Manager of Marine Protected Areas of Monaco

50 years working for biodiversity

The Monegasque Association for the Protection of Nature was founded in 1975 at the initiative of Prince Rainier III who wanted to set up a protected area along the Monegasque coastline.

In 1976, the volunteers of the association, chaired by Mr. Eugène DEBERNARDI, created the Larvotto underwater reserve to preserve the only Posidonia meadow in Monaco.

Faced with the success of this approach, a second reserve was set up in 1986 to protect the only coralligenous drop-off in the Principality.

Today, almost 50 years later, the commitment of these conservation pioneers continues with the support of His Serene Highness Prince Albert II of Monaco as well as His Foundation and by actively collaborating with State Services, different institutions and socio-economic actors in the Principality.