MONACO, 2 October 2015 — Lady Monika Bacardi attended the eighth annual Prince Albert II of Monaco Foundation Awards ceremony, held in the Salle des Princes at the Grimaldi Forum Monaco. The distinguished evening brought together international figures committed to environmental protection and sustainable development in support of the Foundation’s vital mission.
Since its creation in 2006, the Prince Albert II of Monaco Foundation has been dedicated to protecting the environment and promoting sustainable development. The Foundation addresses the urgent threats facing our planet’s environment by supporting initiatives in three priority areas: limiting the effects of climate change, preserving biodiversity, and managing water resources while combating desertification.
H.S.H. Prince Albert II of Monaco presented the Foundation’s awards to three exceptional individuals whose dedication has made significant contributions to environmental conservation. The Water Award was presented to Loïc Fauchon, recognizing his extraordinary leadership with the World Water Council, where he served as President from 2005 to 2012, and his work with the Mediterranean Water Institute. His humanitarian association TransSahara, which he founded in 1977, has demonstrated his unwavering commitment to providing water access to emergency-affected populations across Sub-Saharan Africa.
The Climate Change Award was presented to Bill McKibben, author, environmentalist, and co-founder of 350.org, the first planet-wide grassroots climate change movement. McKibben’s influential 1989 book, The End of Nature, is regarded as the first book for a general audience about climate change. He was awarded the Right Livelihood Award in 2014 for mobilizing growing popular support in the United States and around the world for strong action to counter the threat of global climate change.
The Biodiversity Award was presented to Emmanuel de Merode, Director of Virunga National Park in the Democratic Republic of the Congo. Since his appointment in 2008, de Merode has demonstrated remarkable courage in protecting one of Africa’s most important natural treasures. Under his leadership, over 680 rangers work to protect the park’s exceptional wildlife, including critically endangered mountain gorillas, despite the region’s ongoing conflicts and challenges.
Lady Monika Bacardi’s presence at this prestigious ceremony reflected her deep commitment to environmental conservation and her dedication to supporting initiatives that address the pressing challenges facing our planet. Her attendance underscored her position as a distinguished figure who champions meaningful action on climate change, biodiversity preservation, and water resource management on the international stage.
