Their Serene Highnesses Prince Albert II and Princess Charlene joined international stars and philanthropists at the Opéra de Monte-Carlo on Friday evening to celebrate the 20th anniversary of the Prince Albert II of Monaco Foundation…
The gala at the Salle Garnier welcomed guests of honour Monica Bellucci and Richard Gere, alongside Isabelle Huppert, Eva Herzigova and Catrinel Marlon. Performances by Christina Aguilera, Plácido Domingo and Sister Sledge accompanied an evening that also featured a dinner created by chef Yannick Alléno and an auction conducted by Simon de Pury.
Established by HSH Prince Albert II in 2006, the Foundation works internationally across three principal areas: climate change, biodiversity and water resources. Over two decades, it has mobilised more than €120 million and supported more than 850 projects spanning research, conservation and innovation.
The ocean remains central to its work, with the Foundation currently supporting more than 20 marine protected areas in the Mediterranean alone. Its projects also include the restoration of more than 6,000 hectares of degraded mangroves in Pakistan, helping biodiversity, absorbing carbon and supporting local communities.
Romain Ciarlet, the Foundation’s executive director and vice-president, said its role has evolved as environmental issues have moved higher up the international agenda. Where raising awareness was once crucial, attention is increasingly focused on identifying existing solutions, expanding their adoption and attracting the investment required to deliver them.
The anniversary gala also looked towards the challenges ahead, from climate change and biodiversity loss to pressure on the world’s oceans and natural resources.
For the Foundation, the message after 20 years is that environmental protection and economic development need not be opposing forces. New technologies, sustainable investment and international cooperation can provide opportunities whilst helping accelerate the environmental transition.
Friday’s gala therefore marked more than an anniversary. It celebrated two decades of action whilst opening the next chapter in a mission that has placed Monaco firmly within the international environmental conversation.
Image: Prince’s Palace