Monaco’s Science Festival returns to the Espace Léo Ferré on Wednesday, September 30, bringing together institutions, associations and researchers for a day dedicated to discovery, innovation and the sharing of knowledge, with activities, workshops and hands-on encounters open to the public throughout the event.
In the run-up to the festival, organisers are introducing some of the participating organisations through a series of short profiles. This second instalment turns the spotlight on the Association Monégasque pour la Protection de la Nature (AMPN).
Founded in 1975 at the initiative of Prince Rainier III, the AMPN was established to give the Principality a concrete role in safeguarding the Mediterranean, with a team of volunteers tasked with creating a protected marine zone along Monaco’s coastline. That effort led, in 1976, to the creation of the Larvotto underwater reserve, protecting the Principality’s only Posidonia seagrass meadow, followed a decade later by a second reserve safeguarding Monaco’s sole coralligenous drop-off near the entrance to Port Hercule.
Now approaching its fiftieth year, the AMPN continues to manage both Marine Protected Areas, working closely with His Serene Highness Prince Albert II, his Foundation, and Monaco’s government services. Beyond conservation itself, the association’s work spans scientific monitoring of marine ecosystems, ecological restoration projects such as artificial reef installation, and public education initiatives, including the Monaco Marine Educative Area, launched in 2018 to introduce schoolchildren to marine biodiversity and conservation practices.
At this year’s Science Festival, the AMPN will be among the organisations bringing their work directly to the public, offering visitors the chance to learn more about the marine environment on their doorstep and the efforts underway to protect it.