![Words of Eco-Logia – 21st May 2026
Welcome to a new weekly column of Eco-Logia!
EPISODE 7: What does Urban Functional Biodiversity refer to?
How do you feel when you come into contact with the green spaces of your city? Maybe more relaxed, regenerated and energetic! it is not by chance. #Urban Functional #Biodiversity is about various natural #species and their specific functional traits (e.g., nitrogen fixation, pollination, water retention) that maintain #ecosystems and provide essential #services in heavily populated areas. Boosting #climate regulation, favouring flood #control, reducing #pollution, providing recreational spaces and improving human #wellbeing, resilience and health are some of the most significant #benefits they generate.
Being inspired by #Nature’s balance helps #architects, #designers and urban #planners to select vegetation able to optimises specific ecological functions, such as #water infiltration or biodiversity support. Integrating interconnected #green spaces (e.g.: parks, green roofs) and #blue spaces (ponds, wetlands) promotes #habitat connectivity and strengthens urban biodiversity. Moreover, engaging local residents and stakeholders in the planning and management of urban nature, encourages a shared vision of the development of densely inhabited areas, boosting mental and physical health.
Main Strategies for Enhancing Urban Functional Biodiversity are:
· Biodiversity-Sensitive Design]: that is integrating native, multi-functional plant species into urban design, including vertical gardens and green roofs.
· Ecological Restoration: that is actively restoring urban green and blue spaces to enhance habitat diversity and ecological function.
· Inclusive Governance: that is engaging local residents and stakeholders in the planning and management of urban nature.
🎬 Editing, Layout and Contents by: © MonacoEcoArt](https://scontent-den2-1.cdninstagram.com/v/t51.82787-15/704041748_18591891829048354_6937176257147723648_n.jpg?stp=dst-jpg_e35_tt6&_nc_cat=100&ccb=7-5&_nc_sid=18de74&efg=eyJlZmdfdGFnIjoiQ0xJUFMuYmVzdF9pbWFnZV91cmxnZW4uQzMifQ%3D%3D&_nc_ohc=W-N8nowXp5cQ7kNvwFjsHKw&_nc_oc=AdqJYxjt39JKgY5aGJkPxcus3uCfshpXp_M5BQyGdZXbMJ87KG-KTsGThoDB1eAkBGo&_nc_zt=23&_nc_ht=scontent-den2-1.cdninstagram.com&edm=ANo9K5cEAAAA&_nc_gid=knsCgW2zqdyd2RAu2HoYNA&_nc_tpa=Q5bMBQFY88mh-_XzxBtn9HXiHebuNDZGYChMFf-D1-UczrAtz1Hh6YE7RghpNus-5uX3UuUImwHoQKzN&oh=00_Af-Y100Fp9nG7Hvntd1gDBIH78TjvMpVaXl1iSG1rZPNCw&oe=6A292882)
'Demain l'Océan?': Art Creativity and respect for Nature meet in the marine dimension.
- M Abti
- Jul 11, 2025
- 2 min read
How long will we enjoy the benefits of marine ecosystems? A new exhibition takes visitors to go beyond the horizon of the Oceans. "Demain l'Océan" (Tomorrow, the Ocean?) is being held at the Quai Antoine I Exhibition Room from the 4th July to the 7th September 2025. A unique showroom sponsored by Prince's Government's Directorate of Cultural Affairs, hosting 48 contemporary works, made between 1990s and today, by 33 artists from the five Continents who represented artistically their bond to the marine world, between aesthetics and ecology.
On the 8th July 2025, H.S.H. Prince Albert II of Monaco attended the opening ceremony in the presence of Isabelle Berro-Amadeï, Acting Minister of State, Government Advisor-Minister of External Relations and Cooperation, Lionel Beffre, Government Advisor–Minister of the Interior, and Françoise Gamerdinger, Director of Cultural Affairs.
Following up the early-June Blue Economy and Finance Forum (BEFF) in Monaco and the 3rd United Nations Ocean Conference (UNOC3) in Nice, the exhibit storytelling aims to advance the central themes of preserving marine ecosystems using a multimedia language designed by Élodie Antoine, Historian and Curator, with a scenography by Thomas Guillaume, Visual Scenographer & Costume Designer at the Ballets de Monte-Carlo.
The display space is structured in six thematic areas: 1. The Horizon, 2. Fauna and Flora, 3. Inhabit the Shore, 4. Taking to the Sea, 5. The Sea in Danger, and 6. Before the Flood. Visitors are therefore invited to plunge themselves into a sensorial journey to tackle major challenges of the Ocean world whose breathtaking beauty is rooted on vulnerable foundations, increasingly threatened by human pressure.
Each space explores this dichotomy throughout a parade of embroideries, sculptures, videos, paintings and monumental installations which are elevated to ambassadors of sea addressed to raise awareness and encourage human contemplation on wildlife.
As a matter of fact, (re)inventing the future in harmony with Nature involves shifting from a model of sole exploitation to one of co-existence and mutual benefit, emphasising Sustainability, Circularity, and a deep respect for Natural Ecosystems. Indeed, the Ocean is crucial to life on Earth, covering more than 70% of our Planet's surface. Its role as carbon sequestrator and food provider is prior as well as its climate mitigation benefits.
The Sovereign Prince and the Principality of Monaco, faithful to its scientific and environmental legacy, affirms once again its commitment to raising awareness towards the safeguarding of the Oceans. Let's join the blue wave! ***
By Maurice Abbati
Journalist; Editor; Communication, Media and Public Relations Specialist
Lecturer and Author in English language of Technical Articles and the Manual: "Communicating the Environment to Save the Planet, a Journey into Eco-Communication" by Springer International Publishing.
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