Monaco Ocean Week sails into the Principality

Knowledge and conservation of marine ecosystems have been bound to the history of Monaco since the late 19th century, when Prince Albert I, one of the founders of modern oceanography, led a number of marine expeditions.

That commitment has grown over the decades, and the Principality was among the signatories of the 1976 Ramoge Agreement on the protection of Mediterranean coastal waters alongside France and Italy, before becoming one of the first States to sign up to the United Nations Convention on the law of the sea in 1982.

The creation of the Prince Albert II of Monaco Foundation lent new impetus to this cause, which is hugely important to a seaside State like Monaco. THe Foundation plays an essential role, fostering important commitments and practical initiatives around the globe.

These issues and actions are central to discussions at the annual Monaco Ocean Week. Over the course of the week of dialogue and debates, local and international experts, members of the scientific community, representatives of non-profit organisations, and the public authiorities come together to shape initiatives and seal important commitments.

Previous editions of thius annual event haveled to the Monaco Manifesto for the ocean, published and signed by H.S.H. the Sovereign Prince alongside French and Italian ministers, and the signing of the Pelagos agreement creating a marine wildlife sanctuary.

Beyond these crucial agreements, the week-long event helps to raise awareness more widely about one of the major challenges of the 21st century.