Who we are
Monaco Explorations: reconciling mankind and the sea
Les Explorations de Monaco is a platform for H.S.H. Prince Albert II of Monaco’s commitment to the knowledge, sustainable management and protection of the ocean.
Albert II of Monaco, a committed Sovereign
On June 6, 2017, at the United Nations Conference on the Oceans, H.S.H. Prince Albert II of Monaco delivered a founding speech at the UN podium, as part of the implementation of Sustainable Development Goal 14: Conserve and sustainably use the oceans, seas and marine resources for sustainable development.
An initiative of the Government of Monaco
Created on the initiative of the Government of the Principality of Monaco, the Société des Explorations de Monaco brings together the Prince Albert II of Monaco Foundation, the Institut océanographique – Fondation Albert Ier, Prince de Monaco, the Centre Scientifique de Monaco and the Yacht Club de Monaco.
It supports these institutions and coordinates collaborative international missions involving Monegasque and non-Monegasque partners worldwide.
Monaco, a predestined place to work for the Ocean
Facing the Mediterranean, the Monegasque Rock is turned towards the sea and the great maritime spaces.
Prince Albert II of Monaco’s current commitment to the ocean strengthens the Principality’s powerful link with the marine environment, and enhances its international influence.
Over the past 150 years, Prince Albert I (1848-1922) and Prince Rainier III of Monaco (1923-2005) have also forged and strengthened this bond through their commitment and strong actions in favor of the Ocean.
Albert I of Monaco (1848-1922)
During my career as a navigator, I obtained from the sea a few confessions about the laws that determine its role among the forces of the world, or that propagate life to the depths of the abyss.
And, as my eyes were opened to the rapture of limitless fecundity, a fragment of the mystery that dominates creation, space and time was illuminated, giving me serene confidence in the destiny that the balance of the universe imposes on organisms with the eternal cycle of life and death. .
Excerpt from La Carrière d’un Navigateur, 1902.
Rainier III of Monaco: a long reign (1949-2005) marked by a strong commitment to combating marine pollution, particularly in the Mediterranean.
Rainier III of Monaco (1923-2005)
Let’s beware of facile words and empty declarations of principle.
Let’s find the moral and political strength to apply the prescribed remedies in order to save what’s essential.
It’s up to us, Heads of State, to collectively seize this opportunity to put our blue planet on a sustainable course, and thus enable our children and future generations to evolve in a fairer, healthier world.
Extract from a speech to the United Nations Conference on Environment and Sustainable Development in Rio de Janeiro, June 1992.
Governance, our Board of Directors
- Chairman: H.E. Mr Pierre DARTOUT, Minister ofÉtat
- Managing Director: Robert CALCAGNO, Managing Director of the Institut océanographique – Fondation Albert Ier, Prince of Monaco,
- Directors :
- Société Nationale de Financement, represented by Mr Pierre-André CHIAPPORI, Government Councillor – Minister of Finance and the Economy,
- Mr Bernard D’ALESSANDRI, Secretary General and General Manager of the Yacht Club de Monaco
- H.E. Mr. Bernard FAUTRIER, Special Advisor to H.S.H. the Sovereign Prince, in charge of environmental issues, member of the Board of Directors of the Prince Albert II of Monaco Foundation,
- Professor Patrick RAMPAL, President of the Centre Scientifique de Monaco,
- Mrs Armelle ROUDAUT-LAFON, Director of Maritime Affairs,
- Mr. David TOMATIS, Advisor to the Cabinet of H.S.H. the Sovereign Prince,
- Mr Jean-Marie VERAN, Special Advisor to the Government Counsellor – Minister for External Relations and Cooperation,
- Mr. Olivier WENDEN, Vice-Chairman and Managing Director of the Prince Albert II of Monaco Foundation,
- Mr. Gilles BESSERO, former Director General of the French Naval Hydrographic and Oceanographic Service, former Director of the International Hydrographic Organization, former Director of Explorations de Monaco.
Board of Directors meeting on November 27, 2020.
From right to left: M. Veran, M. D’Alessandri, M. Tomatis, H.E. M. Fautrier, Pr Rampal, H.E. M. Dartout, Mme Roudaut-Lafon, M. Calcagno, M. Bessero
Operational team
– Mr Xavier PRACHE
Director
– Mr Didier THÉRON
Mediation manager
– Ms Océane GASQUY
Communications Officer
– Ms Flora GINOCCHIO
Administrative Manager
– Ms Léana ROUSSEAUX
Coordination assistant
