The Salle des Étoiles at Sporting Monte-Carlo played host to a landmark celebration on Friday, October 16, as the Prince Albert II of Monaco Foundation (FPA2) gathered global leaders, partners, and scientists to mark 20 years of environmental advocacy. The annual awards ceremony, which returned to the Principality this year following a recent edition in London, serves as the cornerstone of the Foundation’s mission to honor individuals and organizations dedicated to preserving planetary health.
For two decades, the FPA2 has acted as a catalyst for environmental progress, bridging the gap between scientific research and tangible action. During the ceremony, Prince Albert II took the opportunity to reflect on the Foundation’s evolution, highlighting that its network has successfully facilitated more than 850 projects worldwide. Among these achievements, the Sovereign specifically pointed to the successful conservation efforts for bluefin tuna in the Mediterranean and the doubling of the endangered monk seal population—tangible victories that illustrate the impact of persistent, science-led advocacy.
This year’s ceremony recognized three distinct figures whose work underscores the Foundation’s commitment to multifaceted climate solutions: science, technological innovation, and indigenous knowledge.
Dr. David Obura, a renowned Kenyan scientist, was honored for his three decades of research into coral reef biodiversity and resilience. Through his organization, Cordio East Africa, Dr. Obura has spent his career documenting the vulnerability of reefs to climate change and the subsequent threats to the coastal communities that rely on them. Accepting the award, Dr. Obura noted that the recognition represents a pivot in his work. He emphasized a growing need to transition from simply identifying environmental decline to actively reshaping the global financial and economic systems to function within planetary boundaries.
In the category of Innovation and Solutions, the Swedish company CorPower Ocean was recognized for its pioneering work in wave energy. CEO and founder Patrick Möller highlighted the strategic importance of the sector, noting that Europe holds a unique opportunity to lead the energy transition by harnessing the power of its own coastlines. “We have an opportunity to develop a new European industrial sector, create sustainable jobs, and produce clean, competitive energy,” said Möller. Crucially, the company emphasizes that its technology is designed to integrate into marine environments while minimizing disruption to fragile aquatic ecosystems.
Rounding out the honorees in the Awareness category was Hindou Oumarou Ibrahim, an advocate from Chad’s Mbororo pastoral community. An influential voice for Indigenous rights, Ibrahim has long campaigned for the integration of traditional knowledge into global climate policy. Her work ensures that the perspectives of Indigenous peoples are not merely acknowledged but are central to environmental decision-making. “This award is a responsibility that commits me to go further, for my people, for Indigenous peoples, for our planet, and for future generations,” she stated during the event.
As the ceremony concluded, the focus shifted from two decades of historical achievement toward the future. Prince Albert II paid tribute to the partners and governing bodies who have sustained the Foundation’s efforts through complex global challenges. Looking ahead, the Sovereign expressed a clear ambition for the organization’s next chapter: a commitment to continue inspiring, innovating, and driving the global environmental agenda well into the future.
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