Exploring the Ocean
A quest based on humanism and scientific truth
Since April 2017, the start of this adventure, numerous expeditions have been led around the world by Explorations de Monaco, all rich in experiences in contact with nature and the Ocean and human encounters. Other large-scale projects are in the pipeline.
The role of today’s explorers must be to promote a better quality of life on the planet.
Bertrand Piccard, excerpt from “L’Univers”, 1975.
2017-2019: A first fruitful phase
Until mid-2018, investigations of the marine and island fauna and analyses of the disturbances that may affect them were carried out. These explorations were successively carried out in Madeira, Cabo Verde, the West Indies, Martinique, the Pacific coast of Colombia (Malpelo), Norway, Hawaii and Badu.
In 2019 and 2020, Explorations de Monaco supported several operations: inventory of the megafauna frequenting the seamounts around New Caledonia, exploration of the 60 to 120-meter depths of the Mediterranean between Marseille and Monaco (Gombessa V), study of the diving sequence of large cetaceans in the Mediterranean (Sphyrna Odyssey 2019), study of the impact of ocean acidification on corals in Palau or study of deep corals in the Red Sea (ENCOR).
Too often, we dream with our eyes closed. Instead, we should dream with our eyes open.
Mike Horn, extreme explorer and adventurer.
Explorations in the service of the common good
– A political commitment at the highest level to intelligent, sustainable management of natural environments.
– High-quality scientific research, guaranteeing the development of knowledge useful for decision-making.
– Raising awareness among a broad public, especially the younger generations, to encourage commitment, inform and mobilize.
As a platform for H.S.H. Prince Albert II of Monaco’s and the Principality’s commitment to the Ocean, Explorations de Monaco has been helping to combine these three aspects since its launch.
If these are the goals of the explorer, then all of us – travelers, scientists, citizens, parents and children – are committed to this formidable expedition that humanity has undertaken.
Jacques-Yves Cousteau, excerpt from “L’homme, la pieuvre et l’orchidée”, written with Susan Schiefelbein, 1997
H.S.H. Prince Albert II of Monaco in Badu Island surrounded by traditional dancers and a musical group
From the Mediterranean to Melanesia, via the Indian Ocean and Indonesia, the exploration zones included in the program for 2020-2030 are wide-ranging and conducive to strengthening international collaborations, with a view to acquiring, sharing and promoting knowledge, for a better understanding of the links between mankind and the sea. This second phase is Monaco’s contribution to the United Nations Decade of Ocean Science for Sustainable Development.
All I do is plant trees: I know I’m too old to ever enjoy their fruit and shade, but I can’t think of a better way to look after the future.
Voltaire, excerpt from a letter to his Parisian friends from Ferney.
Large campaign 2021
A major campaign in the Indian Ocean in October and November 2022, combined with a trip to the region by H.S.H. the Sovereign Prince. In preparation for 2024: the Mediterranean.
New documentary 2020
Meeting
A never-before-seen documentary about H.S.H. the Sovereign Prince’s encounter with artist Alick Tipoti and the Badu Island people of the Torres Strait.
Book
Explorations
A book in preparation on the ocean explorations carried out by the Principality and its Sovereigns over more than a century: Albert I, Rainier III, H.S.H. Prince Albert II of Monaco.
