This Wednesday, the Principality of Monaco inaugurated its flagship project: the Mediterranean Mission. Led by the Monaco Explorations Society, the event will combine science, action on the oceans, mediation, and diplomacy.
Port of Fontvieille, 10:30 am. The catamaran welcomes its guests: scientists, engineers, members of the Monaco Explorations Society, journalists… All are delighted to remove their shoes to board the MODX 70-01. A total immersion just a day before the grand departure. Indeed, the boat will set sail and navigate in Greek waters. Xavier Prache, head of the mission, explains this choice: “Greece is a maritime and scientific cradle, so it was a natural choice.” Greece is home to the largest marine protected area. Moreover, this summer, it created two new areas: one in the Cyclades, the other in the Ionian Sea. This news reassured the mission organizers about their choices. This destination will be the playground for scientists for just over a month, where science, ocean actions, mediation, and diplomacy will be highlighted.
One Mission, Several Stages
This mission is an integral part of the Mediterranean Missions program, launched by the Prince in 2024 in Barcelona. Measuring 21 meters long, both a floating laboratory, a diplomatic tool, and an educational platform, the multifunctional ship will traverse part of Greece. Equipped with a hybrid sail propulsion composed of two large wings/sails, the boat even confounds the specialists. Xavier Prache confesses: “It’s such an innovative boat that we don’t even know what words to use.” The MODX 70-01, which set off on Thursday, September 25, in the late afternoon, will conduct seven scientific actions in total. These are projects related to the local environment but also to the regional environment, on the scale of the Mediterranean basin.
After a ten-day journey, passing through the Corinth Canal, the first stage will take place in Athens, on October 3. Then, heading to Alonissos, a marine protected area, where His Serene Highness the Sovereign Prince will be present to “get an update on the measures for monk seal conservation.” Volos, located north of the Pagasetic Gulf, will constitute the third stop of this mission. Here, scientists will present the use of their frugal tools. “The idea is to welcome the public aboard on this day, October 7, and show them how these tools are implemented,” explains the mission head. Heading south, north of the Cyclades, to Syros, where the crew will continue its mediation and science activities before returning to Athens on October 24. During this last stage of the journey, the mission members will present the conducted actions before returning to the Monegasque Principality.
Diverse and Varied Actions
The mission team will participate in the inauguration of the exhibition on the Mediterranean Marine Protected Areas in Greece. An event that will take place throughout October in Athens, where an educational program will be presented. This program, developed in partnership with scientists, pursues three objectives: to study the connectivity between pelagic and benthic environments, to better understand the dynamics of pollution propagation and invasive species, and to reveal the complexity of these marine spaces and ecosystems, which are intended to be protected.
This program includes several scientific components, including the Marc Forpass project, focusing on the capacity of marine forests to absorb pollution. Ten years after an initial exploration, scientists will be able to observe and compare the evolution of this marine area over the past decade. A second project, focused on participatory science – Exofismed – aims to involve diving clubs, scientists, and local marine protected area managers. The objective is to train them in simple protocols for recognizing invasive species. Amateur divers will also be invited to join the explorations to better raise public awareness. The third project, conducted in partnership with the Monaco Scientific Centre, will study the interaction between plastic pollution and sediments, particularly their absorption capacity.
On a local scale, in Monaco, the Oceanographic Museum of the Principality offers a total and time-space immersion named “Mediterranean 2050” An exploration of the ocean through four stages, from the origins of the Mediterranean to the year 2050. Interactive devices, fun experiences, aquariums… but above all, the highlight: the spectacular immersive projection within the 2050 Portal. The museum is open every day, from 10 am to 7 pm. Count 22.50 euros for an adult entry and 14 euros for children aged 4 to 17 and students. An enriching visit, designed to raise public awareness about the evolution of the marine environment and the importance of its protection.
