Monaco Leads the Way in Marine Conservation as RAMOGE Presidency Passes to Italy

Monaco played host to a pivotal gathering of the RAMOGE Agreement Commission, as representatives from France, Italy, and Monaco convened to review achievements and set future goals for this long-standing treaty dedicated to preserving marine biodiversity and combating pollution in the Mediterranean…

The meeting marked the handover of the presidency from France to Italy, a transition that comes at a critical time as the agreement approaches its 50th anniversary in 2026.

Initiated in 1976 under the leadership of Prince Rainier III, the RAMOGE Agreement covers a vast marine area stretching from Saint-Raphaël to Genoa, including Monaco, and has been recognized globally for its environmental initiatives.

One of the key successes under the French presidency has been the intensification of pollution response exercises, notably involving aerial surveillance for the first time, which has enhanced the region’s capacity to tackle marine emergencies.

Scientific research has also been a cornerstone of RAMOGE’s efforts, with deep-sea exploration campaigns revealing critical insights into Mediterranean ecosystems. The upcoming 2025 expedition, led by France, will use the state-of-the-art Alfred Merlin research vessel to further investigate key marine habitats. Additionally, Monaco’s Ocean Week has played a vital role in raising awareness about seagrass meadow restoration and the importance of preserving Posidonia, a crucial marine plant.

A major milestone ahead will be RAMOGE’s participation in the United Nations Ocean Conference (UNOC) in Nice this June, with Monaco hosting key preparatory discussions on the blue economy. Meanwhile, the partnership between RAMOGE and Pelagos—the Mediterranean sanctuary for marine mammals—continues to strengthen, reflecting a shared commitment to protecting marine biodiversity.

As RAMOGE gears up for its next phase under Italian leadership, the focus remains on innovation, international collaboration, and reinforcing conservation efforts in one of the world’s most ecologically significant marine corridors.