France creates 3 new marine parks

2nd edition of the Monaco Blue Initiative leads to new marine protected areas.

Politicians and environmental leaders gathered in Monaco at the weekend for the 2nd edition of the Monaco Blue Initiative. Organized by the Fondation Prince Albert II (FPA2), the meeting had the ambition to move from the concept of marine protected areas, to marine managed areas.

Launched in 2010, Monaco Blue Initiative is a think tank for ideas. This year's theme was how to better protect marine biodiversity whilst continuing to exploit it in economic terms. Participants also reflected on the idea of protected areas being used as tools for sustainable management of the sea and coastal areas.

French Minister for Ecology Nathalie Kosciusko-Morizet was also present and at the end of the meeting announced the creation of 3 marine parks, one of which is to be located in the Mediterranean between Port Leucate and Collioure, known as the Cote Vermeille. France will set aside 5 m euros to create 45 jobs in relation to the initiative.

It remains to be seen if the ideas and thoughts raised at the Monaco Blue Initiative will be translated into concrete actions to stop and reverse the damage caused to the marine environment.

Monaco Blue Initiative: towards a pragmatic protection for the oceans [1]

Monaco Blue Initiative : two days to heal the sea [2]

Monaco : three new marine protected areas [3]