![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=oLaJEkOTfjUQ7kNvwHfjv6E&_nc_oc=AdoI3Juq4tx1ZK78n3ZQ4YlTXuPyGig8coiMz_xGoRuGdjHz4ernIQRuUzTjRiamcu8&_nc_zt=23&_nc_ht=scontent-den2-1.cdninstagram.com&edm=ANo9K5cEAAAA&_nc_gid=-HeyQ3vbB5GgEBPsPDsmaw&_nc_tpa=Q5bMBQHbMrUiZq8won5sALMlY3LmLCPS7gImwA-AbXVk6JRYdXSySR6m8ErGGPUqbdGvKm9hyKmIMErr&oh=00_Af-8WjeKBaOKqIUlzq3bT1Kwponqm2S5kRciqaeA5m2Vxw&oe=6A39DB82)
MareTerra comes to life unveiling a new sustainable urban development in Monaco.
- M Abti
- Dec 6, 2024
- 3 min read
The day has come! On the 4th December 2024 MareTerra was officially inaugurated by H.S.H, Prince Albert II of Monaco, H.S.H. Princess Charlene of Monaco and the Princely Twins, in the presence of all institutional Monegasque authorities.
The new 6-hectares eco-district, known as sea or offshore extension, is one of the most important real estate investments in recent years, with a great sustainable spirit since the beginning of the project. In 2017, Monaco's Government launched an ambitious 500 m2 transplant operation of Seagrass, protected Mediterranean aquatic plant, widely spread in the seabed of Anse Du Portier, the marine space where the pioneering neighbourhood begun to take shape. The die was cast for the future platform overhanging the sea.
A team of internationally-renowned architects, including Denis Valode (Valode & Pistre) Renzo Piano (Renzo Piano Building Workshop) and the landscape architect Michel Desvigne, have taken care of every detail of the residential pedestrian area to ensure that high standards of sustainability were respected, including the creation of a new natural ecosystem made up of local flora species and a one-hectare pine forest to facilitate the settlement of micro-fauna.
In His keynote speech, the Sovereign Prince quoted the meaningful words of Frank Lloyd Wright, renowned American architect developer of the organic architecture theory based on the use of natural materials like stone and wood, the creation of open spaces and the integration of natural elements such as water and vegetation.
« God is the great mysterious motivator of what we call Nature, and it has often been said by philosophers, that nature is the will of God. And I prefer to say that Nature is the only body of God that we shall ever see. If we wish to know the truth concerning anything, we'll find it in the Nature of that thing », Frank Lloyd Wright.
His Serene Highness stressed the importance of investing in a high-profile urbanisation plan respectful of sustainable values and cutting-edge technology, as a result of close collaboration among architects, landscape designers, town planners, masons and and many other professionals.
MareTerra is still in the definition phase to make it more in tune with the surrounding areas and more vegetation is expected. Nevertheless, the housing complex, made of a set of buildings for a total of 110 exclusive apartments and 10 seafront villas, is an outstanding example of architectural design with the aim to positively encourage a more environmentally friendly lifestyle.
A preventive planning of actions to preserve living beings, both on the land surface and in the seabed, was included from the beginning as an integral part of the housing project: planting about 800 trees, creating bird nests and insect lodges, while providing residents, citizens and all visitors with 600 meters of biking routes and 19,000 m2 of pedestrian area. This was perhaps the most remarkable added value alongside the installation of 9,000 m2 of solar panels, 200 charging stations for electric vehicles and an automatic irrigation system based on humidity and precipitation.
But can urban planning affect lifestyles? The debate has been going on for many decades, based on the growing sensitivity to bio-architecture developed in the last century. Not by chance, the International Union of Architects (IUA), non-governmental organisation that represents the world's architects, set this years' topic to focus on "Empowering the next generation to participate in urban design", that is debating on the role of architecture to build up eco-responsible and social awareness.
Many of the largest architectural firms worldwide are convinced of the need to reconnect with the natural world in designing living spaces for human beings. Including biophilic elements in urban planning is much more than an aesthetic need. It affects positively on the ecosystem physiological and psychological well-being, as well as preventing the extreme effects of climate change, being mitigated by the balance between human and natural worlds.
MareTerra, together with other major building projects (Testimonio, Ilot Pasteur, A Fighera, Tour Odéon, etc.), confirms the construction sector in the top ten of Monaco's economy. Putting Sustainability and Nature Protection first without compromising high quality of life is the challenge of the future for one of the most densely populated countries in the world. ***
MonacoEcoArt keeps its journalism open to all although its information is the result of pure professionalism and knowledge. Supporting our Media allows us to keep our independence while offering quality contents based on traceable sources. Thank you for your collaboration.
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.
Comments