On December 10, 2024, Monaco’s unwavering commitment to marine preservation was reaffirmed at the United Nations General Assembly…
Representing the Principality, Jérémie Adlerfligel, Third Secretary to Monaco’s Permanent Mission, highlighted several key initiatives, including Monaco’s ratification of the UN Agreement on Biodiversity Beyond National Jurisdiction (BBNJ) and ongoing efforts by the Centre Scientifique de Monaco, the Oceanographic Institute, and the Prince Albert II Foundation. These initiatives underscore Monaco’s leadership in addressing critical issues such as climate change, rising sea levels, and biodiversity loss.
This global advocacy aligns with Monaco’s recent hosting of “Saving Iconic Fishes 2024,” the first-ever in-person meeting of the IUCN SSC Seahorse, Pipefish, and Seadragon Specialist Group. The gathering brought experts from 23 nations to the Principality to advance conservation strategies for these fragile species. Monaco’s pivotal contributions include sponsoring IUCN Resolution 95, which rallied 1,450 organizations to protect marine life, and improving CITES regulations to ensure sustainable trade of seahorses.
The meeting marked significant achievements, including Red List assessments for over 30 species, new translocation guidelines, and strategies to mitigate climate change impacts on these fishes. Future plans involve identifying conservation hotspots and establishing global research protocols.
Looking ahead, Monaco is set to host a Blue Economy and Finance Forum in June 2025, emphasizing the private sector’s vital role in funding sustainable marine initiatives. As His Serene Highness Prince Albert II continues the legacy of Prince Albert I in oceanography, Monaco remains a small nation with a mighty voice, driving global efforts to preserve marine biodiversity and advance ocean conservation.
Header Image: DR
