New York (October 31, 2014) – The Principality of Monaco will join scientists, filmmakers, explorers and other ocean leaders at the Blue Ocean Film Festival and Conservation Summit (BLUE) from November 3-9 in St. Petersburg, FL. Festival-goers will have a chance to learn more about Monaco's environmental commitments and initiatives at a booth ran by the Monaco Government Tourist Office at BLUE's headquarters in the Hilton St. Petersburg Bayfront.

Monaco's participation will also set the stage for the next edition of BLUE which will take place in the Principality, November 7-9, 2015, in partnership with the Prince Albert II of Monaco Foundation and Monaco's Oceanographic Museum. “We believe this strategic collaboration has great potential even beyond the obvious. With our commitment to using the power of film to raise awareness about the importance of the healthy ocean, our unique ability to bring together ocean icons, cutting-edge science and the world's greatest collection of ocean films. We find it particularly synergetic and very fitting for our event to be in Monaco.” said Debbie Kinder, co-founder of BLUE. HSH Prince Albert II emphasized both the need to shift global consciousness and the power of BLUE to help do this. “This event uses the power of film, photography, entertainment and science to educate, empower and inspire ocean stewardship around the globe,” he said. “To awaken consciousness toward environmental protection more effectively, our best weapons are those that win over our hearts and minds.”

As a global center for all things ocean under the leadership of its Head of State, the Principality is a perfect backdrop for BLUE. For a nation roughly half the size of New York City's Central Park, Monaco has played a significant role in the preservation of the world's natural environment. In 1873, long before environmental and ecological issues became world headlines, Monaco's Prince Albert I, known as the “Navigator Prince”, sailed the world's oceans, studying their marine species and pondering ways to preserve their beauty and vitality. A visionary scientist, his discoveries helped set the foundations of modern oceanography, and led to the creation of Monaco's renowned Oceanographic Museum in 1910.

Today, Monaco's legacy of environmental stewardship is continued by Prince Albert II and the measures he has taken locally in the Principality and globally through his Foundation, focusing on three objectives: to limit the effects of climate change, to safeguard biodiversity and to promote responsible water resource management. Monaco continuously strives to be on the forefront of environmental awareness and aims to serve as a model country for sustainable development.

(http://monacoconsulate.populr.me/blue)  

ABOUT THE PRINCIPALITY OF MONACO ■

Nestled between the blue waters of the Mediterranean Sea and the stunning backdrop of the Alps, the independent and sovereign Principality of Monaco has played a unique and colorful role throughout the history of Europe. The destination, with two vibrant ports, two marine reserves and a storied nautical history, is the ideal setting for the 2015 Blue Ocean Film Festival and Conservation Summit. (www.visitmonaco.com/us)

ABOUT THE CONSULATE GENERAL OF MONACO AND

THE MONACO GOVERNMENT TOURIST OFFICE IN NEW YORK ■

The only accredited Consulate General of Monaco in North America (www.monaco-consulate.com) provides consular services, cultural and general information. The Consulate also organizes exclusive promotional and philanthropic events and activities to benefit charitable endeavors, many of which are held under the patronage of the Princely Family, including the Prince Albert II of Monaco Foundation-USA. The Monaco Government Tourist Office (www.visitmonaco.com/us) offers personalized tourism advice and information for individuals, group and business travel as well as access to Le Club Diamant Rouge de Monaco for VIP travel membership within the Principality of Monaco.

ABOUT BLUE ■

BLUE is an international non-profit organization that uses the power of film, visual arts, entertainment, and science to inspire ocean stewardship around the world.  The annual festival has become the premier watering hole for scientist, filmmakers, explorers, artists, government leaders, celebrities and ocean enterprises, providing a springboard for individual empowerment and policy action to help save Earth's blue life support system, the 71% percent of the planet's surface that is ocean. Its traveling BLUE On Tour has presented educational outreach events to thousands of people in China, Mexico, Australia, New Zealand, and through partnership with the United Nations. (www.blueoceanfilmfestival.org)

ABOUT THE PRINCE ALBERT II OF MONACO FOUNDATION-USA ■

The Prince Albert II of Monaco Foundation, created by H.S.H. the Sovereign Prince in June 2006, is dedicated to the protection of the environment and the promotion of sustainable development. The Foundation has three priority objectives: to limit the effects of climate change, to safeguard biodiversity and to protect water resources. The Foundation supports initiatives by public and private organisations in the fields of research and studies, technological innovation and socially-aware practices. (www.fpa2.com)

ABOUT THE OCEANOGRAPHIC MUSEUM OF MONACO ■

Built on the side of the mythical Rock of Monaco, the Oceanographic Museum has been watching over the oceans for over a century. Founded by Prince Albert I, great grandfather of H.S.H. Prince Albert II, it was designed as a palace entirely dedicated to Art and Science. Since its inauguration in 1910, this “temple of the sea” has remained committed to its mission of sharing with the public how to know, love and protect the ocean. (www.oceano.mc)

###

For media inquiries and photos please contact:

Elisa Fershtadt, Public Relations
Monaco Government Tourist Office
Email: press@visitmonaco.com
Phone: 212-286-3330
Direct: 917-887-6554