MONACO -- June 27, 2006 - H.S.H. Prince Albert II of Monaco announced today the creation of a new foundation, the Prince Albert II of Monaco Foundation, as part of His ‘personal commitment for the protection of the environment and for sustainable development’.

The Prince listed the serious environmental warning signs that “require each of us to act if we are to protect our planet for future generations. We all share the environment; its protection is our duty”.

Prince Albert II cited the impact of global warming, including rising temperatures and ocean levels, as well air and water pollution, fast-decreasing biodiversity, and lack of clean water for billions of people worldwide. Jean-Louis Etienne, the eminent explorer and environment expert, joined Prince Albert to elaborate on these topics and other environmental challenges.

The Prince Albert II Foundation “will be a permanent source of dynamic and innovative actions for environmental protection and sustainable development”, the Prince said. “It will act to accelerate action by mobilizing people and resources on an international scale”.

The Foundation will focus on three areas: climate change, biodiversity, and access to drinking water.

Prince Albert said, “Monaco may not be the biggest country in the world, but I am determined to show it can be among the most innovative when dealing with the environment.”

The Prince referred to Monaco’s long tradition of protection of the oceans. “My great-great grandfather, Prince Albert I, led four expeditions to the North Pole a century ago” He reminded. “On the two recent trips which I made following in his footsteps, our measurements showed significant reduction of the glacier there, one sign of the urgency of the situation”.

The Prince concluded, “The Foundation, dedicated to environmental protection and sustainable development, which I am announcing today, aims to play a key role in responding to this urgency. Please be assured of my personal and permanent commitment to that goal.”