Prince Albert of Monaco arrived in Greece’s Northern Sporades islands on Wednesday, beginning a visit focused on marine environmental protection and sustainable waste management.
The Monégasque Prince first landed in Skiathos via private jet, which reportedly bore the flag of the Principality of Monaco, according to skiathoslife.gr.
On Thursday, Prince Albert traveled to Alonissos, where he is scheduled to participate in events organized by the THALASSA Foundation. These initiatives are dedicated to safeguarding marine ecosystems and boosting environmental programs.
Crucially, Alonissos is home to the National Marine Park of Alonissos and Northern Sporades (NMPANS). Established in 1992, it is the first and largest marine protected area in Greece and one of the largest in the Mediterranean.
The Park is a vital sanctuary for the critically endangered Mediterranean monk seal (Monachus monachus), as well as numerous species of dolphins, sea turtles, and rare seabirds, underscoring its role as a regional epicenter for marine biodiversity and conservation.
Prince Albert to inaugurate environmental film festival in Sporades
During his time on the Sporades Islands, Prince Albert will also inaugurate the AMoS Film Festival, dedicated to marine culture and ecology.
The AMoS Film Festival is the first film festival focused on the sea. It aims to link one of Europe’s largest marine parks with a high-quality cinema. Through this connection, the festival aspires to highlight the splendor of the marine environment and, by extension, to raise interest in marine conservation and awareness of global ocean issues, and communicate messages related to sustainable development.
At the same time, the festival aims to highlight the National Marine Park of Alonnisos Northern Sporades as a good example of integrated and holistic management of a Marine Protected Area and to promote the participation of the local community in optimizing its protection.
Related: Alonissos: Beauty and History in the Greek Island Paradise
