Protecting the marine ecosystem to ensure life in the planet

From today, July 14, 2018, you and the 650,000 annual visitors of the Oceanographic Museum of Monaco will be able to discover Monaco & the Ocean, from exploration to protection, on the first floor of the Temple of the Sea with over 700m2 dedicated to the commitment of the Princes of Monaco in favor of protection of the marine world, inviting them to join in and become actively involved.

On July 11, H.E. Serge Telle, Minister of State of Monaco and Marie-Pierre Gramaglia, Minister of Environment and Urbanism, accompanied Robert Calcagno*, and representatives from different institutions** in the Principality, for the unveiling of this new state-of-the-art space. (Photo: Unveiling of Monaco & the Ocean at the Oceanographic Museum of Monaco @Michael Alesi-Direction Communication)

(*) Robert Calcagno is CEO of the Oceanographic Institute, Albert I Foundation, Prince of Monaco, including the Oceanographic Museum of Monaco and the Home of the Oceans in Paris. (**) Representatives from Prince’s Palace; Prince’s Government; Prince Albert II Foundation; Yacht Club of Monaco; Monaco Explorations; Marine Rescue Center L’Ecole Bleue; Palace Library &d Archives; Audiovisual Archives; International Committee of Mediterranean Scientific Exploration; Association of Friends of the Museum

Three destinies united for the love of the ocean

Around a scenic 27m long vessel, the new area of the museum comprises more than a century of history and invites the visitors to a “royal” voyage, commensurate with the sovereigns involved really conscious of the important issues of their times. The itinerary starts with Prince Albert I, known as the “Prince of the Seas” thanks to his deep love of the ocean, and initiator of the most significant oceanographic campaigns of his era going from 1885 to 1915. Followed by Prince Rainier III, lover and defender of the Mediterranean whose actions supported those of oceanographer Jacques-Yves Cousteau, and HSH Prince Albert II in his relentless mission to create awareness and reassemble and mobilize experts and opinion leaders for the protection of the oceans.

A multi-sensorial experience & a call for action

Thanks to the amazing scenography and architecture Monaco & the Ocean offers visitors a memorable sensorial experience. Optic theaters, LCD screens, interactive panels or tactile screens have been installed along side époque films, maps and collection objects, some of them exposed to the public for the first time.

Around a 27m vessel is the Space Monaco and the Ocean from exploration to protection 2018 © Cédric Fruneau – Musée océanographique (1)

Atop the 27m long vessel, Space Monaco and the Ocean from exploration to protection © Cédric Fruneau – Musée océanographique (77)

Interactive areas at the Space Monaco and the Ocean from exploration to protection© Cédric Fruneau – Musée océanographique (6)

A blue tunnel with information on the ocean, Space Monaco and the Ocean from exploration to protection © Cédric Fruneau – Musée océanographique (65)

The multimedia devices were conceived to stimulate thinking, mobilize senses and immerse the visitor in a story that becomes theirs, enabling interaction and creating awareness in the present issues surrounding our ocean. The threats to our marine ecosystems grow exponentially, such as fishing, aquaculture, navigation, leisure, and coastal constructions; and activities multiply degrading the environments essential to reproduction or life of certain species.

Thanks to the attraction of new technologies, this new space becomes a pedagogic tool, where future generations will be more aware of the need for a more balanced rapport between humans and the marine world, and so be incited to protect it from a very young age.

Today’s Quote

“Only we humans make waste that nature can’t digest.” Charles Moore, Marine Researcher

“I hope for your help to explore and protect the wild ocean in ways that will restore its health and, in so doing, secure hope for humankind. Health to the ocean means health for us.” Sylvia Earle, Oceanographer