Monaco – The Kingdom of Morocco and the Principality of Monaco Share a Common Long-Term Strategic Vision for Sustainable Development, Says Director General of the Oceanographic Institute
Speaking Tuesday in Monaco, Robert Calcagno, Director General of the Oceanographic Institute – Albert I, Prince of Monaco Foundation, emphasized the shared long-term strategic vision for sustainable development between Morocco and Monaco.
Addressing a preparatory workshop for the « Blue Economy and Finance Forum » (BEFF), to be held on June 7–8 in Monaco, Mr. Calcagno praised the ongoing commitment of both countries to ocean and biodiversity preservation, under the leadership of His Majesty King Mohammed VI and His Serene Highness Prince Albert II of Monaco.
“We indeed have a very active partnership with the Mohammed VI Foundation for Environmental Protection, along with various other collaborations with the Kingdom, notably concerning the development of marine protected areas,” said Calcagno.
These efforts, he stressed, take on particular importance ahead of the United Nations Ocean Conference, scheduled from June 9 to 13 in Nice, a major milestone for collective action in favor of marine ecosystems.
In this context, Mr. Calcagno announced that most Mediterranean countries will participate in the BEFF, noting that one of the forum’s primary goals is to mobilize funding for the southern Mediterranean region.
“The forum will also provide a valuable platform to establish concrete partnerships and investment opportunities in the blue economy,” he noted. “Only by combining hybrid financing — blending private capital, public funds, and multilateral support — can we truly stimulate sustainable economic activity.”
Mr. Calcagno also underscored the urgent need to achieve tangible progress, particularly in the area of wastewater treatment, which requires urgent improvement, and to promote the development of sustainable economic activities. “The key lies in establishing virtuous, ecosystem-respectful economic models,” he affirmed.
In this regard, he stated that the Institute is ready to collaborate with other oceanographic museums sharing the same vision, especially to host the immersive “Mediterranean 2050” exhibition, inaugurated in late March and set to run for three years, aimed at raising broader public awareness on Mediterranean challenges.
This exhibition is part of a broad multi-year initiative led by the Monaco Oceanographic Institute to enhance the preservation of the Mediterranean Sea — an ecosystem of exceptional richness and diversity.
As a high-level discussion platform, the BEFF will bring together various stakeholders to exchange experiences and explore how to scale up identified solutions. The two-day agenda will include plenary sessions, panels, and side-events focused on ocean conservation and financing a sustainable blue economy — an ambitious and action-oriented program.
