![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.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=oLaJEkOTfjUQ7kNvwGz1RbI&_nc_oc=AdoQb8hAubbcgJxID2CEmcnPjLM_r74Iir3hS2NpcgbhR72QeyuVs5VfO2tZN3oyVMs&_nc_zt=23&_nc_ht=scontent.cdninstagram.com&edm=ANo9K5cEAAAA&_nc_gid=_2C9awHC3DJvlW3u4Ab78w&_nc_tpa=Q5bMBQHSsJv2zUiWXAFa8IlLAd3UTZ5qz8ZYHiEVAUIi-oxZTK1L0AxnamVwdqbl6HPiZfQQFsfA-0p4&oh=00_Af9jhsWP-59793WgMQzvS9NqoVg57fpRjuZY_LcQ-owj1Q&oe=6A396B02)
The Sovereign Prince invited to take Climate Action at the Ball in Monaco Glacier Edition.
- M Abti
- Dec 2, 2024
- 2 min read
It is one of the most anticipated events in the annual program of the Asian hemisphere, with strong philanthropic value in favour of sustainability. The Ball in Monaco Glacier Edition, held on the 28th November 2024 at the iconic Marina Bay Sands resort in Singapore under the High Patronage of H.S.H. Prince Albert II of Monaco, was a record edition. The exclusive Dinner Gala, entitled "The Glaciers" drawing attention to the need for action to preserve glaciers, raised a remarkable 5 million Singapore dollars through a special auction to support Prince's Foundation in its continued commitment to the preservation of natural ecosystems. A parade of distinguished attendants and philanthropists in the presence of the Sovereign Prince and H.E. Vivian Balakrishnan, Minister of Foreign Affairs in Singapore, as the guest of honour, expressed their full sharing of the Foundation's spirit addressed to environmental protection, endangered species conservation, clean water access, and sustainable development.
The Sovereign Prince highlighted how to join forces to create the basis for concrete actions is crucial to tackle urgent climate issues with special regard to ice worlds. Not by chance, the United Nations have recently adopted a resolution to establish the Decade of Action for Cryospheric Sciences, over the time period 2025–2034. Primary consequence of climate change, ice melting could generate irreversible consequences, increasing the risk of natural disasters, food insecurity and lack of water sources with severe environmental, economic and social implications.
« Because now, more than ever, we must act, given the increasingly alarming state of our Planet. We can all see the extent to which its condition is deteriorating, especially in the Polar regions which bring us together this evening and with which I am intimately familiar, having travelled there personally. (...) Far from being discouraged, these observations prompt us to take action with greater determination than ever before. Your presence and support this evening strengthen our resolve and encourage us to persevere », H.S.H. Prince Albert II of Monaco.
The Ball in Monaco Gala offered an immersive experience to involve participants and make them ambassadors of this meaningful eco-message, as reaffirmed by Jean-Marc Arnaud Deromedi, Consul of Monaco in Singapore. The rendezvous included the 'Ice & Snow White' fashion show by Anne Fontaine, particularly sensitive to social and environmental issues, and the unveiling of a platinum-case single piece Chronomètre à Résonance by the most popular watchmaker F.P. Journe, the only wristwatch featuring acoustic resonance equipped with modern Chinese numerals and Oracle Bone script, dating back over 3,000 years. ***
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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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