22 June 2023

“Adopt a float” event

"Adopt a Float" day at the Institut de la mer in Villefranche-sur-Mer (Sorbonne University/CNRS)

The “Adopt a Float” day on 22 June 2023 at the Institut de la mer in Villefranche-sur-Mer (Sorbonne University/CNRS) was attended by the French Minister for Higher Education and Research, Sylvie Retailleau, HSH Prince Albert II of Monaco and Antoine Petit, Chairman and CEO of the CNRS. A large number of VIPs were on hand to witness the day’s work by six classes from Joseph Calderoni primary school in Villefranche-sur-Mer. Over the course of the school year, these six classes – around 150 pupils – adopted “Bob-the-float”, a BGC Argo profiling float, whose journey they followed as part of the “Adopt a float” educational programme run by Carolyn Scheurle, head of the programme, and her team. Bob the float was dropped into the Indian Ocean on 16 October 2022, during the expedition led by Explorations de Monaco, by the scientific teams of Hervé Claustre, co-leader of the BGC-Argo international ocean monitoring programme.

The pupils were able to present their work over the course of the school year, make new discoveries and exchange views with researchers, scientific mediators and invited guests. They also visited the “Indian Ocean Expedition” exhibition by the artist Rémi Leroy, who was on board during the expedition.

Journée Adopt a Float. 22 juin 2022. S.A.S. le Prince Albert II de Monaco, accompagnée de Carolyn Scheurle, salue les différents intervenants. Au second plan de gauche à droite : Roger Roux, maire de Beaulieu-sur-Mer, M. Christophe Trojani, maire de Villefranche-sur Mer, M. Robert CALCAGNO, Directeur général de l'Institut océanographique et Administrateur délégué des Explorations de Monaco, S.E.M Bernard Fautrier, Conseiller spécial de S.A.S. le Prince chargé des questions d'environnement©Mika-Alesi_Palais-princier-de-Monaco.jpg
H.S.H. Prince Albert II of Monaco, accompanied by Carolyn Scheurle, greets the various speakers. In the background, from left to right: Mr Roger Roux, Mayor of Beaulieu-sur-Mer, Mr Christophe Trojani, Mayor of Villefranche-sur-Mer, Mr Robert CALCAGNO, Director General of the Oceanographic Institute and Managing Director of Explorations de Monaco, H.E. Mr Bernard Fautrier, Special Adviser to H.S.H. the Prince, in charge of environmental issues©Mika Alesi. Prince's Palace of Monaco

Bob-the-float ” works for science, ocean education and sustainable development

A float for scientific purposes

The “Bob-the-float” profiling float underwater robot, which has been sailing in the Indian Ocean since 16 October 2022, is part of a flotilla of ultra-modern robots that are helping to observe the ocean by measuring essential ocean parameters. It is part of the international ‘One Argo’ programme, which aims to observe changes in the health of the world’s oceans in the context of climate change using a flotilla of these robots. The Institut de la mer de Villefranche (IMEV) is one of the pioneers of this programme.

Le flotteurBob-the-Float décoré par les étudiants de l'école embarquée à bord du S.A.Agulhas II, juste avant sa mise à l'eau©Didier Théron. Monaco Explorations
The Bob-the-Float float decorated by students from the school on board the S.A. Agulhas II, just before its launch©Didier Théron. Monaco Explorations

An Adopt a float activity in school©LOV/IMEV/CNRS

Presentation by pupils from the Joseph Caldéroni school on 22 June 2023©Thomas Jessin. IMEV.CNRS

Sylvie Retailleau, Minister for Higher Education and Research, with Antoine Petit, Chairman and CEO of CNRS, on her right©Thomas Jessin.IMEV. CNRS

The Minister talks to children from the Joseph Calderoni school in Villefranche-sur-Mer. In front of her, the mayor of Cap-d'Ail, Xavier Beck©Thomas Jessin. IMEV. CNRS

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A float for educational purposes

In addition to its scientific application, the “Bob-the-float” robot is being used by IMEV’s scientific mediators in the “Adopt a float” educational programme. Like the Joseph Caldéroni primary school in Villefranche-sur-Mer, young pupils in Seychelles and Mauritius have adopted other floats deployed during the Monaco Explorations Indian Ocean Expedition. Profiling floats are excellent tools for bringing ocean sciences into the classroom. 1900 students in France and abroad benefited from this programme in 2022-2023.

From the Mediterranean to the Indian Ocean

Initially deployed in the Mediterranean before being put back in the water during the expedition organised in the Indian Ocean at the end of 2022 by Explorations de Monaco, the “Bob the Float” robot illustrates a desire to make observations that are as eco-responsible as possible. Reusing these highly sophisticated and expensive devices is currently one of the programme’s priorities. Like 4,000 other profiling floats, it collects and transmits biogeochemical data, which is then made freely accessible in real time to scientists around the world.

Flotteur Argo à l'eau. 16_10_2022©Didier Théron_MonacoExplorations
Argo float at sea©Didier THERON. MonacoExplorations

March 17 to June 27, 2023

“Multiple perspectives” at the Oceanographic Museum

The "Multiple perspectives" exhibition retraces the course of the 2022 Indian Ocean mission of the Explorations de Monaco.

Since March 17 and until June 27, 2023, visitors to the Oceanographic Museum of Monaco are invited to discover in the Conference Room, Multiple perspectives, an exhibition that evokes the course and development of the Indian Ocean 2022 mission of the Explorations of Monaco.

S.A.Agulhas-II.-Mission-ocean-Indien-2022©Filip-Kulisev_Amazing-Planet_MonacoExplorations.jpg
The S.A. Agulhas II, a South African oceanographic and supply vessel chartered by the Principality of Monaco for the Monaco Explorations mission, carried out in the Indian Ocean in October and November 2022©Filip Kulisev_MonacoExplorations

Inauguration on March 21, 2023 by H.S.H. Prince Albert II of Monaco

On the occasion of the Indian Ocean mission report day and the presentation of the first results on 21 March, as part of Monaco Ocean Week, H.S.H. Prince Albert II of Monaco attended the introductory sequence of this day in the Conference Room of the Monaco Oceanographic Museum. He then went through the exhibition with the personalities present and the artists.
Day of restitution of the Indian Ocean mission of March 21, 2023 at the Oceanographic Museum. Welcome adress by Robert Calcagno, Director General of the Oceanographic Institute and Managing Director of the Explorations of Monaco©Michel Dagnino. Oceanographic Institute.
Visit of the exhibition Multiple perspectives commented by Gilles Bessero, director of Explorations de Monaco and head of the Indian Ocean mission. In the background, behind the Sovereign, Stéphane Dugast, journalist. March 21, 2023. Oceanographic Museum of Monaco©Michel Dagnino. Oceanographic Institute
H.S.H. Prince Albert II of Monaco listens to the comments of the young artist Chloé Thibault in front of one of her creations. In the background, Mrs. Armelle Roudaut Lafon, Director of Maritime Affairs of the Principality and Professor Patrick Rampal, President of the Scientific Center of Monaco. March 21, 2023. Oceanographic Museum of Monaco©Michel Dagnino. Oceanographic Institute
Nicolas Mathys, reporter photographer of the Zeppelin agency present on board during the mission, in discussion with H.S.H. Prince Albert II of Monaco in front of one of his pictures. March 21, 2023. Oceanographic Museum of Monaco©Michel Dagnino. Oceanographic Institute
The Monegasque Sovereign H.S.H. Prince Albert II surrounded by Gilles Bessero, Director of Explorations of Monaco on his left and the artist Remi Leroy on his right, in front of one of the artist's creations entitled "Big Boots". March 21, 2023. Monaco Oceanographic Museum©Michel Dagnino. Oceanographic Institute
H.S.H. Prince Albert II of Monaco surrounded by Mr. Jean-François Ferrari, Minister of Fisheries and Blue Economy of the Seychelles on his right and Mr. Rezah Badal, Director General of the Department of Continental Shelf, Administration and Exploration of Maritime Zones, Office of the Prime Minister of Mauritius. March 21, 2023. Oceanographic Museum of Monaco©Michel Dagnino. Oceanographic Institute
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Restitution day on March 21, 2023 and opening of the exhibition Multiple perspectives at the Oceanographic Museum

The artist Chloé Thibault shows her sketchbook to one of the crew members. Indian Ocean 2022 mission©Nicolas Mathys. Zeppelin. MonacoExplorations
The artist Rémi Leroy sketches a scene on board. Indian Ocean Mission 2022©Nicolas Mathys.Zeppelin. MonacoExplorations
Reporter and director Sylvain Peroumal filming the launching of a BGC Argo float. Indian Ocean mission©Didier Théron. MonacoExplorations
The reporter photographer Nicolas Mathys of the Zeppelin agency in action. Indian Ocean mission©Didier Théron. MonacoExplorations
Director Harald Pokieser, from the German production company Autentic, in conversation with his cameraman Sven Bender on board the S.A. Agulhas II. Indian Ocean 2022 mission©Didier Théron. MonacoExplorations
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Strong moments, atmospheres, places... The artists' view on the Indian Ocean 2022 mission.

Strong moments, places, atmospheres... The look of the artists

The exhibition evokes strong moments, places and atmospheres that characterized the mission: the human adventure shared by all the participants, the ship, a key element and character in this story, the science carried out at full speed, day and night, the discovery of exceptional natural sites, true invitations to travel, to imagine, but also to reflect on a world faced with very real environmental issues… During the set dedicated to the artists during the day of restitution, they expressed their feelings and sensations on this dense and intense human adventure.

Governance of Monaco Explorations

18 July 2022

Alick and Albert honored in Spain, Australia and Italy

From July 7th to 11th: "Alick and Albert" honored in Spain, Australia and Italy

At the beginning of July, the documentary film “Alick and Albert” directed by Douglas Watkin was honored in Spain, Australia and Italy.

The film was screened in Spain and Australia as part of NAIDOC Week, an annual Australian celebration of the history, culture and achievements of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples.

On July 7, the Embassies of Monaco and Australia in Spain joined forces to organize a screening at the Palacio de Hielo cinema in Madrid, which captivated many guests, including several Ambassadors, representatives of Spanish institutions and economic actors as well as the Consuls of Monaco.

From July 8 to 10, the film was screened in public sessions at the National Maritime Museum in Sydney, which hosted the artist Alick Tipoti as a special guest.

As part of NAIDOC Week, the Australian Consulate General in New Caledonia will host a screening of the film on August 9 at the Tjibaou Cultural Centre in Nouméa.

On July 11, the film was presented during the participation of H.S.H. Prince Albert II of Monaco at the opening of the 25th Gran Paradiso Film Festival at the Château d’Aymavilles. This screening was part of the program for the celebration of the 100th anniversary of the Gran Paradiso National Park, which was created as a result of the numerous exchanges that Prince Albert I had with King Victor-Emmanuel III on his experience of the national parks visited in the United States.




Alick and Albert : the story

The film explores the intersection of art, science and nature through a constructive and respectful exchange between two men, two worlds, two models of society. It questions the diversity of Man’s relationship with Nature in today’s world and transmits a universal message in favour of peace, tolerance and harmony between Humanity and the Ocean.

14 February 2022

“Alick and Albert” Special Jury Award at FIFO 2022

"Alick and Albert" wins a special jury award at the 19th International Oceanian Documentary Film Festival

In competition at the 19th International Oceanian Documentary Film Festival (FIFO) held in Papeete, French Polynesia, from February 5 to 13, 2022, the documentary “Alick and Albert” won a Special Jury Award. For its 2022 edition, the FIFO had selected 12 long-features from the 120 films viewed by the pre-selection committee. Presented to the public at the Maison de la Culture de Tahiti and online on the Festival’s digital platform, the films in competition were submitted to the appreciation of a jury chaired by Emmanuel Kasarhérou, President of Musée du Quai Branly – Jacques Chirac (Paris, France).

About the International Oceanic Documentary Film Festival

Born in 2004, the International Oceanian Documentary Film Festival has gradually attracted filmmakers from Oceania and elsewhere. They see it as a great opportunity to take a fresh look at the region through the prism of authenticity and diversity, two key elements of its success. The Festival has thus won over an ever-growing audience, bringing together more than 30,000 spectators in 2020.

13 October 2021

Alick and Albert : the film in preview in St-Tropez

On Wednesday 13 October 2021, the documentary film “Alick and Albert”, directed by Douglas Watkin, opened the 23rd edition of the Rencontres Internationales du Cinéma des Antipodes de Saint-Tropez in the presence of H.S.H. Prince Albert II of Monaco and several personalities.

The event in pictures

H.S.H. Prince Albert II of Monaco, with Bernard Bories, President of Cinema des Antipodes, talks about his meeting with Alick Tipoti just before the screening of the film ©Philippe Fitte. Monaco Explorations

Ms Siri, Mayor of St-Tropez, presents H.S.H. Prince Albert II of Monaco with the book "St-Tropez: rêve éternel" by Jean-Louis Chaix ©Philippe Fitte - Monaco Explorations

H.S.H. Prince Albert II of Monaco surrounded by the following personalities. On his right; Mr Bernard Bories, President of Cinema des Antipodes, Ms Greta Morgon Elangué, President of the Jury, Ms Sonia Rolland, actress and member of the Jury. On his left; Ms Sylvie Siri, Mayor of St-Tropez, Mr Samuel Le Bihan, actor, Ms Lilly-Fleur Pointeaux, actress and member of the Jury, Mr Robert Calcagno, CEO of the Oceanographic Institute and Managing Director of Monaco Explorations ©Philippe Fitte - Monaco Explorations

H.S.H. Prince Albert II of Monaco in front of the poster of the film "Alick & Albert" at the Renaissance theater, Place des Lices, St-Tropez, on October 13th 2021, evening of the preview. On his right, Mr Robert Calcagno, CEO of the Oceanographic Institute, Foundation Albert I, Prince of Monaco and on his left, Mr Bernard Bories, President of Cinema des Antipodes ©Philippe Fitte - Monaco Explorations

H.S.H. Prince Albert II of Monaco surrounded by the members of the Festival jury, from left to right: Mr Bernard Bories, President of Cinema des Antipodes, Ms Greta Morgon Elangué, President of the jury, Ms Sonia Rolland, actress and member of the jury, H.S.H. Prince Albert II of Monaco, Ms Sylvie Siri, Mayor of St-Tropez and the other members of the jury: Ms Lilly-Fleur Pointeaux, actress, Mr Gérard Krawczyk, film director, Mr Hughes Peysson, distributor ©Philippe Fitte - Monaco Explorations

Preview of Alick and Albert, Saint Tropez, 23rd Festival of Cinéma des Antipodes. From left to right: H.E. Mr Laurent Stefanini, Ambassador of France to Monaco, H.E. Ms Gillian Bird, Australian Ambassador to France and Monaco, Mr Bernard Bories, President of Cinema des Antipodes, H.S.H. Prince Albert II of Monaco, Ms Sylvie Siri, Mayor of St-Tropez, Mr. Jack Hawke, representing Ms Trish Lake of Freshwater Pictures, Mr Robert Calcagno, CEO of the Oceanographic Institute, Albert I Prince of Monaco Foundation and Managing Director of Monaco Explorations ©Philippe Fitte - Monaco Explorations.

Façade of the Renaissance theater, Place des Lices, St-Tropez, 13 October 2021 © Didier Théron - Monaco Explorations.

From left to right: Ms Leila Elling, President of the Association of Friends of the Oceanographic Museum of Monaco, Mr Robert Calcagno, Managing Director of Monaco Explorations, Ms Sylvie Siri, Mayor of St-Tropez ©Philippe Fitte - Monaco Explorations

Reception of the first guests at the Jean Despas Hall, where the photographic exhibition "Badu Island", evoking Monaco Explorations mission and the visit of H.S.H. Prince Albert II of Monaco in November 2018 to the Torres Strait, at the invitation of Alick Tipoti ©Philippe Fitte - Monaco Explorations

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The film retraces the relationship and exchanges between H.S.H. Prince Albert II of Monaco and the Australian artist Alick Tipoti. An unlikely friendship was born after the exhibition “Taba Naba: Australia, Oceania, arts of the peoples of the sea” at the Oceanographic Museum of Monaco in 2016 and those that followed on Badu Island, in the Torres Strait in northern Australia in 2018, as part of a mission by Explorations de Monaco, then in Monaco in 2019.

EDM-Mission-Badu-Island_Nov-2018 ©Ariel Fuchs - Monaco Explorations
November 2018, Badu Island. Artist Alick Tipoti and H.S.H. Prince Albert II of Monaco exchange thoughts on the state of the world © Ariel Fuchs. Monaco Explorations.

The film explores the intersection of art, science and nature through a constructive and respectful exchange between two men, two worlds, two models of society. It questions the diversity of Man’s relationship with Nature in today’s world and transmits a universal message in favour of peace, tolerance and harmony between Humanity and the Ocean.

 

Badu Island, Torres Straight, Australia ©Ariel Fuchs - Monaco Explorations
Badu Island, Torres Strait, Australia. Aerial view ©Ariel Fuchs - Monaco Explorations

Private screenings

The world premiere of the film will occur at the Brisbane International Film Festival in Australia prior to its release in Australian cinemas. Pending the possibility to organize the international premiere on the occasion of a European or North American festival and schedule the theatrical release outside Australia accordingly, the film is being shown in private screenings by invitation, in particular at the Oceanographic Museum in Monaco and at the Maison des Océans in Paris.