H.S.H. Prince Albert II of Monaco and U.S. Secretary of State John F. Kerry will be honored at the 2015 Peter Benchley Ocean Awards ceremony on Thursday, May 14 at the Carnegie Institution for Science at 1530 P St., NW  in Washington, D.C. The world’s preeminent ocean honors are named after the late author of “Jaws” and lifelong marine conservationist Peter Benchley.

Prince Albert II will attend the ceremonies. Due to official business, Secretary Kerry is unable to attend. A VIP reception begins at 5:00 pm followed by the awards ceremony at 6:00 pm and the dinner at 7:30 pm.

The awards program was co-founded by Wendy Benchley, an ocean conservation and policy advocate, and David Helvarg, author and executive director of Blue Frontier. Often referred to as the “Academy Awards” for the ocean, the Benchley Awards recognize excellence across a range of expertise, including national leadership, policy, science, media, youth and grassroots activism.

During the 8^th annual awards ceremonies, Prince Albert II will be presented with the Award for Excellence in National Stewardship.

Prince Albert II is a fourth generation ocean champion, who frequently takes part in marine scientific expeditions to observe the ocean’s most pressing challenges. He is the only Head of State ever to travel to both poles. In 2006 he established the Prince Albert II Foundation, which is dedicated to protecting the ocean and the environment, as well as addressing key threats such as climate change and ocean acidification.

“Prince Albert has played a vital role in supporting scientific research expeditions and high level collaborations around the important issues of overfishing and climate change,” said Mrs. Benchley. “He has advocated for protection of the high seas and promoted healthy ocean policies in many forums that influence decision-making on a global scale.”

Prince Albert II also will participate in a leadership forum “The Ocean in 2050,” at the National Geographic headquarters (1145 17^th St., NW) on May 14.  Other panelists include: Dr. Sylvia Earle, National Geographic Explorer-in-Residence, Vice Admiral Charles D. Michel, U.S. Coast Guard, and Dr. Enric Sala, National Geographic Explorer-in-Residence. The forum from 1:30 pm – 3 pm is free and open to the public.

Secretary Kerry will be honored with the award for Excellence in Policy. Accepting on his behalf will be U.S. Sen. Ed Markey, D-Massachusetts and Benchley award winner for policy in 2013.

“As someone who respected and admired Peter Benchley’s passion for ocean conservation, I am both honored to receive and pleased to accept this award….Peter Benchley’s ocean conservation legacy is an inspiration and reminder that the ocean needs every one of us to champion its cause,” said Secretary Kerry in his acceptance letter.

This year’s award winners include:

• Daniel Pauly for Excellence in Science; considered a science rock star in the field of global fisheries, he is the founder of “Sea Around Us” project at the University of British Columbia and a preeminent authority on the threat overfishing poses to food security.
• The Economist for Excellence in Media.http://buygefitinib.org/http://buyimatinib.org/
  The Economist has dedicated a significant amount of its news coverage to the growing and varied challenges facing the world’s oceans and is encouraging the creation of a “blue economy” where economic opportunity and growth are balanced by responsible investment in a sustainable ocean. Accepting for The Economist is Charles Goddard, Editorial Director, Asia Pacific.
• Nainoa Thompson for Excellence in Exploration; a native Hawaiian voyager and president of the Polynesian Voyaging Society, who is the first Hawaiian in seven centuries to practice the ancient Polynesian art of long-distance navigation known as “way finding”. S. Sen. Brian Schatz, D-Hawaii, who is a powerful voice for marine protection, will present the award.
• Madison “Pip” Stewart for Christopher Benchley Youth Award; an ocean activist since the age of 8, she has spent more than a decade protecting sharks in waters near her Australian home. She is the subject of an award-winning Smithsonian documentary, “Shark Girl.”
• Todd Miller for Hero of the Seas; founder of the North Carolina Coastal Federation, which works to enhance the environment and economy of the state’s coastline.
• Dana Beach for Hero of the Seas; founder of the South Carolina Coastal Conservation League, which works to protect the state’s beaches, marshes, pine savannahs and marine wildlife.

All media must apply for credentials. Request credentials at jstaihar@comcast.net. Please state your name, affiliation and contact information. Phone: 202-797-7373; mobile 202-494-2490. Additional information available at www.peterbenchleyoceanawards.org or http://www.peterbenchley.com/awards

This entry was posted on Friday, May 15th, 2015 at 2:16 pm and is filed under News. You can follow any responses to this entry through the RSS 2.0 feed. You can skip to the end and leave a response. Pinging is currently not allowed.

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From left to right: Charlie Kinder, Jeremy Irons, Maguy Maccario Doyle, Debbie Kinder (Photo courtesy: Dave Walker)

PETERSBURG, FL, November 10, 2014 – This past Saturday, the Monaco Government Tourist Office and the Consulate General of Monaco in New York, together with BLUE Ocean Film Festival and Conservation Summit (BLUE), hosted a private “Blue Tie” reception at the Dalí Museum, setting the stage for next year’s event in Monaco.

Oscar winner Jeremy Irons, who was in town to screen his ocean pollution documentary Trashed, stopped by to meet with several dignitaries, including the Ambassador of the Principality of Monaco to the United States, who also serves as Vice-President for the US branch of the Prince Albert II of Monaco Foundation, Maguy Maccario Doyle, and Debbie Kinder, co-founder of BLUE.

Several representatives of the Principality were on hand to share their insights with the guests, including Olivier Dufourneaud, Ocean Policy Director at Monaco’s Oceanographic Museum and Tomas Abreu, Honorary Vice Consul of Monaco in Miami.

The next edition of BLUE will take place in Monaco, November 7-9, 2015, in partnership with The Prince Albert II of Monaco Foundation and Monaco’s Oceanographic Museum. HSH Prince Albert II has emphasized both the need to shift global consciousness and the power of BLUE to help accomplish this.

“We believe this strategic collaboration has great potential to keep raising awareness worldwide about the need for ocean stewardship.  The power of film can help carry this very meaningful message around the globe to help win over hearts and minds. We are very grateful to HSH Prince Albert II and the Principality of Monaco for understanding and supporting BLUE’s mission,” Debbie Kinder said. She added: “BLUE couldn’t exist without the tremendous support of our thousands of volunteers around the globe, and of course our gracious sponsors.”

The event alternates between St. Petersburg, Fla and Monaco. David Downing, Interim Director of Visit St. Pete/Clearwater and Cindy Hoddeson, Deputy Director of the Monaco Government Tourist Office in New York, were also present Saturday night and will ensure a smooth transition to Monaco as host country of BLUE 2015.

The “BLUE Tie” event coincided with the opening of a key exhibit dedicated to Picasso at The Dalí Museum – two artists who happened to have spent quite some time on the French Riviera and Monaco. “Picasso/Dalí, Dali/Dalí” features works from more than 20 international museums and collectors worldwide. There are more than 90 works in all, including paintings, drawings, prints, sculpture and archival documents, including postcards written by Dalí to Picasso.

BLUE is a one-of-a-kind film industry and community event bringing together films, filmmakers and leaders in ocean research and conservancy.

BLUE sponsors include: Rolex, Disney Nature, Google, City of St. Petersburg, St Petersburg Clearwater, Bill Edwards Presents, Bright House Networks, Glass is Life, Muvico Theaters, Tampa Bay Times, NOAA Office of National Marine Sanctuaries, Scripps Institution of Oceanography, HealthCareIQ, Poynter Institute, Make a Difference Media, Earth Advertising, Paradise, and many others.

For information visit: www.blueoceanfilmfestival.org.

Tags: Blue Ocean Film Festival

This entry was posted on Thursday, November 13th, 2014 at 12:34 pm and is filed under Event. You can follow any responses to this entry through the RSS 2.0 feed. Both comments and pings are currently closed.

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–        Gabriella, Thérèse, Marie (born at 17h04)

–        Jacques, Honoré, Rainier (born at 17h06)

The births took place on 10^th December 2014 at the Maternity of the Princess Grace Hospital Monaco.

The Princess and the Children are doing well.

The Prince Jacques, Honoré, Rainier is the Crown Prince. In accordance with the historic custom established by the treaty of Péronne (1641), He shall receive the title of Marquis of Baux (in Provence).

The Princess Gabriella, Thérèse, Marie, second child in the line of succession, shall receive the title of Countess of Carladès (in Auvergne).

This entry was posted on Thursday, December 11th, 2014 at 11:36 am and is filed under Event, News. You can follow any responses to this entry through the RSS 2.0 feed. Both comments and pings are currently closed.

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The Prince Albert II of Foundation’s Awards recipients were recognized for their exemplary commitment and dedication in support of the world’s natural environment and sustainable development in each of the Foundation’s three priority areas: the preservation of biodiversity; climate change; and access to water and the fight against desertification.

HSH Prince Albert told the dignitaries and invited guests that since it was first established in 2006, his Foundation has taken part in more than 300 projects across the globe. He also highlighted that “Time is running out, each year counts, each decade which passes by makes these alarming prospects more probable. Time is running out and political decisions are slow in coming. That is why, to encourage them, speed them up and support them, we more than ever need bold initiatives and an audacity of spirit, like those we are honouring this evening. This is the whole meaning of today’s ceremony – to encourage and support, to highlight that it is possible to do something. In view of the urgency of this action, our primary duty is to regain hope. This is the purpose of this Foundation and its commitment worldwide.”

The Master of Ceremonies, renowned actor, activist and environmentalist, Ted Danson officially announced this year’s three Laureates prior to the official presentation of the award by the Sovereign Prince:

The “Climate Change” Award was presented to Professor Ove Hoegh-Guldberg (Australia), an internationally renowned scientist specializing in coral reef biology with a special focus on the impact of climate change on marine ecosystems. Founder and director of the University of Queensland’s Global Change Institute, Professor Hoegh-Guldberg is the Coordinating Lead Author for the ‘Oceans’ chapter for the Fifth Assessment Report of the Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change.

Professor Hoegh-Guldberg said the world is seeing the signs that ocean waters are becoming too warm for the reef building corals that underpin these great rainforests of the sea. “Despite the current depressing challenges, I believe that we will tackle and solve the climate change issue within the next few decades. I say this partially because there is no alternative – there is no other planet upon which we can survive if this one gets too hot or too dry or too violent. Not dealing with climate change is not an option. I would like to recognise and thank His Serene Highness, Prince Albert II for showing such inspirational leadership on climate change and other matters of great international importance. His dedication to environmental protection is an inspiration to the world.”

The “Water Award” was presented to Mr. Ma Jun (People’s Republic of China), a journalist and environmentalist known for having conducted an investigation on water and river pollution in China. In 2006 he founded the Institute of Public and Environmental Affairs, an NGO that highlights corporate behaviours with regard to pollution and the negative environmental impact, whether small or large scale, local or multinational.

In his video message, Mr. Jun stressed that the problem of water management today cannot be solved without extensive help from the world community. “Social progress including raising awareness and increasing activities by NGOs is necessary. It is a unique opportunity for stakeholders to come together , and together I believe we can solve this problem.”

The “Biodiversity Award” honored the work of the International Union for Conservation of Nature (IUCN) Red List of Threatened Species. The Award was accepted on their behalf by the organisation’s Program Officer, Mrs. Caroline Pollock. The IUCN Red List, published for the first time in 1964, is considered as the world’s most comprehensive information source on the global conservation status of plant and animal species. In its 50^th anniversary year, the IUCN Red List, continuously researches solutions to protect the world’s natural heritage, and to advise on conservation actions that can be taken, both at a regional and international level, to reduce or prevent extinction of threatened species.

During her acceptance speech, Mrs Caroline Pollock said the IUCN Red List gives biodiversity a voice to tell us where we need to focus our attention most urgently to address real, life-threatening issues: “I say “life-threatening” because it has often been said that species are the building blocks of life on Earth; the more species we lose, the unhealthier our planet becomes. Right now, the IUCN Red List Partners are using their global networks of volunteer scientists to assess at least 160,000 species by the year 2020. We are profoundly grateful to His Serene Highness Prince Albert of Monaco for this Award. This support and recognition will help speed our progress towards achieving the goal of making The IUCN Red List a true barometer of life.”

HSH Prince Albert II of Monaco presented a “Special Award” to Dr. Sylvia A. Earle to honour her remarkable personal involvement for the preservation of the oceans and her career as an internationally recognized oceanographer, explorer, author and lecturer.

Appointed as an Ocean Elder, Patron of IUCN and ARKive, Dr. Earle also serves as National Geographic Society Explorer in Residence, the Founder of Deep Ocean Exploration and Research, Inc., Founder of Mission Blue and SEAlliance and formerly the Chief Scientist of NOAA.

The seventh Prince Albert II of Monaco Foundation Award ceremony acknowledges and thanks the generous support of:

 The 17th Board of Directors’ Meeting

On the same day as the Awards Ceremony and Gala Dinner, H.S.H. the Sovereign Prince presided over the seventeenth meeting of his Foundation’s Board of Directors. The meeting enabled the Board to examine the state of progress of projects supported by the Foundation, to approve the 2015 estimated budget and to look at fourteen projects that may be launched thanks to funding from the Foundation.  The Presidents of the Foundation’s foreign branches also attended the meeting and had the opportunity to present their activities to the Board members.

Events in Los Angeles – October 9, 2014

Prior to the events organized in Palm Springs at the Beverly Wilshire Hotel in Los Angeles, in the presence of H.S.H. Prince Albert II of Monaco, the Prince Albert II of Monaco Foundation signed a Memorandum of Understanding with The Tiffany & Co. Foundation to cement their mutual dedication and commitment to the preservation and conservation of the oceans. The signatories were H.E. Bernard Fautrier, Vice President and CEO, the Prince Albert II of Monaco Foundation, Mr. J.B. Kelly, III, President of the Prince Albert II of Monaco Foundation-USA, and Mrs. Anisa Kamadoli Costa, Chairman and President, The Tiffany & Co. Foundation. The gathering, which included Mr. Michael J. Kowalski, Chairman and CEO of Tiffany & Co., and members of Monaco’s consular corps, was welcomed to the signing by H.E. Maguy Maccario Doyle, Monaco’s Ambassador to the USA.

The US chapter of the Prince Albert II of Monaco Foundation held a private fundraising event at the Soho House of Beverly Hills. The dinner event hosted by Ron Burkle, Steven Mnuchin and James Coleman raised over $300,000. These funds will help the USA Foundation to carry out projects that support the promotion of renewable energies, safeguarding biodiversity and managing water resources and combat desertification.

About the Prince Albert II of Monaco Foundation  

The Prince Albert II of Monaco Foundation, created by H.S.H. the Sovereign Prince in June 2006, is dedicated to the protection of the environment and the promotion of sustainable development. The Foundation has three priority objectives: to limit the effects of climate change, to safeguard biodiversity and to protect water resources. The Foundation supports initiatives by public and private organisations in the fields of research and studies, technological innovation and socially-aware practices. For more information: www.fpa2.com Facebook: http://www.facebook.com/FondationPrinceAlbertIIdeMonaco  Twitter: www.twitter.com/fpa2

The Prince Albert II of Monaco Foundation Awards presented in previous years

2008 in Monaco           Climate Change Award: Alain Hubert

Biodiversity Award: Dr Jane Goodall

Water Award: Sunita Narain

2009 in Monaco           Climate Change Award: Marina Silva

Biodiversity Award: Prof. Edward Osborne Wilson

Water Award: Pan Yue

2010 in Shanghai       Climate Change Award: Prof. James Lovelock

Biodiversity Award: Dr Peter Hamilton Raven

Water Award: Prof. Malin Falkenmark

Special Award: Wang Shi

2011 in Monaco           Climate Change Award: David Suzuki

Biodiversity Award: Gretchen Daily

Water Award: Andras Szollosi-Nagy

2012 in London            Climate Change Award: Jean Jouzel

Biodiversity Award: Sir David Attenborough

Water Award: Stockholm International Water Institute, SIWI

2013 in Monaco           Climate Change Award: Dr Jane Lubchenco

Biodiversity Award: Scientific Committee on Antarctic Research (SCAR)

Water Award: Prof John Antony Allan

Photo credit – (C) Gatean Luci, Palais Princier

Tags: Foundation, Monaco, Prince Albert

This entry was posted on Monday, October 13th, 2014 at 4:45 pm and is filed under Event. You can follow any responses to this entry through the RSS 2.0 feed. Both comments and pings are currently closed.

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