Last night His Serene Highness Prince Albert II of Monaco arrived in Monterey, California to participate in the 2012 BLUE Ocean Film Festival and Conservation Summit.  The sovereign prince took part in the panel discussion entitled, Sustaining a Healthy Ocean: How Are We Doing, REALLY?, alongside Dr. Sylvia Earle, Ms. Celine Cousteau, Dr. Greg Stone and Dr. Jane Lubchenco.

This morning Prince Albert II gave a keynote speech entitled, Understanding the Ocean in a Changing World, during the Ocean Acidification Symposium held at the Golden State Theatre.

After his speech, Prince Albert II participated in a panel discussion entitled, The Story So Far: Action on Ocean Acidification, along with Dr. Jean-Pierre Gattuso, Dr. Jane Lubchenco and California Congressman, Mr. Sam Farr to name a few.

During the conference, according to a press release, the sovereign prince announced:

“… the launch of a new international center to coordinate ocean acidification. At a cost of two million U.S. dollars for three years, the center, based at the International Atomic Energy Agency Environment Laboratories in Monaco, will help coordinate international research and link science and policy.” 

Prince Albert II stated:

“Supported by among others the Government of Monaco and my Foundation, an Ocean Acidification International Coordination Center has been set up in Monaco within the premises of the International Atomic Energy Agency’s Marine Environment Laboratories. It represents not only an enormous source of pride for myself but also gives me real hopes for the future.”

Today’s event was organized by the Third International Symposium on the Ocean in a High CO₂ World and the Blue Ocean Film Festival.

If you are interested in watching various panel discussions from the 2012 BLUE Ocean Film Festival and Conservation Summit please click here.