Press release: Princely Government – Monaco
Oceanographic Institute, Prince Albert I of Monaco Foundation
Founded in 1906 by Prince Albert I, the Oceanographic Institute is a foundation officially recognised as serving the public interest. It brings together scientific, political, economic and public stakeholders to promote the sustainable use of the Ocean and the conservation of marine ecosystems. Under the impetus of its Honorary President, HSH Prince Albert II of Monaco, the Oceanographic Institute contributes to Monaco’s commitment to the Ocean, notably alongside the Princely Government, the Prince Albert II of Monaco Foundation, the Monaco Science Centre and The Monaco Yacht Club. As a vehicle for numerous projects on the national and international scene (symposia, exhibitions, educational programmes, etc.), it pursues its mission of environmental outreach using its two sites, the Oceanographic Museum of Monaco and the Maison des Océans in Paris.
La Maison des Océans, Paris
Located in the heart of the Latin Quarter in Paris, the Maison des Océans is the Foundation’s headquarters. This environmental “hub” hosts major players in the protection of the ocean: the Prince Albert II of Monaco Foundation, the Foundation for Research on Biodiversity (FRB), the Ocean and Climate Platform (OCP), the “United Nations” Special Envoy for the Oceans, the Mediterranean Science Commission (CIESM), the Centre for Island Research and Environmental Observatory (CRIOBE). The Maison des Océans hosts high-level professional or general public events around the current major challenges (sustainable management of the ocean, climate, biodiversity, etc.). The Oceanographic Museum, Monaco Set against the mythical Rock of Monaco, the Oceanographic Museum is the “flagship” of the Foundation and raises awareness among more than 650,000 visitors per year. Beyond its remarkable architecture, it stands out for its world-renowned aquarium, its exhibition events and the alliance of art and science. A place of culture and exchange of ideas, where experiences in the protection of the Ocean are shared, the Oceanographic Museum organises and hosts international conferences. In 2019, a rescue Centre dedicated to marine species was added to the original building, strengthening its capacity for action and awareness.
The Oceanographic Museum, Monaco
Set against the mythical Rock of Monaco, the Oceanographic Museum is the “flagship” of the Foundation and raises awareness among more than 650,000 visitors per year. Beyond its remarkable architecture, it stands out for its world-renowned aquarium, its exhibition events and the alliance of art and science. A place of culture and exchange of ideas, where experiences in the protection of the Ocean are shared, the Oceanographic Museum organises and hosts international conferences. In 2019, a rescue Centre dedicated to marine species was added to the original building, strengthening its capacity for action and awareness.
The Grimaldi Forum Monaco
On the eve of its 20th anniversary, the Grimaldi Forum, the convention centre, relies on its expertise, its modularity and its ability to constantly renew itself to adapt to all types of events. Its commitment to protecting the environment is also a strong argument for organizers anxious to give a deeper purpose to their events. In 2008, it became one of the first European congress and culture centres to receive the ISO 14001 environmental certification. The Grimaldi Forum is committed to preserving its position as a pioneer by continuously improving its environmental performance. Always eager to involve its 140 employees, customers and visitors in this process, it has succeeded in establishing its green policy as a strong link in its corporate strategy. The Grimaldi Forum Monaco is piloting a management system aimed at reducing the impact of its event activities on the environment, and is actively participating in the implementation of the National Energy Transition Pact, which it joined in 2018. Concretely, this translates into a heat pump system that uses seawater and groundwater as a clean and renewable source of energy for air conditioning, an active waste sorting and recycling policy, the purchase and use of eco-labelled products, the reduction of paper consumption, the continuous reduction of water and electricity consumption through centralized technical management, as well as the installation of specific equipment. In partnership with the Monegasque Electricity and Gas Company (SMEG), the Grimaldi Forum Monaco has finalized the installation of 2,500m2 of photovoltaic panels on its roof. Inaugurated by HSH the Sovereign Prince on September 20th, this installation will make the Grimaldi Forum the largest producer of solar energy in the Principality.
What’s new ?
With its 12,000 m2 of exhibition and catering spaces, the Principality’s Congress and Culture Centre is gaining a new 600 m2 terrace. Scheduled for completion in 2020, this complementary outdoor space will allow the Grimaldi Forum’s customers to enjoy Monaco, its Mediterranean climate and its exceptional sunshine, 300 days a year!
A few facts and figures
98 events and 250,000 visitors in 2018. Events between 400 and 3,000 PAX. At the top of the list, with 11,000 visitors and 5,315 m2 net of exhibition space, is the AMWC international conference on aesthetic and anti-ageing medicine. The Grimaldi Forum Monaco is proud to host the IPCC International Conference on the occasion of its 51st session, which will examine the Special Report on the Ocean and the Cryosphere in a Changing Climate.
