![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=W-N8nowXp5cQ7kNvwFLxGJH&_nc_oc=AdqPFU6qhTNup0zbUOyGmMCt3lCmETsOq-8Y3I_I1apGHjHGCWeFmQ68yg_7NGRFMfA&_nc_zt=23&_nc_ht=scontent-den2-1.cdninstagram.com&edm=ANo9K5cEAAAA&_nc_gid=m16DiEPAsbttECvpl7iTLw&_nc_tpa=Q5bMBQGj2jtRiybi6cfJ5oTA7bgJI3i-KqF6qR1k8kmXEkt3xauJI6zkjrDEsI_Q16giZ94ydpjpOhXE&oh=00_Af9w87Ttzl1kQ4pdbzYWCksNH5HryWznVmxhF1rk-rPsWg&oe=6A292882)
The sustainable use of marine resources is prior for INDEMER, in its 40th Anniversary.
- M Abti
- May 16, 2025
- 3 min read
On the 8th and the 9th May 2025, the Institut du Droit Économique de la Mer - INDEMER - held at the Hotel Méridien Beach Plaza an international symposium on the theme of “Contemporary issues in the use of the sea” to celebrate its 40th anniversary. This event brought together high-level experts to tackle key legal, economic and scientific issues related to maritime spaces.
One of the main objectives of the environmental ecosystem management is to maintain the right balance between the exploitation of natural resources by human communities and their ability to self-generate. Achieving this target is far from easy! The human beings' demand on nature, represented by the Overshooting Day, exceeds Planet Earth's bio capacity much earlier than expected, each year.
Since its establishment in 1985, INDEMER has been acting as an international association under the high patronage of H.S.H. Prince Albert II of Monaco, to promote the strong bond between the Principality and the Sciences of the Sea, including Oceanography and the Law of the Sea. The relationship with the Mediterranean Sea is indeed intrinsic in the DNA of the Monegasque community, resulting from a long legacy carried out by the Princely Family.
The Sovereign Prince of Monaco opened the meeting with the following address: « INDEMER was founded in 1985 by my father, Prince Rainier III, following the impetus given by the adoption of the United Nations Convention on the Law of the Sea in 1982.... Today’s celebration is not only a happy coincidence: it marks the culmination of the constant commitment of all those who have led, supported or been part of INDEMER, for four decades ».
Isabelle Berro-Amadeï, Government Advisor – Minister of Foreign Affairs and Cooperation, Acting Minister of State, pointed out: « This conference pays tribute to the commitment of Prince Rainier III, and His voluntarism, which allowed INDEMER to come to light forty years ago, to spread the knowledge related to the sea, in its legal, economic and scientific dimensions ».
Besides shipping and fishing, which are becoming increasingly impactful, new technologies and the advancement of science, over the last 40 years, has allowed the exploitation of new marine resources, notably deep sea minerals and fuels as well as renewable energies. Therefore, the regulatory framework has to adapt to contemporary new challenges, notably: governance, sustainability and ecosystem preservation.
This international symposium showcased a holistic approach in the management of maritime spaces, combining law, science and economy. The meeting also provided food for thought on the adaptation of the international legal apparatus to new uses of sea areas and related stakeholders. ***
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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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