Cover His Serene Highness Prince Albert II, the reigning monarch of Monaco (Photo: Kenny Loh, Location: Mandarin Oriental, Kuala Lumpur)
His Serene Highness Prince Albert II, the reigning monarch of Monaco (Photo: Kenny Loh, Location: Mandarin Oriental, Kuala Lumpur)
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His Serene Highness Prince Albert II of Monaco shares his vision of a greener future and the efforts he is championing
In an age marked by growing environmental consciousness, Monaco’s heartbeat echoes with a resounding symphony of sustainability. At the forefront of this eco-conscious revolution is His Serene Highness Prince Albert II, the reigning monarch and visionary leader of Monaco, whose commitment to a sustainable future transcends mere rhetoric; it weaves seamlessly into every aspect of the principality’s identity.
Following his recent visit to Malaysia for the Monaco Economic Forum 2023, he offered a glimpse into Monaco’s eco-centric journey, revealing a narrative that intricately intertwined economic vitality with an unwavering dedication to environmental stewardship.
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Above Prince Albert at Antartica in 2009, having gone on multiple trips to the Arctic and Antartica raise awareness of protecting our Northern and Southern polar region (Photo: Press Office of the Prince’s Palace of Monaco)
Prince Albert at Antartica in 2009, having gone on multiple trips to the Arctic and Antartica raise awareness of protecting our Northern and Southern polar region (Photo: Press Office of the Prince’s Palace of Monaco)
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Reflecting on the beginnings of his foundation, the Prince Albert II of Monaco Foundation, His Serene Highness delved into the environmental legacy instilled by his late father, Prince Rainier III. “In my father’s time, we were already doing a lot for the Mediterranean,” he recalled, citing initiatives like the Pelagos sanctuary and the ACCOBAMS agreement.
However, fuelled by a desire to go beyond, Prince Albert’s personal expedition to the Arctic in 2006 became a pivotal moment. “I saw that the Arctic is really feeling the brunt of climate change,” he shared. This profound experience ignited a personal commitment, culminating in 17 years of tireless efforts and nearly 800 global projects, with the foundation proudly contributing over €110 million to date.
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Above Prince Albert is dedicated to put sustainability at the heart of what Monaco is doing and stands for (Photo: Kenny Loh, Location: Mandarin Oriental, Kuala Lumpur)
Prince Albert is dedicated to put sustainability at the heart of what Monaco is doing and stands for (Photo: Kenny Loh, Location: Mandarin Oriental, Kuala Lumpur)
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“Our main areas of focus are the Mediterranean basin, developing countries, and both polar regions,” Prince Albert emphasised. Collaboration has been the cornerstone of the foundation, forging partnerships with NGOs and government organisations. “No one can do this alone; we have to work together,” he stressed. The foundation’s journey, marked by recognition and respect, underscores its ability to initiate impactful projects, signalling a remarkable yet ongoing journey.
Infusing Monaco’s core values with sustainability, Prince Albert articulated, “I really wanted to put sustainability at the heart of what Monaco was doing and what we have to stand for.” The urgency of climate change underscores his commitment. “We’ve already reached a 1.5°C increase worldwide, and if we continue, we will hit 3 or 4°C. We don’t know what a world [with an average increase] of 3 or 4°C looks like,” he cautioned.
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The foundation’s initiatives span a diverse spectrum, encompassing clean energy, mobility projects, marine conservation, and support for local communities in preserving vital forests. Prince Albert highlighted the intrinsic link between the ocean and the planet. “A healthy ocean means a healthy planet, so we cannot envision a future without a healthy ocean,” he said. This commitment manifested during the recent COP28 meeting in Dubai, where the foundation, alongside OceanX and the 1000 Ocean Startups Coalition hosted by the World Economic Forum, pledged support for developing new blue technologies and fostering a sustainable ocean economy.
Above F1 Grand Prix of Monaco 2023 (Photo: Getty Images/Emmanuele Ciancaglini/Ciancaphoto Studio)
F1 Grand Prix of Monaco 2023 (Photo: Getty Images/Emmanuele Ciancaglini/Ciancaphoto Studio)
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For the uninitiated, Monaco is famous for its Monaco Grand Prix, one of the most prestigious and iconic events in Formula One, which the prince attests to: “It’s been around for many, many years since 1929, and it’s part of motorsports history. I think because it was one of the first urban tracks in the city, it still has this mystique and allure that people enjoy, not only for the races but for the whole atmosphere. People come from all over the world to be part of the experience.”
Looking further ahead, it is clear that in Monaco, sustainability has not merely become an initiative but rather a profound ethos woven into the fabric of the principality’s narrative. Prince Albert’s unwavering dedication and the foundation’s tireless efforts stand as an enduring journey towards a greener, more sustainable future for all.
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Sim Wie Boon is the general manager of Tatler Malaysia. Previously the print and digital editor, Sim hails from the land of the hornbills, Sarawak. Sim is now based in Kuala Lumpur and brings more than a decade of experience in the media industry as a journalist and broadcast producer.
As a self-proclaimed geriatric millennial, he appreciates the finer things in life, from savouring a sip of single malt whisky to relishing in the deliciousness of char siew. While reminiscing about the indie-sleaze era, Sim now finds solace in the soothing tunes of ambient music, staying active through running and occasionally succumbing to the addictive world of doom scrolling.
Follow him on Instagram or Threads at @simwb
