Exploring the Ocean
A quest based on humanism and scientific truth
Since April 2017, the beginning of this adventure, many expeditions have been undertaken throughout the world by Monaco Explorations, all rich in experiences in contact with nature and the Ocean and in human encounters. Other major expeditions are being prepared.
The role of today’s explorers consists in promoting a better quality of life on the planet.
Bertrand Piccard, excerpt from “L’Univers”, 1975.
2017-2020: A fruitful first phase
Until mid-2018, investigations of the marine and insular fauna and analyses on the disturbances that can affect it have been carried out. These explorations have been carried out successively in Madeira, in Cabo Verde, in the West Indies, in Martinique, on the Pacific coast of Colombia (Malpelo), in Norway, in Hawai’i and then in Badu.
In 2019 and 2020, Monaco Explorations supported several operations: inventory of the megafauna around the seamounts in New Caledonia, exploration of the Mediterranean sea floor at a depth of 60 to 120 metres between Marseilles 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 the corals in Palaos, or study of deep-water corals in the Red Sea (ENCOR).
We dream too often with our eyes closed; rather, we should dream with our eyes open.
Mike Horn, explorer and extreme adventurer.
Explorations in the service of the common good
— A political commitment at the highest level for an intelligent and sustainable management of natural environments.
— A high-quality scientific research , ensuring the development of useful knowledge for decision-making.
— Awareness-raising among a broad public, in particular the young generations, to encourage engagement, inform and mobilise.
As a platform dedicated to the commitment of H.S.H. the Prince Albert II of Monaco and the Principality of Monaco for the Ocean, Monaco Explorations have contributed to combine those three aspects since their launch.
Broadening the perspective, increasing knowledge for the generations to come, identifying the dangers and forging the path to a better world: if these are the goals of the explorer, then all of us – travellers, scholars, citizens, parents and children – are engaged in this great expedition undertaken by humanity.
Jacques-Yves Cousteau, excerpt from “L’homme, la pieuvre et l’orchidée” / “My Testament: Man, Octopus and Orchid”, written with Susan Schiefelbein, 1997
H.S.H. Prince Albert II of Monaco in Badu Island surrounded by traditional dancers and a musical group
2020-2030: A second phase in support of the United Nations Ocean Decade
From the Mediterranean to Melanesia, via the Indian Ocean and Indonesia, the exploration areas included in the 2020-2030 programme are vast and conducive to strengthening international collaboration, with a view to acquiring, sharing and exploiting knowledge, for a better understanding of the relationship between humankind and the sea. This second phase is part of Monaco’s contribution to the United Nations Decade of Ocean Science for Sustainable Development.
I only plant trees: I know I am too old to ever be able to enjoy their fruits or their shade, but I do not see a better way of taking care of the future
Voltaire, excerpt from a letter to his Parisian friends sent from Ferney.
Large campaign
A major campaign in the Indian Ocean in October and November 2022, combined with a regional visit by H.S.H. the Sovereign Prince. In preparation for 2024: the Mediterranean.
New documentary
Meeting
A new documentary on the meeting of H.S.H. the Sovereign Prince with the artist Alick Tipoti and the people of Badu Island in the Torres Strait.
Book
Explorations
A book is being prepared 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.
