![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=oLaJEkOTfjUQ7kNvwEifjYP&_nc_oc=AdoboP-smCnNMfcSZkqzsdirBHjbnHAHym1d7BcDuw3yTX2CAZbQV9YvGfVCL1VvLvI&_nc_zt=23&_nc_ht=scontent-den2-1.cdninstagram.com&edm=ANo9K5cEAAAA&_nc_gid=GYcEDXcF7LaJoxhidFq87A&_nc_tpa=Q5bMBQFZ0qaWxaU4Yc2C9OvJBI1YKHqSbz-MUGOp5q9cW0UudddD4fPVCS5Op_JOUlmktboPdsdlW8R6&oh=00_Af-TD5MM9k4oBQ_N4VOku7uaUoLQX_HBl9CXMAm0TgOdyw&oe=6A3BD5C2)
Top Marques 2024 to the roar of supercars fuelled by a new sustainable trend.
- M Abti
- Jun 13, 2024
- 3 min read
Updated: Jul 31, 2024
The most exclusive luxury event in Monaco has just ended with a great live following. Top Marques Monaco held at the Grimaldi Forum from the 5th to the 9th June 2024, under the high patronage of H.S.H. Prince Albert II of Monaco, attracted not only tycoons interested in new motor industry trends but also thousands of young visitors assiduous social media goers. About 29,000 visitors explored more than 200 exhibitors.
Supercars, classic cars and other luxury products by major global brands paraded in the exhibition spaces and in the streets of the Principality, showcasing a greater attention to high technology with reduced environmental impact, in the footsteps of the Sovereign's Prince commitment to eco-innovation at the service of tomorrow’s mobility.
Electric engines and top-performance devices are increasingly applied to out of ordinary vehicles. Pivotal automotive actors like Audi, McLaren, Pininfarina, Porsche, Rolls Royce, Tesla, BYD, Zero Motorcycles, EyeLights unveiled their innovative electric or hybrid models.
Thinking green is more and more the 'passcode' of the luxury automotive sector in the face of a growing demand from consumers, willing to invest in a more environmentally friendly future. Consumers are in fact more conscious of the environmental impact of their purchases and brands are developing sustainable practices and products to meet their needs. Top Marques Monaco reflects this trend, with many exhibitors highlighting their commitment to sustainability through eco-friendly innovations and practices.
On the 4th June 2024, the new Cybertruck by Tesla, leading company in electromobility, was unveiled in preview in the presence of the Sovereign Prince. Besides the spatial design able to host up to six passengers, this vehicle is extremely performant thanks to a reliable battery system that allows to cover over 500 miles, being combined with a powerful electric engine able to accelerate from 0 to 60 miles per hour in just 2.9 seconds.
Top Marques Monaco was also the priviledged stage to test pioneering high-performance features. Notably, the MH2 Matador raised the attention as the first 600-horses hydrogen supercar resulting from the partnership between a research study by TUKE – Košice Mechanical Engineering University and the private sector (Matador Group). With reference to the world of two wheels, Verge TS Ultra Motorcycles were a real must being capable to recharge their batteries in only 25 minutes improving safety and driving durability through a unique engineering and design. The Nanoflowcell Quantino 25 electric car surprised the audience once again. Thanks to a new chemical system based on two liquid solutions containing organic and inorganic salts, its power can raise up to 1,000 Km without using any battery.
The electric hypercar Lafitte LM1 had great success as well for its iconic design by Giugiaro and its extreme power that comes directly from the endurance challenge legagy. Considered as the flagship of the most popolar French manufacturer founded by Bruno Lafitte, grandson of Jacques Laffite former Formula 1 driver ( in the 1970s and 1980s), this fireball is equipped with immense frontal air intakes and a XXL rear wing format.
But being environmentally friendly is definitely the new matrix for most brands. Many are the models that move away from fossil fuels like: McLaren’s Artura Spider (hybrid), the Pininfarina Battista Edition Nino Farina (electric hypercar), the Lamborghini Urus Hybrid and the Porche Macan (electric).
And this trend takes place also to the conquest of extra terrestrial dimensions. The FLEX rover designed by US company Venturi Astrolab has been selected by NASA to take part in the development of a lunar mission within the Artemis programme in view to reach the lunar soil in 2026. Resulting from the strategic partnership between Venturi Astrolab and the Monegasque Venturi Group, the FLEX batteries are designed and manufactured in Monaco, while the hyper-deformable wheels have been designed and produced in the Swiss branch by Gildo Pastor's Group (Swis branch).
The 19th edition of Top Marques Monaco reaffirmed the clear tendency to combine the highest performance and the most glamorous style with reduced environmental impacts. Thus, the world of luxury can aim to achieve a low carbon footprint. What seemed impossible a few years ago can coexist and the Principality of Monaco seems to lead this new paradigm grounded on the highest environmental responsibility. ***
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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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