Photography Exhibition: 50 Years of Commitment to Nature

Photography exhibition celebrating the 50th anniversary of the Monegasque Association for the Protection of Nature (AMPN)
Galerie des Pêcheurs – Until January 4, 2026

On Friday, November 7, the Monegasque Association for the Protection of Nature (AMPN) inaugurated a photography exhibition at the Galerie des Pêcheurs, dedicated to its 50th anniversary.

In the presence of H.E. Mr. Christophe Mirmand, Minister of State, H.E. Mr. Bernard Fautrier, Plenipotentiary Minister, Special Advisor to H.S.H. the Sovereign Prince on Environmental Issues, Ms. Céline Caron-Dagioni, Minister of Public Works, the Environment and Urban Development, Mr. Lionel Beffre, Minister of the Interior, Mr. Guillaume Pastor, Advisor to the Prince’s Cabinet, Ms. Marie-Noëlle Gibelli, National Councillor, Ms. Marjorie Crovetto, Deputy Mayor, and many distinguished guests, the Principality celebrated half a century of dedication to its marine heritage.

Presented until January 4, 2026, this retrospective traces the history of the association and its concrete actions to preserve and enhance Monaco’s Marine Protected Areas.

The exhibition, organized around six main themes — protect, develop, restore, study, innovate and raise awareness —, brings together archival images and contemporary photographs to highlight the AMPN’s major achievements:

• Creation and management of the Larvotto and Spélugues Marine Protected Areas,

• Ecological restoration programs,

• Environmental monitoring,

• Scientific research initiatives,

• Awareness-raising actions for the general public and younger generations.

Through this retrospective, the AMPN reaffirms its essential role in the protection of the marine environment and its commitment to a sustainable future.

The Monegasque Association for the Protection of Nature (AMPN)

The AMPN was founded following Prince Rainier III’s wish for the Principality of Monaco to make a significant contribution to the preservation of the Mediterranean Sea.
In line with this vision, the association created and has managed since 1976 and 1986 the Larvotto and Spélugues Marine Protected Areas (MPAs).

For 50 years, the AMPN has led ambitious natural heritage conservation programs.
It conducts vital research on species and habitats, with particular focus on fish populations and Posidonia seagrass meadows.

A key actor in marine conservation, the association is recognized for its pioneering role in the design of artificial reefs.
The most recent reefs, created in 2017 using 3D printing, represent a technological achievement and a world first in this field.

Beyond fieldwork, the AMPN plays a crucial role in raising public awareness about environmental issues.
It engages citizens through participatory science projects, helping to advance scientific research.
Keen to educate young generations, the association also launched the Educational Marine Area program, enabling students in the Principality to take concrete action for marine protection.

Supported by the Prince Albert II of Monaco Foundation and the Princely Government, the AMPN regularly publishes its research in scientific journals, highlighting the effectiveness and uniqueness of Monaco’s MPAs.

These initiatives, carried out with passion and conviction, bear witness to five decades of dedicated commitment.