His Serene Highness Prince Albert II of Monaco Receives 2021 Indianapolis Prize Jane Alexander Global Wildlife Ambassador Award

 The reigning Monarch of Monaco His Serene Highness Prince Albert II is an ocean conservationist, a philanthropist for protection of human rights, a five-time Olympian, and the 2021 Jane Alexander Global Wildlife Ambassador Award recipient. 

In 2006, His Serene Highness proved his passion for wildlife conservation by establishing the Prince Albert II of Monaco Foundation to address the planet’s alarming environmental situation. The foundation directly raises funds and initiates action for ecological sustainability, establishes partnerships and carries out projects that limit the effects of climate change. The foundation makes water a priority, safeguarding the biodiversity and resources of the Mediterranean basin, the polar regions and least developed countries. In 2019, the Principality of Monaco supported the conservation efforts of the 2021 Indianapolis Prize winner and seahorse champion Dr. Amanda Vincent. 

“Prince Albert II is an inspirational leader at the forefront of protecting the health of earth’s lands and waters, the variety of its plants and animals, and the development of renewable energies,” said Jane Alexander. “It is a great honor to welcome him as the recipient of the Global Wildlife Ambassador Award for 2021.” 

HSH Prince Albert II helped reinforce protection measures for the Mediterranean bluefin tuna as an endangered species under the Convention on International Trade in Endangered Species (CITES). In addition to attending the World Conservation Congress, his role as chair of the 25th Mediterranean Science Commission brings together countries bordering the Mediterranean Sea and engages in international scientific research. His Serene Highness has carried on his family’s tradition in conservation through his efforts to preserve oceans, coral reefs and sea life. 

“I am extremely honored to be receiving such an important award, a truly significant one in the field of animal conservation. Please allow me to take this award as an additional encouragement to pursue my action and to stick to my convictions. It will help me keep on my commitments and my contributions to the preservation of the oceans, the conservation of coral reefs and marine protected areas, and strive to protect endangered marine species.” 

~His Serene Highness Albert II, the Sovereign Prince of Monaco 

Under Prince Albert II’s leadership, Monaco is the official proponent for action by CITES on behalf of seahorses — a flagship species that is indicative of ocean health. Monaco joined CITES in 1978 and has provided funding to the CITES Secretariat for work to implement decisions and support Project Seahorse efforts to ensure marine fish are legally sourced to ensure exports do not threaten wild populations. In November 2020, Monaco also became the official proponent of a new International Union for Conservation of Nature’s Resolution focused on conservation of seahorses, pipefishes and sea dragons, which directs 1,450 organizations to take action. 

His Serene Highness’ love for the natural world is rooted in a commitment to the world that will be left for future generations. His foundation has 10 foreign branches and has funded almost 700 projects for a total engagement of 84 million €. 

Prince Albert II will be honored on Sept. 25, 2021, at the Indianapolis Prize Gala presented by Cummins Inc., to be held in downtown Indianapolis. This inspirational black-tie event honors conservationists’ selfless dedication, scientific expertise and lasting success, while an influential audience enjoys an awe-inspiring evening of storytelling with films shot on location around the world.