New Generation United for the Ocean within the Monaco Educational Marine Area.
- M Abti
- Jun 26
- 3 min read
Updated: Jul 2
The new generations make their voices heard for Ocean Conservation. The Conférence des Enfants Unis pour l’Océan (United Children for the Ocean Conference) was held at Hôtel Méridien on the 24th June 2025 in the presence of H.S.H. Prince Albert II of Monaco, by the will of the Association Monégasque pour la Protection de la Nature (AMPN) which founder the Aire Marine Éducative - AME (Educational Marine Area), in partnership with the Prince Albert II of Monaco Foundation and the Prince's Government.
Based on this educational initiative, a coastal area located between the Rainier III Dike in Port Hercules and the Port of Fontvieille, is managed each year by a Monegasque seventh-grade class from the Principality who implement an action pour la mer (Action for the Sea).
Inspired by the main theme proposed for the 2024-2025 school year, that is 'Mieux Connaître Pour Mieux Protéger' (Better Knowledge to Better Protect), a group of students from École Saint-Charles were involved in researcher-like investigations within a scientific research project to simulate the role of scientists operating in ocean missions.
A unique experience for all participants who have thus been able to experience their skills by increasing their knowledge in view of future challenges in their study, and then professional paths. Elsa, the President of the Conference, and Mia, the spokesperson, were able to capture the audience’s attention introducing to the research findings. Cataloguing fish species, using BRUVS (Baiter Remo Underwater Video Systems) technology, analysing environmental DNA, studying food chain, habitats and artificial reefs, are some of the activities carried out by young researchers. Student could therefore address the topics with a multidisciplinary approach, enhancing the importance of monitoring marine biodiversity, increasingly at risk from human activities. In particular, they focused on three cornerstones: 1. knowing the environment; 2. identifying problems and 3. proposing appropriate solutions.
The outcome was particular consistent in terms of anthropocentric pressure diagnosis menacing natural ecosystems. Meanwhile, they proposed a set of practical recommendations. Notably: increased monitoring, awareness, information, regulation, reduction of plastic use, recycling, fighting against overconsumption, adoption of eco-responsible behaviours at sea, understanding of climate change to better adapt to it, etc.
This edutainment initiative perfectly aligns with the mission AMPN has been carrying out for fifty years to safeguard the natural heritage and foster research studies on marine habitats, including the seagrass herbariums. Conceived under the aegis of H.S.H. Prince Rainier III, the 'made in Monaco' Association has created and manages the Marine Protected Areas (MPA) of Larvotto and Spélugues, respectively since 1976 and 1986 .
Photos (from left to right) >> Carine Fiandrino-Barber (Teacher of the students of the AME), Jacqueline Gautier Debernardi (Director of the Monegasque Association for the Protection of Nature) and H.S.H. Prince Albert II of Monaco, surrounded the 7th-grade students from the School Saint Charles; Caroline Fuentes-Van Klaveren (Director of the Ecole Saint-Charles), Camille Devissi (Project Officer at the AMPN), Adriana Ficini (Deputy Director of the Ecole Saint-Charles), Carine Fiandrino-Barber (Teacher of students of the AME), the Sovereign Prince, Jacqueline Gautier Debernardi (Director of the Monegasque Association for Nature Protection), Eugenio Di Franco (Project Manager at the AMPN), welcomed by the 7th-grade students from the École Saint Charles; The 7th-grade students from the École Saint Charles taking action during the 'United Children for the Ocean' Conference.
Young speakers could also interact with special guests: Dr Heike Molenaar, PhD Marine Biology Senior Researcher at Nice Sophia Antipolis University; Dr Alexis Pey, Manager at THALASSA Marine research & Environmental awareness; H.E. Bernard Fautrier, Special Advisor to H.S.H. the Sovereign Prince on environmental issues, and Céline Caron-Dagioni, Government Advisor - Minister of Equipment, Environment and Urban Planning.
The Sovereign Prince reaffirmed the vital role played by Marine Educational Areas, in the footsteps of governmental environmental policies, recently highlighted at the United Nations Conference on the Ocean - UNOC. This unique Junior Board concluded their presentation by pointing out: « »Protecting the Educational Marine Area is also protecting our Common Future. We are the Guardians of a world too often damaged. The sea, IS NOT just water: it’s Our Mission! ». ***
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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