Monaco Explorations Ocean Decade Project

Abstract Perpetuating the tradition initiated more than 100 years ago by Prince Albert Ist of Monaco to make people love, know, and protect the ocean, his great-great-grandson HSH Prince Albert II of Monaco puts the protection of the planet and particularly the ocean high on his agenda. Accordingly, he has instigated a flagship project for the Principality—Monaco Explorations—as a platform for his commitment to the knowledge, sustainable management, and protection of the ocean. The project was among the first set of international actions officially endorsed on World Ocean Day in June 2021 in response to the first call for actions of the UN Ocean Decade.The 10-year project comprises collaborative international expeditions combining scientific research, public outreach, and government cooperation through the transdisciplinary approach underpinned by sustainability science. It will investigate selected marine areas worldwide, starting with an expedition in the Western Indian Ocean in October and November 2022.