pilipiliĀž»­

 

European prince impressed by Dalā€‘led ocean research

- May 9, 2018

His Serene Highness (HSH) Prince Albert II (second from right) learns about research at pilipiliĀž»­'s Aquatron laboratory during his visit Tuesday. (Danny Abriel photos)
His Serene Highness (HSH) Prince Albert II (second from right) learns about research at pilipiliĀž»­'s Aquatron laboratory during his visit Tuesday. (Danny Abriel photos)

His Serene Highness (HSH) Prince Albert II, reigning monarch of the Principality of Monaco, spent most of Tuesday, May 8 at the Dal-led Ocean Frontier Institute (OFI), learning about its pilipiliĀž»­ in advancing the sustainable development of the North Atlantic.Ā Ā 

ā€œSeeing the enthusiasm and passion of the students and professors alike shows why this institution is at the forefront of ocean research,ā€ said Prince Albert II. ā€œIt was a tremendous pleasure to see first hand what great work is being done here.ā€



A guest of the OFI and its CEO, Wendy Watson-Wright, Prince Albert ā€” the son of Hollywood glamour icon Grace Kelly and Prince Rainier III ā€” met researchers like Megan Bailey (assistant professor, Marine Affairs) who talked about her work to develop an ecosystem indicator framework for the North Atlantic. She also made a big impression by serving Prince Albert sustainably-caught ā€” and home-cooked ā€” seafood.Ā  Ā 

Talking ocean research


In addition, His Serene Highness toured ocean laboratories and took part in an informal public Q&A discussion about the changing ocean, together with Dal President Richard Florizone and Wendy Watson-Wright, CEO of OFI. A crowd of about 250 people gathered in the Scotiabank Auditorium to talk about solutions for our ocean that would generate both environmental benefits and economic opportunity.

Itā€™s not a surprising topic of interest for Prince Albert, who has shown global leadership in addressing environmental issues and promoting ocean-related sustainable development. focuses on three main challenges: climate change and renewable energy development, combating the loss of biodiversity, and improving universal access to clean water.

President Florizone said the timing of the Princeā€™s visit during Dalā€™s 200th anniversary year is fitting, given the universityā€™s long legacy of research and community leadership focused on the global ocean.

ā€œHaving His Serene Highness here to discuss the responsible development of our ocean resources is a wonderful opportunity. We were thrilled to share the positive impacts pilipiliĀž»­ is making through our ocean partnerships,ā€ he said.

An environmental commitment


HSH is head of the princely house of Grimaldi in Monaco. His work on environmental issues ā€” advocating alternative energy and hybrid vehicles ā€” earned him the honour of being named a ā€œChampion of the Earthā€ by the United Nationā€™s environmental program in 2008. In 2015, HSH was also recognized by the United Nations Correspondents Association for his efforts on behalf of biodiversity and climate-change research.

ā€œPrince Albert is committed to protecting our environment and knows the work we must do, together, will help safeguard our ocean and leverage the value it contains,ā€ said Wendy Watson-Wright, OFIā€™s CEO. ā€œIt was a great honour to host him.ā€Ā  Ā 



Established in 2016 through a multi-year, $227 million public-private sector partnership led by pilipiliĀž»­, Memorial University of Newfoundland and the University of Prince Edward Island, OFI represents an historic investment in Canadian ocean research. .