The foundation was initially created in 2006 by Prince Albert II of Monaco and it concentrates on environmental protection, sustainable development, climate change and the promotion of renewable energies as well as biodiversity.
In harsh weather conditions, the Prince and scientists aboard his vessel made an inventory of marine life and took meteorological readings and photographs in order to study the movements of the sea ice and glaciers.
In 2006, Prince Albert II of Monaco, in the footsteps of his great-great-grandfather, visited the Arctic, reaching the North Pole on 16 April so that he could assess the effects of global warming on the weakening ice.
To raise the awareness of the population and public authorities regarding the impact of human activities on the natural environment in order to encourage more environmentally friendly behaviour.
The foundation is keen to take action with the players concerned, in order to preserve the wealth of the marine and land ecosystems, to curb the extinction of the most endangered species and to develop access to water resources.
Since 2008, a large number of restaurant owners in the Principality of Monaco have responded to the appeal jointly launched by the Prince Albert II Foundation and the MC2D association to stop serving bluefin tuna, and thus raise awareness of the need to save this symbolic species of the Mediterranean, while there is still time.
The aim is to create a forum to promote dialogue between the heads of these foundations, making it possible for them to expand their scope of activity, whilst at the same time fostering new partnerships and developing new networks.
Deforestation of the tropical rainforests accounts for more than 20% of greenhouse gas emissions and moreover leads to soil degradation, loss of biodiversity and the exclusion of the local populations.
Since 2008, the prince has presented awards to key figures for their exemplary action in favour of the environment and the protection of the planet, in each of the foundation's three priority fields of activity: climate change, the preservation of biodiversity, access to water and the fight against desertification.
“I wanted to create these Awards to lend my support to the exceptional women and men who have made a personal commitment to save our planet.” declared the Prince at the first edition of the event.