The Centre Scientifique de Monaco and AMPN united to reinforce Ocean learning.

On the 20th January 2026, Monaco Scientific Centre (CSM) and Monaco Association for Nature Protection (AMPN), a group of Monegasque students, led by a skilled team of trainers, visited the prestigious research center attending two training workshops to observe the corals, explore their anatomy and the causes of coral bleaching, examine with a binocular lens the symbiotic algae present in the coral tissues and the small shrimp used for their feeding.

Dr. Sylvie Tambutté, Scientific Director of the Centre Scientifique de Monaco (CSM), highlighted: « The transmission of knowledge is an integral part of the activities of scientists; they are keen to share their knowledge with young people, particularly within the framework of the Aire Marine Éducative - AME (Marine Educational Area) ».

The Marine Educational Area, launched in 2018 by the Association Monégasque pour la Protection de la Nature - AMPN - in partnership with the Prince Albert II of Monaco Foundation and the Prince's Government, offers young generations a wealth of knowledge on marine ecosystems and their biodiversity as well as allows them to understand the impacts generated by human activities in order to get involved in tangible conservation actions.

Jacqueline Gautier-Debernardi, Director of the AMPN, pointed out: « By observing and exploring Nature, children discover its richness; each concrete experience awakens their curiosity, shapes their outlook and nourishes in them the desire to protect the environment ».

Photo >> The workshop addressed to the CM2 class from the François d'Assise-Nicolas Barré in the presence of Jacqueline Gautier-Debernardi, Director of the AMPN, and Dr Sylvie Tambutté, Scientific Director of CSM (Centre Scientifique de Monaco, 20th January 2026) © AMPN & CSM

Monaco Marine Educational Area aims to involve the new generations more and more to make them ambassadors of the richness of natural ecosystems. In particular, a CM2 class from the François d'Assise-Nicolas Barré Educational Institution has been focusing on climate change and the impact of warming on marine biodiversity, since the beginning of the school year. The young participants were able to raise awareness about pivotal issues related to the Mediterranean Sea, its climate context and its ongoing transformations, notably: the increase in sea water temperature and the invasion of exotic species. The young apprentices were guided by a team of experts from AMPN and Thalassa Marine Research & Environmental Awareness.

Thanks to a unique and engaging scientific approach, the young Ambassadors could measure the impact of climate change on marine ecosystems and develop a specific environmental knowledge, which can be useful in making them future eco-conscious adults. Two mascots were at their side, immersing them in educational adventures: 'Toby la Saupe', worried about the upheavals in the Mediterranean, and 'Stony Coral', worried about tropical reefs threats.

The synergy between the Centre Scientifique de Monaco and the Association Monégasque pour la Protection de la Nature provided useful tools for Ocean Literacy at the discovery of tropical coral reefs, particularly threatened by global warming. ***

✒️ Maurice Abbati

• Strategic Communication Specialist, Editor in Chief, Journalist, Executive.

• Lecturer and Author in English in the field of Environmental Communication to foster Circular and Blue Economy.