Cover Beach clean-ups are essential to keeping the coastline free of litter (Image: Jeremy Holden)
Beach clean-ups are essential to keeping the coastline free of litter (Image: Jeremy Holden)
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Jacky Deromedi, the president of Prince Albert II of Monaco Foundation Asia, shares more about the foundation’s work in the protection and preservation of the oceans
In an exclusive interview with Tatler Singapore for the August 2018 issue, His Serene Highness Prince Albert II of Monaco said that the history and future of Monaco, and the world, is intimately linked to the health of the oceans. The principality’s reigning monarch is one of the world leaders acting strongly to save our planet through his eponymous foundation.
On October 28 this year, Prince Albert II returns to our shores to grace the fundraising gala dinner for the Prince Albert II of Monaco Foundation. The theme this year is Oceans, addressing topics such as marine waste, clean seas, rising sea levels and endangered species.
“We need to work together for the best of our planet,” says Jacky Deromedi. The president of Prince Albert II of Monaco Foundation Asia, along with Monaco honorary consul Jean‑Marc Deromedi, has initiated the Foundation First Circle for the cause’s most important supporters.
Deromedi tells us more about the foundation’s work in the protection and preservation of the oceans.
Read also: Tatler for Good: Bringing Ocean Conservation to the Forefront with Prince Albert II of Monaco Foundation
Above The monk seal is one of the most endangered marine mammals in the world (Image: Regard du Vivant)
The monk seal is one of the most endangered marine mammals in the world (Image: Regard du Vivant)
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Tell us about the work of the Prince Albert II of Monaco Foundation.
Jacky Deromedi (JD): His Serene Highness Prince Albert II of Monaco has made environmental action one of his personal priorities, leading to the establishment of his own private foundation. He is today a leading advocate for environmental issues, urging his peers and the private sector and civil society to effectively act and protect our common legacy that is our planet. Because climate change requires us to mobilise all the forces available, the Prince Albert II of Monaco Foundation is playing an active role as a federator, facilitator and accelerator of impactful solutions to progress planetary health.
How has the Covid-19 pandemic set us back on such efforts?
JD: Covid-19 has proven that human health is linked to planetary health. This crisis has not set us back on environmental issues, it has accelerated the collective awareness about the broken relationship we have with nature and our fragility. It has engaged us to rethink the world we aspire for and the one we want to leave to the next generations. It has increased our need for greater solidarity, respect and equity. This is fundamental to moving forward. What we need now is to scale up greener solutions and intensify investments to improve energy transition. The post-pandemic world is an open door on new economic opportunities based on innovations inspired by nature.
Above HSH Prince Albert II of Monaco (Image: Gaétan Luci/Palais Princier)
HSH Prince Albert II of Monaco (Image: Gaétan Luci/Palais Princier)
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Why is there a need for collective action and empowering people from various sectors to come up with impactful solutions?
JD: Nobody can achieve this fight against climate change alone. By working collectively on a larger scale, we can hope to implement the changes we need. Together we can progress significantly from local actions to global ones. Time is running quickly to save our future, but we can still win the battle if we work hand in hand.
What are some of the foundation’s partnerships and their impacts?
JD: The Prince Albert II of Monaco Foundation relies on many partnerships to strengthen its action and foster dialogue. We are present on the ground, alongside our partners, to address issues such as limiting the effects of climate change, preserving biodiversity, managing water resources, and fighting against deforestation.
Since 2006, we have supported more than 720 projects led by third-party organisations or through initiatives co-created by the foundation such as Beyond Plastic Med to fight plastic pollution, and MedFund for better management of marine protected areas. Today, the foundation is running 14 initiatives dedicated to marine and species preservation through the Monk Seal Alliance, Pelagos Initiative and Global Funds for Coral Reefs; increasing the understanding of ocean changes and acidification with Ocean Acidification and Other Ocean Changes—Impacts and Solutions; improving cohabitation between human and wildlife with the Human-Wildlife Initiative; forest conservation through the action of indigenous people and local communities through Forests and Communities Initiative; preserving Arctic and Antarctic regions through The Polar Initiative; and protecting water resources with the Donors’ Initiative for Mediterranean Freshwater Ecosystems.
Above Jacky Deromedi (pictured right), the president of Prince Albert II of Monaco Foundation Asia, with HSH Prince Albert II of Monaco, at the 10th Anniversary Ball In Monaco in Singapore in 2018
Jacky Deromedi (pictured right), the president of Prince Albert II of Monaco Foundation Asia, with HSH Prince Albert II of Monaco, at the 10th Anniversary Ball In Monaco in Singapore in 2018
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What are some of the opportunities sustainable development brings?
JD: Moving towards more resilient societies is not only a necessity if we are to live safely into the future, but also a great opportunity to boost our economies, create millions of jobs and improve our well-being. Sustainable development is a source of innovation and growth.
Monaco, world famous for its luxury lifestyle, glamour, quality of life, and its healthy economy—even if the crisis has been a hard challenge—is committed to becoming carbon neutral by 2050. Under the impetus of the sovereign prince, the principality has explored the various fields of sustainability and is today an example of how we can upgrade quality of life and businesses while preserving the environment. Moving forward, a greener path is full of promises and opportunities—and it is worth it.
The Ball in Monaco 2022 takes place on October 28, at Sands Expo and Convention Centre.
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As Senior Editor of Tatler Singapore, Hashirin champions and refines the storytelling across platforms—curating and crafting compelling profiles, cover stories and features that spotlight visionaries shaping culture, business and impact. Driven by curiosity, she draws inspiration from the artists, changemakers and trailblazers she encounters through her work. Beyond the pages of Tatler, she is an avid supporter of local theatre and delights in seeking out art in every city she visits.
