‘Renaturing the City’: the Prince’s Government unveils its vision for the Monaco of tomorrow

Supported by a comprehensive study carried out by the consultancy firm ‘Grant Associates’*, this approach sets out the key principles that will gradually guide the Principality’s planning and development projects. It proposes a framework for action designed to strengthen the territory’s resilience, bring about sustainable improvements to the quality of life, preserve biodiversity and integrate nature more fully into Monaco’s sustainable development.

Christophe Mirmand, Minister of State, said : “In a densely urbanised, high-rise city, it is clear that one of our primary responsibilities is to envision the city of tomorrow, and to do so whilst taking into account the need to tackle issues such as heat islands, so that the Principality’s residents can live more comfortably here when the effects of climate change are at their most severe. This is essential for the city’s appeal, but it is also important for health and social well-being.”

This vision is already reflected in the way the Government designs its projects. From the very earliest stages of planning, it ensures that issues relating to the role of nature, climate comfort, landscapes and land use are integrated, in order to devise developments that are more resilient and more pleasant to live in.

Céline CARON-DAGIONI, Government Councillor and Minister for Infrastructure, the Environment and Urban Planning, emphasises:
“This whole approach drives us right from the design stage of our projects, whether they involve public facilities where, for example, we might currently have very mineral-based forecourts for technical reasons. Now, we’re going to consider incorporating nature into these forecourts, because nature and technical operational requirements are not mutually exclusive. We must also ensure that pedestrians, regardless of the buildings around them – whether public or private – do not lose this magnificent view of the Mediterranean, and that their gaze can rest on the blue horizon.”

Visit www.gouv.mc to find out more about ‘Renaturer la Ville ’:
- a video presentation of the ‘Renaturer la Ville’ initiative,
- the strategic framework and the key accompanying documents.

These resources provide an insight into this vision, the principles guiding the Principality’s urban development projects, and several examples of how they are being implemented.
*https://grant-associates.uk.com/