The Principality of Monaco has reinforced its commitment to ocean preservation by becoming a founding member of the Space4Ocean Alliance, launched during the UN Ocean Conference (UNOC3)…
Initiated by France’s CNES in 2023, the Alliance aims to harness space technologies to address major oceanic challenges through global cooperation.
Represented by the Department of External Relations and Cooperation and the Bureau of Space Affairs, Monaco joins 27 founding members including space agencies, scientific bodies, and multilateral organisations. Government Minister Isabelle Berro-Amadeï highlighted that the initiative will use tools such as satellite imagery and digital models to understand ocean dynamics, protect marine biodiversity, and anticipate climate change impacts. “This commitment responds to real challenges faced daily by the most vulnerable states,” she noted, emphasising the need to share knowledge and build sustainable cooperation.
Key objectives of Space4Ocean include strengthening collaboration between space and marine communities, filling observation gaps with innovative missions, and enhancing capacity-building for small island developing states and least developed countries. It also aims to provide actionable services for marine biodiversity protection, climate adaptation, pollution reduction, coastal management, and maritime security.
The official signing took place on 9 June at the Observatoire de la Côte d’Azur, with leaders such as astronaut Thomas Pesquet and CNES Director Lionel Suchet in attendance. The Alliance’s first steering committee will convene in Oslo later this year to define governance and adopt a shared roadmap.
Olivier Minazzoli, Administrator of Monaco’s Bureau of Space Affairs, stated that the Bureau focuses on applying space services to environmental solutions, aligned with HSH Prince Albert II’s vision for sustainable ocean governance.
