The Oceanographic Institute of Monaco opens a new season looking to the Ocean future.

It is a true institution which has been identifying for over a century Monaco Ville, the heart of the Monegasque legacy. The Oceanographic Institute of Monaco is a deeply rooted institution thanks to its long history coming back in 1906 when Prince Albert I founded it with a very precise goal. Increasing knowledge and love for marine ecosystems to encourage initiatives aimed at their preservation, is the target.

On this basis, it still plays a crucial role as a scientific and international hub aimed at federating decision-makers, scientists and the general public for ocean conservation.

At the gates of the new year, a new page opens which offers interesting new scenarios for the future. On the 10th December 2025, Julia Marton-Lefèvre was appointed President of the Oceanographic Institute of Monaco. The Franco-American has already been a member of our Board since 2017, bringing a deeply international vision and highly professional service.

In the meanwhile, Sylvie Goulard was acknowledged as the new Administrator within the Board. After holding leading institutional roles, she co-chairs the International Advisory Panel for Biodiversity Credits - IAPB, contributing to contributes to the building up of several academic and international institutions.

Photo >> The iconic historic building hosting the Monaco Oceanographic Institute and Museum (Monaco Ville) © Oceano Monaco

Former Director-General of the IUCN - International Union for the Conservation of Nature - the largest global network dedicated to the cause, Madame Marton-Lefèvre held numerous positions of great responsibility, while having direct contact with international academia, decision makers and civil society.

Counting on a well established expertise in European and financial affairs, Madame Goulard has successively been a Member of the European Parliament (2009–2017), Minister of the Armed Forces (2017), then deputy governor of the Banque de France (2018–2023), where she led major initiatives in Sustainable Finance.

Photo >> Portraits of Dr Julia Marton-Lefèvre (left side) and Sylvie Goulard (right side) © Oceano Monaco

Robert Calcagno, CEO at the Oceanographic Institute Foundation Albert I, Prince of Monaco, praised the two recent appointments, considering that the Ocean Management requires ambitious scenarios and choices based on great knowledge for due action and influence, at European and international level.

As reaffirmed by Julia Marton-Lefèvre in her role of Director General at IUCN, natural ecosystems need to be managed sustainably to better face possible disasters and climate change through nature-based solutions able to prevent and adapt to the changes taking place on planet earth. A positive and proactive approach that aligns well with that of the Sovereign Prince and the Gouvernement Princier. ***

✒️ 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.