. Focus has also been given to several projects implemented by PEW to protect Canada's Arctic seas and their biodiversity, abounding with beluga whales and polar bears.

Although the Ocean is a strong concern, the Foundation is also committed to other environmental projects. Reforestation is one of them.

For example, the Foundation is committed to the reforestation of degraded areas close to water points in Brazil (the project is currently underway), alongside Sebastiao Salgado, the project manager, famous for his photos and also co-founder of the NGO Terra Instituto. Several of these areas have since been declared natural reserves by Brazilian Law.

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THE FOUNDATION IN FIGURES

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foreign branches

36 M€ 370 projects given support for a total of 36 M d’euros

3 priority action areas: Climate change and renewable energies Protection of biodiversity Water resources management and the fight against desertification

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3 main geographical regions: the Mediterranean Basin, the Polar Regions, the Least Developed Countries

+ 100 A network of over one hundred partners

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FOCUS

BEYOND PLASTIC MED PROGRESS TO CURB PLASTIC POLLUTION IN THE MEDITERRANEAN Now an integral part of the ocean, in the same way as algae and plankton, plastic waste is omnipresent in all the seas of the world.

Plastic bottles, bags and bottle caps, cotton buds... plastics are the main “predators” of the oceans.

Every day, 8 million tonnes of waste ends up in the ocean.

Eighty four percent of the pollution that affects the seas is from a land-based source and derives from human activity, with a terrible impact on biodiversity and the environment as a whole. The oceans could easily turn into an open-air landfill.

Worse, by 2050 almost every marine bird will have ingested plastic!

Sadly, the Mediterranean is not immune to this problem. This semienclosed sea also suffers from the highest density of micro-plastics in the world: 115,000 particles per square kilometre. An issue long snubbed by the scientific community, it has only been a few years that studies have began to focus on this type of plastic which is much less visible than the larger floating objects.

In March 2015, a panel of stakeholders concerned by plastic pollution at sea met in Monaco during a conference entitled “Beyond Plastic Med”. Fruitful discussions led to the “Monaco Declaration” on action against plastic pollution in the Mediterranean, which in turn led to the establishment of the “Beyond Plastic Med” Task Force, an initiative by the Prince Albert II of Monaco Foundation and its partners Tara Expéditions, Surfrider Foundation Europe, IUCN and the Mava Foundation, aimed at bringing to the fore innovative solutions for a clean Mediterranean.

H.S.H. Prince Albert of Monaco said at the time: “Addressing plastic pollution in the Mediterranean not only means combating a localised, specific and one-off problem: above all it means acknowledging our collective responsibility which is embodied in many issues”.

The persistence of pollution created by plastic in fact makes its presence at sea one of the most formidable ecological disasters for the future. Once released into the natural environment, plastic can take up to 500 years to disappear.

Be Med now brings together all the stakeholders concerned by plastic pollution and is one of the key initiatives to combat plastic in the Mediterranean. It was presented to COP 22 in Marrakech on 12th November 2016.

Monaco • Canada • France • Germany • Italia • USA • Singapore • Spain • Switzerland • United Kingdom

5 FINANCIAL SUPPORT FOR MICRO-INITIATIVES

© 11.P.Mondielli

The Prince Albert II Foundation intends to continue this positive momentum by promoting innovation thanks to regular calls for proposals. In this context, on 8th June 2016 during World Ocean Day, BeMed launched a call for micro-initiatives to all countries around the Mediterranean: Albania, Algeria, Cyprus, Croatia…

8

million tonnes

of waste ends up in the ocean

Consequently, on the occasion of the conference entitled “Our Ocean” which took place in Washington on 15th and 16th September 2016, H.E. Mr Bernard Fautrier, CEO of the Prince Albert II of Monaco Foundation announced that the Foundation and its partners, Surfrider, Tara Expeditions, the Mava Foundation, the Veolia Foundation and UICN would be providing “financial support of 150,000 € per year over a 3-year period, to micro-initiatives whose aim is to reduce plastic pollution in the Mediterranean, through the Beyond Plastic Med (BeMed) Task Force”.

In the long-term, this call for micro-initiatives will gradually enable a Mediterranean network of local players committed to combating plastic pollution to be established. Ten or so applications have already been pre-selected for support.

BY 2050

almost every marine bird will have ingested plastic!

30 %

In the Mediterranean

17 000 marine species

115 000

of global marine traffic

micro-plastic particles per square kilometre

40/km

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of plastic macro waste in the most contaminated areas

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INTERVIEW

ROMAIN TROUBLÉ SECRETARY GENERAL OF TARA OCEANS

Tara is a schooner that explores the seas of our planet to observe the damage caused by pollution. Romain Troublé is the Secretary General of Tara Expéditions. He sailed for seven months covering 15,000 kilometres. He describes the consequences brought about by plastic pollution and the avenues to explore to curb this problem.

The goal of the Tara Méditerranée expedition conducted in 2015 was to gain a better understanding of the impact of plastics on the Mediterranean ecosystem. I am grateful of the crucial support granted by the Prince Albert II of Monaco Foundation for many years and I am pleased to pursue our collaboration, among others with the Be Med initiative in order to fight against the plastic pollution. Research has shown that an accumulation of pollutants exists along the entire food chain. Pollutants are easily concentrated in plastic and some planktonic organisms swallow plastic fragments or filter them, absorb certain chemical components and pass them on to the food chain. It has been proven by chemical analyses: fish at the end of the chain accumulate pollutants.

As for the impact on humans, the proof exists. Health safety agencies advise pregnant women in particular not to eat too much fish as it can contain pollutants which have damaging effects on health. Studies on this issue are still lacking but these micro plastics could have an impact, in particular as endocrine disruptors.

Tara Expéditions began to take an interest in plastic pollution at sea surface level at the end of 2011 when the Tara Oceans mission crossed into the Antarctic Peninsula. We continued this sampling effort throughout the 80,000 kms sailed during the mission, in cooperation with the Laboratoire in Villefranche-sur-Mer, the Algalita Foundation (USA) and the King Abdullah University of Science and Technology (Saudi Arabia).

In the light of the efforts made by other associations in the western Mediterranean region since 2011, with Professor Gaby Gorsky (Laboratoire de Villefranche-sur-Mer, CNRS/UPMC), we were keen to support the collection effort across the whole Mediterranean region, by mobilising Tara and its partners over a 7-month period. This makes even more sense I think in that this sea, due to its size and cultural diversity, is a perfect laboratory to seek solutions to address this issue together.

The Tara-Med mission has two main objectives: the most extensive sampling possible of the Mediterranean region, from Beirut to Gibraltar and from Algiers to Monaco; and the mobilisation of civil society encountered during the expedition’s 18 ports of call, to try and identify solutions for plastic pollution.

© Tara Expéditions

What is the goal of the Tara Med expedition?

What are the results of the expedition?

The 280 samples taken from the entire Mediterranean region contained micro plastics. This situation did not really surprise me, because since 2011, across the globe, every time we looked for micro plastics with Tara, we found them.

Notwithstanding the above, this phenomenon, alarming to say the least, is reversible over an average timescale of 50 years.

In your opinion, can plastic pollution in the oceans be curbed? What needs to be done to put an end to it?

There are several possible solutions. The first is education because whatever is not thrown into a dustbin will land up sooner or later in the oceans.

The second, and perhaps the best, is to change the way we operate and to abandon the use of long-life non degradable plastic, and instead adopt natural products.

At the same time, we need to plan long-term coastal cleanup operations because the majority of floating plastic (especially in the Mediterranean) ends its journey there. We need to substitute plastic with more biodegradable products. Moreover, if we impose new rules, we will be able to overcome this problem.

This is a fantastic challenge we need to take up together. If we win this battle, we stand a chance of being able to convince the rest of the world…

Monaco • Canada • France • Germany • Italia • USA • Singapore • Spain • Switzerland • United Kingdom

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NEWS

H.S.H. Prince Albert II of Monaco travelled to Quebec on 13th December 2016 on the occasion of the Arctic Circle Forum in Quebec.

During his visit, the Sovereign was received by Mr Philippe Couillard, Quebec’s Prime Minister who, following the meeting, said: “Quebec and the Prince Albert II of Monaco Foundation share a vision of sustainable Northern development and are both concerned about the populations, resources and biodiversity of the Plan Nord’s territory. Thanks to this agreement, we are giving ourselves a new tool to continue our efforts in regard to the fight against climate change in the Northern territory, renewable energies and the protection of biodiversity.

This reflects international recognition of Quebec’s expertise in these areas”. Following the meeting, a framework partnership agreement between the Government of Quebec, the Société du Plan Nord and the Prince Albert II of Monaco Foundation was signed by H.E. Mr Bernard Fautrier, Vice-President of the Prince Albert II of Monaco Foundation, Mrs Christine St-Pierre, Minister for International Relations and for la Francophonie, Mrs Diane Vachon, President of the Canadian branch of the Prince Albert II of Monaco Foundation and Mr Robert Sauvé, CEO of the Société du Plan Nord. The partnership provides for support for common projects, technical and scientific cooperation, as well as communication and the sharing of the respective experiences of each entity.

© Patrick Lachance MCE

H.S.H. PRINCE ALBERT II OF MONACO IN QUEBEC FOR THE ARCTIC CIRCLE FORUM AND THE SIGNING OF A PARTNERSHIP

The Sovereign Prince gave an address at the Arctic Circle Forum in Quebec which focused on the impact of climate change in the Northern and Arctic regions. “The Arctic is a global issue. Its future is vital for humanity as a whole, for both current and future generations.

That is why it should be the focus of global collective efforts, and be developed in the public interest, promoting peace and environmental protection”, declared the Sovereign during his speech.

In the afternoon, the Sovereign Prince met the board members of his Foundation’s Canadian branch.

THE FOUNDATION PRINCE ALBERT II OF MONACO SIGNS AN AGREEMENT WITH THE CAMBRIDGE CONSERVATION INITIATIVE (CCI) The Prince Albert II Foundation has signed a partnership with the Cambridge Conservation Initiative (CCI), in the presence of Sir David Attenborough, on December 9th, 2016.

The goal of the Cambridge Conservation Initiative is to develop solutions aimed at protecting biodiversity, by promoting cooperation between researchers, political leaders and professors worldwide.

© Scott Collier

CCI builds links between the arm dedicated to biodiversity within Cambridge University and experts from the world's top environmentalist organisations. “I am convinced that by working hand in hand with the Prince Albert II of Monaco Foundation, the CCI will be able to approach thorny issues from a new angle, and to change the way in which society perceives its relationship with its natural environment” said Dr Mike Rands, the Executive Director of the Cambridge Conservation Initiative.

“The protection of biodiversity and therefore of endangered species is an issue to which I attach a great deal of importance (…). It is together that we will be able to save our biodiversity. This is a principle of effectiveness. But it is also a principle of humility: none of us can act alone. And here, above all there is a real need for openness”, said H.S.H. Prince Albert II of Monaco.

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FOCUS

THE OCEANS

© P. Mondielli

AT THE HEART OF CLIMATE ISSUES

The Oceans are one of the major global issues. Consequently, the Prince Albert II Foundation, in partnership with the “Ocean and Climate Platform” brought together close to 70 international players from the scientific community, civil society and the economic sector in 2015 prior to COP 21 in Paris.

“The Ocean's Call for Climate” launched by the Platform received over 30,000 signatures, committing the states party to the United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change to place the Ocean at the heart of all climate issues.

COP 22 OCEAN DAY CO-PRESIDED OVER BY PRINCE ALBERT II AND PRINCESS LALLA HASNAA On 12th November 2016 H.S.H. Prince Albert II of Monaco copresided over Oceans Day with Princess Lalla Hasnaa. During the address he made, H.S.H. the Sovereign said: “This very day, because of its newness and importance, is here to prove to us that things are changing. Year after year, we have seen the ocean issue becoming increasingly prevalent in our contemporaries' concerns, as well as in public debate”.

BIODIVERSITY AND SDG N° 14 The Foundation offers its support to various studies, which focus on the effects of ocean acidification and biodiversity. Today we are aware of the importance of the oceans, which represent 72% of the planet.

Ocean acidification is undeniably a key issue for the future of our planet. Monaco actively supports anything that can promote the exchange of information on this matter. Moreover, it was in Monaco that one of the first global alerts was launched in 2008, signed by 155 scientists from 26 countries.

The adoption by the UN of a sustainable development goal (SDG n° 14) devoted to the oceans in September 2015 is also the result of intense lobbying efforts carried out by H.S.H. Prince Albert II and his Foundation.

The protection of marine biodiversity thanks to the creation of marine protected areas, international scientific cooperation, the mitigation of ocean acidification and the fight against offshore pollution are the main areas in which the Foundation is actively involved, alongside the Principality in order to achieve SDG n° 14.

Monaco • Canada • France • Germany • Italia • USA • Singapore • Spain • Switzerland • United Kingdom

9 THE DEVELOPMENT OF MARINE PROTECTED AREAS The Prince Albert II of Monaco Foundation is heavily involved in the development of marine protected areas in the Mediterranean. In March 2015, the Monaco based association for a sustainable funding of Mediterranean MPAs was launched, on the initiative of the Foundation, Monaco, France and Tunisia. The aim of this fund is to develop and improve MPA management in the Mediterranean on a sustainable basis.

MPA FUNDING IN MOROCCO AND TUNISIA On the occasion of the second Forum for Mediterranean Marine Protected Areas (MPAs), held in Tangiers from 28th November to 1st December 2016, the Association for the Sustainable Funding of Mediterranean Marine Protected Areas (M2PA) announced that initial funding would be given to marine protected areas in Morocco and Tunisia. Funding, amounting to 60,000 Euros, will help to cover priority needs for the day-to-day management of these marine areas.

Š P. Mondielli

The Association for the Sustainable Funding of Mediterranean Marine Protected Areas also initiated a highly active phase of discussions with major multinational fund agencies: The Global Environment Facility (GEF) and the French Global Environment Facility (FGEF). The Government of the Principality, the Leonardo di Caprio Foundation, Basel Zoo and the Oceanographic Museum of Monaco are also funding this initiative.

Š M Dagnino

MONACO BLUE INITIATIVE The Monaco Blue Initiative (MBI) is a forum for discussion the aim of which is to stimulate the knowledge and preservation of the oceans and their sustainable management by creating synergies between the various players involved in the protection of the marine ecosystems and economic and social development. It was created in 2010 on the initiative of H.S.H. Prince Albert II of Monaco, the MBI is co-organised by the Prince Albert II of Monaco Foundation and the Oceanographic Institute, Albert I, Prince of Monaco Foundation. The next Monaco Blue Initiative is being held in Monaco on 2nd and 3rd April 2017. On this occasion, an ocean week is being organised for the first time.

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THE IPCC

IS TO PRODUCE A REPORT ON THE OCEAN AND THE CRYOSPHERE The decision taken by the IPCC at its 41st working session in Kenya in April 2016 to produce a special report on the Oceans and the Cryosphere, due to the alarming consequences of global warming and increased greenhouse gas emissions, is the result of an initiative conducted since 2015 by the Prince Albert II of Monaco Foundation.

The Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change (IPCC) has therefore organised a scoping meeting in Monaco from 6th to 9th December 2016. It brought together one hundred or so experts from 40 countries.

The cryosphere - from the Greek kryos, meaning cold or ice - is a word to collectively designate the areas of the Earth where water is found in its solid state. This includes ice sheets, frozen lakes and rivers, regions covered by snow, glaciers and frozen soil.

On this occasion a press briefing was held on 6th December 2016 prior to the opening ceremony, in the presence of H.S.H. Prince Albert II of Monaco and Hoesung Lee, Chair of IPCC, both of whom made an opening address. “I would like to thank Monaco for acting as our hosts and for having persuaded the IPCC to produce this Special Report”, said Hoesung Lee. “You are much awaited here. I have worked tirelessly with Monaco and my Foundation in regard to the Oceans” H.S.H. the Sovereign Prince declared.

Ko Barrett (United States), the IPCC Vice-Chair and Chair of the Scientific and Technical Committee for the Special Report task force, and the Vice-Chairs of the task force: Hans-Otto Pörtner (Germany), Debra Roberts (South Africa), Valérie Masson-Delmotte (France), Zhai Panmao (China), and Jonathan Lynn, IPCC Head of Communications, took part in the press briefing. “Monaco is a symbolic location due to both the support the Principality and the Prince Albert II of Monaco Foundation have provided for the implementation of the Special Report, but also because it is a hot spot where the impact of climate change can be seen firsthand”, said Ko Barrett.

IPCC experts consequently defined the structure of the Special Report on Climate Change, the Oceans and the Cryosphere: the chapters, but also the key words to be included.

The result of these discussions will be submitted to an IPCC plenary session next spring.

The report is expected to be completed by 2019.

WHAT IS THE IPCC? The Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change (IPCC) is the leading international body for the scientific assessment of climate change. It was established by the United Nations Environment Programme (UNEP) and the World Meteorological Organization (WMO) in 1988 to provide political leaders with periodic scientific assessments concerning climate change, its implications and potential future risks, as well as to put forward adaptation and mitigation strategies.

Seminal assessment reports are published every 6 or 7 years (the most recent dates back to 2014). The IPCC also publishes special reports on more specific issues.

IN ADDITION TO THE SPECIAL REPORT DEDICATED TO THE OCEANS AND THE CRYOSPHERE, TWO OTHER FUTURE SPECIAL REPORTS HAVE BEEN APPROVED BY THE IPCC: • The Impact of an Increase in Global Warming of 1.5° above the Preindustrial Era. • Climate Change, Desertification, Land Use Changes and Food Security.

Monaco • Canada • France • Germany • Italia • USA • Singapore • Spain • Switzerland • United Kingdom

© Alberto Colman- WSM

NEWS

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IN BRIEF / PROJECTS

AWARD FOR THE “SOLAR COOKERS IN THE ARGAN GROVES” PROGRAMME

© Fondation Mohammed VI

A programme entitled “Promotion of the use of solar cookers in a UNESCO-associated school”, run by the Mohammed VI Foundation for Research and Protection of the Argan Tree, was presented the “Gender Just Climate Solution Award” by the Women and Gender Constituency in November 2016.

The aim of this programme, supported by the Prince Albert II of Monaco Foundation, is to raise awareness of the need to preserve the argan groves by introducing to households cookers using inexhaustible and non polluting natural resources.

HIGH ENERGY EFFICIENT WOOD STOVES The Foundation supports flagship projects with regard to energy development. This is the case with the programme implemented in Guinea run by Bolivia Inti-Sud Soleil, which consists in setting up a regional market of high energy efficient wood stoves, and extending it to the whole of Lower Guinea.

© Bolivia Inti-Sud Soleil

The aim is to promote solar and ecological cooking methods among the local populations living in poverty.

A survey conducted among users noted that the use of firewood had dropped by 50% The Foundation has also supported Bolivia Inti-Sud Soleil in its process to obtain carbon certification for the stoves.

EXPERIMENTAL BOTANICAL GARDENS AT THE HEART OF A BIOSPHERE RESERVE IN THE DEMOCRATIC REPUBLIC OF CONGO

© BDA

The Foundation supported the first phase of the project. The second phase will focus on creating an experimental botanical garden in the Luki biosphere reserve (Congo) with the following goals: • to protect biodiversity, • to give an environmental education to the local populations, • to organise the planting of both medicinal and agricultural species.

This botanical centre will thus act as a model of an eco-responsible agricultural holding for local and national players working in this sector in Central Africa.

BIODIVERSITY PROFIT SHARING PROGRAMME FOR THE BENEFIT OF THE VILLAGE COMMUNITIES IN KENYA

© DR

This project has developed a sustainable management system for natural resources in an ecological corridor in south Kenya, close to the Tanzanian border. This area derives from the land heritage of the local communities in which the population continues to live in its traditional habitat. The main objectives of the project managed by the Prince Albert II of Monaco Foundation have been met: rehabilitation and management of a water spring which, in addition, has resulted in the community becoming more united.

Poaching has significantly decreased, the slaughtering of animals has stopped. Species that deserted the area have even re-appeared.

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PRINCE ALBERT II OF MONACO FOUNDATION

© Yann Arthus-Bertrand

FONDATION PRINCE ALBERT II DE MONACO

The Prince Albert II of Monaco Foundation finances tangible projects within the fields of climate change, biodiversity and access to water.

MONACO

By supporting the Foundation, you are making a commitment along with us in favour of the environment and sustainable development.

LONDON

La Fondation Prince Albert II finance des projets concrets dans les domaines du changement climatique, de la biodiversité et de l’accès à l’eau.

MONTREAL

En soutenant la Fondation, vous vous engagez à nos côtés en faveur de l’environnement et du développement durable.

PARIS GENEVA NEW YORK DÜSSELDORF MILANO SINGAPORE MADRID

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