Half a century after its creation, the RAMOGE Agreement continues to stand as one of the Mediterranean’s most successful examples of international environmental cooperation, with Monaco celebrating its 50th anniversary through a series of high-profile events led by His Serene Highness Prince Albert II…
The commemorations on June 26 highlighted the close partnership between Monaco, France and Italy in protecting the Mediterranean Sea from pollution and strengthening emergency response capabilities. HSH Prince Albert II visited two key vessels involved in the agreement: the French emergency towing vessel Abeille Méditerranée and the Italian multipurpose patrol ship U. Diciotti. The visits showcased the specialist personnel, advanced equipment and coordinated resources available to prevent marine pollution and respond rapidly to incidents at sea.
The Sovereign then attended RAMOGEPOL, the annual large-scale anti-pollution exercise staged this year in Monegasque waters. Bringing together emergency services and maritime authorities from all three nations, the exercise tested operational coordination and response procedures designed to safeguard one of Europe’s most environmentally significant coastlines.
An institutional ceremony at the Ministry of State also marked the anniversary in the presence of Prince Albert II, Princess Charlene and senior French and Italian officials. During the event, Their Serene Highnesses inaugurated the exhibition Preserving the Mediterranean: RAMOGE, a pioneering agreement for 50 years, featuring rare archival material documenting the agreement’s origins under Prince Rainier III. They also cancelled a commemorative postage stamp issued to celebrate the milestone.
Signed in Monaco in 1976 at the initiative of Prince Rainier III, the RAMOGE Agreement remains a benchmark for international cooperation, with Prince Albert II continuing to champion its mission of protecting the Mediterranean for future generations.
Images: Prince’s Palace