MONACO, 7 November 2024 — Lady Monika Bacardi attended the 17th annual Planetary Health Awards ceremony hosted by the Prince Albert II of Monaco Foundation at the Salle Garnier of the Monte-Carlo Opera House. The distinguished evening brought together international leaders committed to environmental preservation and planetary health.
In the presence of H.S.H. Prince Albert II of Monaco, the ceremony honoured individuals and organisations distinguished by their extraordinary commitment to safeguarding the planet. In his opening address, the Sovereign Prince emphasised the importance of standing together in a united determination to meet the world’s environmental challenges. “That is the spirit of this Foundation. Since its creation in 2006, it has always been built upon the imperative of collective action,” Prince Albert stated, urging continued efforts in the face of evolving threats by constantly adapting solutions.
The Prince Albert II of Monaco Foundation pursues this vision continuously, complementing its philanthropic activities with impact investment to respond effectively to current challenges by providing sustainable, long-term solutions. The Sovereign Prince reminded attendees of their responsibility “to leave our children a planet in better health, one that is not condemned to destruction or injustice.”
The 2024 awards recognised three exceptional honourees. The Juma Institute, founded in October 2020 by indigenous leader Juma Xipaia in Brazil, received recognition for its mission to protect the environment, promote the rights of indigenous peoples, and defend their cultural and territorial integrity, particularly in the Amazon Middle Xingu region. Following in the footsteps of Juma Xipaia, a leading figure in the fight against the Belo Monte hydroelectric dam, the Institute continues its commitment to sustainable development, the autonomy of indigenous peoples, and gender equality.
Professor Lidia Morawska, internationally renowned for her research in air quality and suspended particles’ impact on health, was honored for her groundbreaking work. As Distinguished Professor at Queensland University of Technology in Australia, she heads the International Laboratory for Air Quality and Health in collaboration with the WHO. Her work has global significance, particularly in the recognition of airborne transmission of disease, influencing WHO policies and saving millions of lives.
NatureMetrics, a world leader in nature data and information founded in 2014 by biodiversity scientist Dr. Kat Bruce, received recognition for improving the ability of businesses, governments, and NGOs to measure and track the state of nature. Through its Nature Intelligence Platform, NatureMetrics is transforming how companies report on their impact on nature, providing scalable solutions to biodiversity monitoring.
The ceremony also honoured younger generations through the IPCC scholarship programme, promoted for years by the Foundation alongside Moët Hennessy and the Cuomo Foundation. H.S.H. Prince Albert II presented IPCC students with their diplomas in the presence of Dr. Ladislaus Chang’a, Vice-Chairman of the IPCC, and Mrs. Maria Elena Cuomo, President of the Cuomo Foundation. The support given to these young researchers from developing countries enables them to continue their post-doctoral studies in the field of climate change.
A short film showcased the experience of the first cohort of Re.Generation young leaders during their year of support, demonstrating their ability to convey inspiring messages while forging strong links within the community. A roundtable discussion brought together the awardees for an inspiring conversation about communicating their messages, whether scientific data or calls for action, emphasising collaboration and interdisciplinary approaches to tackle complex environmental challenges.
Lady Monika Bacardi’s attendance reflects her ongoing commitment to supporting initiatives that address global environmental challenges and promote sustainable development on an international scale. Her presence at distinguished cultural and environmental events continues to reinforce her position as a significant supporter of planetary health initiatives within Monaco society and beyond.
The awards ceremony concluded an important day for the Prince Albert II of Monaco Foundation, which had earlier convened its Board of Directors and Branch Presidents for traditional meetings of its governing bodies. The day following the ceremony, Lady Monika Bacardi attended a lunch organised by the Prince Albert II of Monaco Foundation, further demonstrating her dedication to the Foundation’s mission of environmental conservation and global sustainability.
