Strengthening cetacean protection in the Pelagos Sanctuary

Theme(s)

Environment

Challenge

Animal welfare and biodiversity

Partners

Prince Albert II of Monaco Foundation

Duration

2024-2026

Locations

Mediterranean Basin

Project funding

Didier and Martine Primat Foundation

Context

The Pelagos Sanctuary is the first transboundary area in the Mediterranean dedicated to the protection of marine mammals. Covering 87,500 km² between France, Monaco, and Italy, this area is home to remarkable biodiversity. Particularly rich in plankton, it boasts various species of whales and dolphins. However, threats are numerous. Most of the coastline bordering the Sanctuary consists of heavily populated tourist destinations that put pressure on organisms and ecosystems, compounded by heavy maritime traffic and increasingly pronounced climate change.

Objectives

Implement awareness-raising activities to promote the Pelagos Sanctuary
Support scientific projects that can inform decision-making by the Pelagos Agreement and thus strengthen the protection of the Sanctuary
Promote the conservation of marine mammals and the reduction of anthropogenic pressures

Actions

Support and promote collaborative studies and activities between France, Italy, and Monaco within the Pelagos Sanctuary, with the aim of contributing to marine mammal conservation
Raise awareness about the Sanctuary, both regarding its characteristics and the actions being undertaken
Promote interactions and facilitate joint activities among the various Marine Protected Area managers within the Sanctuary
Launch calls for projects to implement the above-mentioned actions and contribute to the protection and conservation objectives of the Sanctuary

Contexte

Context

Objectives

Implement awareness-raising activities to promote the Pelagos Sanctuary
Support scientific projects that can inform decision-making by the Pelagos Agreement and thus strengthen the protection of the Sanctuary
Promote the conservation of marine mammals and the reduction of anthropogenic pressures

Actions

Support and promote collaborative studies and activities between France, Italy, and Monaco within the Pelagos Sanctuary, with the aim of contributing to marine mammal conservation
Raise awareness about the Sanctuary, both regarding its characteristics and the actions being undertaken
Promote interactions and facilitate joint activities among the various Marine Protected Area managers within the Sanctuary
Launch calls for projects to implement the above-mentioned actions and contribute to the protection and conservation objectives of the Sanctuary

Contexte

Context

Objectives

Implement awareness-raising activities to promote the Pelagos Sanctuary
Support scientific projects that can inform decision-making by the Pelagos Agreement and thus strengthen the protection of the Sanctuary
Promote the conservation of marine mammals and the reduction of anthropogenic pressures

Actions

Support and promote collaborative studies and activities between France, Italy, and Monaco within the Pelagos Sanctuary, with the aim of contributing to marine mammal conservation
Raise awareness about the Sanctuary, both regarding its characteristics and the actions being undertaken
Promote interactions and facilitate joint activities among the various Marine Protected Area managers within the Sanctuary
Launch calls for projects to implement the above-mentioned actions and contribute to the protection and conservation objectives of the Sanctuary

Partner

Prince Albert II of Monaco Foundation

Established in June 2006 by H.S.H. Prince Albert II of Monaco, the Prince Albert II of Monaco Foundation was created in response to the growing environmental challenges facing our planet. The Foundation is committed to protecting the environment and promoting sustainable development on a global scale. It supports innovative and impactful initiatives led by public and private organizations working to safeguard natural ecosystems and foster a more sustainable future.