Monaco. Small Country, Global Focus.

Located on the sparkling Côte d'Azur, the Principality of Monaco is one of the world's premier destinations --- and foremost environmental stewards.

More than a century before green issues became a cause celebre, Monaco's "Navigator Prince", Albert I, sailed the globe's oceans seeking ways to preserve them. In more recent years, during his 56-year reign, Prince Rainier III ensured his nation became one of the most environmentally sensitive countries in Europe.

In 2006, HSH Prince Albert created the eponymous foundation which supports international sustainable and ethical projects which focus on three main challenges: climate change and developing renewable energies; combating the loss of biodiversity; and water management (improving universal access to clean water) and fighting desertification.

By 2010, the Foundation extended its international outreach by opening chapters in Switzerland, France, Germany, Italy, the United Kingdom, Canada and the United States of America. Since its inception, 130+ projects have benefited from Foundation grants - totalling more than $US23 million - specifically in the Poles, Mediterranean Basin and in some of the world's least developed nations.