Prince Albert II of Monaco Foundation joins ghost gear initiative to fight plastic pollution

The Prince Albert II of Monaco Foundation is joining Ocean Conservancy’s Global Ghost Gear Initiative (GGGI). The GGGI is the world’s only alliance solely dedicated to solving the problem of abandoned, lost or otherwise discarded fishing gear, also known as ghost gear.

“It is a pleasure to welcome the Prince Albert II of Monaco Foundation as a partner in the fight to eliminate ghost gear, the most harmful form of marine debris,” said Ingrid Giskes, Director of the GGGI at Ocean Conservancy. “With Spain joining the GGGI in April this year, we look forward to working together and expanding our work in the Mediterranean region.”

Gear loss occurs wherever fishing takes place, often due to rough weather, snags beneath the surface, and marine traffic accidentally running it over and cutting it loose. In addition to being lethal, it is also among the most prevalent forms of ocean plastic pollution.

Research indicates that ghost fishing gear makes up 46-70% of all floating macroplastics in ocean gyres by weight, and up to a 30% decline in some fish stocks can be attributed to ghost gear. In the western Mediterranean, ALDFG reportedly accounts for 77% of the total number of marine debris items.

Olivier Wenden, Vice President and CEO of the Prince Albert II of Monaco Foundation, said: “Protecting marine ecosystems and fighting plastic pollution is a major concern for the Foundation, not only in the Mediterranean Basin but also at a global scale. Tackling the issue of ghost gear, which is jeopardising marine life and the health of our ocean, requires collaborative work if we want to drive effective change. Joining forces with Ocean Conservancy in the framework of the Global Ghost Gear Initiative is a step further in our mission to raise awareness of the problems the Mediterranean Sea is facing and accelerate the development of scalable solutions for the future of the ocean.”

About the Global Ghost Gear Initiative

The Global Ghost Gear Initiative (GGGI) is the only cross-sectoral alliance dedicated to solving the problem of abandoned, lost, or otherwise discarded fishing gear – ghost gear – around the world. The GGGI brings together more than 130 stakeholder groups, including 20 national governments as well as representatives from civil society, the private sector, public agencies, academia, intergovernmental organisations and others from across the fishing industry to tackle ghost gear on a global scale. For details, see www.ghostgear.org.

About Ocean Conservancy

Ocean Conservancy is working to protect the ocean from today’s greatest global challenges. Together with partners, it creates science-based solutions for a healthy ocean and the wildlife and communities that depend on it. See www.oceanconservancy.org.

MCM's Ultra-successful fragrance launch

MCM has launched its second fragrance with Inter Parfums Inc – the second scent inspired by the German luxury brand’s legendary MCM backpack.

Presented in striking "Berlin Gold" packaging, MCM Ultra Eau de Parfum made its debut in July and is rolling out globally in August.

The juice features blackcurrant, pink pepper, tonka bean, cedarwood and tuberose. It retails at $75 for 30ml, $90 for 50ml and $115 for 100ml.

MCM Ultra Eau de Parfum is described rather lyrically as “an empowered anthem of the modern woman. Intensely glamorous with a touch of playfulness”. (It's already on MJ Rabbit’s wishlist.)

Going for gold: MCM Ultra Eau de Parfum

Perfumer Frank Voelkl said he aimed to strike a “delicate balance between floral and fougère elements”.

“Fragrance has been a very logical extension for the brand, and one that has opened it up to new followers and fans,” enthused Dirk Schonberger, Global Creative Director of MCM.

“The fragrance has such a broad approach. It may be young-spirited but you don’t need to be young in age to be a fan of the brand.”

In 2019, MCM inked a 10-year licensing agreement with Inter Parfums Inc and introduced its first fragrance with the New York City-based company, MCM Eau de Parfum, in 2021.

MCM scooped Packaging of the Year at the Fragrance Foundation Awards in June. (At launch, its success was forecast by an ultra-excited MJ Rabbit.)

Monaco Red Cross partners with Prince Albert’s Foundation on climate change

Monaco’s Red Cross has made a full commitment to the environment by donating €16,000 ($16,400) to the Prince Albert II of Monaco Foundation to undertake a project linked to greenhouse gas reduction.

The Monegasque Red Cross says it is “aware of the role of human activity in climate change and the need to cut greenhouse gas emissions in order to reduce this impact”.

The aim of the chosen project is to develop sustainable agriculture and improve water resource management in the province of Kénédougou in Burkina Faso.

The province is regularly affected by floods, drought, insects harmful to crops and violent winds. The province has several rivers and water sources, with a forest area in the south and a savannah in the north.

“This situation creates an imbalance and accentuates the climatic hazards between the two parts of the province with sometimes drops in rainfall and long periods of drought in certain localities,” says the Prince Albert II of Monaco Foundation.

“Livestock farming is difficult due to the presence of epizootics that affect both livestock and poultry, and the consequences of which are the loss of animals and a drop in income,” it adds.

The project, conducted by Action Contre La Faim, aims to strengthen the resilience of vulnerable households, including people with disabilities, through sustainable access to food through the adoption of innovative agricultural practices for households and local organisations.

“Access to food and nutritional security necessarily involves improving the availability of water for irrigation and consumption and the popularisation of agro-ecological practices. The project therefore also aims to guarantee access to and efficient use of water through the approach of integrated water resources management,” the Foundation says.

Finally, the project supports municipalities in assessing their vulnerability to the effects of climate change and their skills in emergency preparedness and response plans for natural disasters.

Greggs to open travel retail outlets

SSP Group, the leading operator of food and beverage outlets in travel locations worldwide, has secured a franchise deal with UK food-on-the-go retailer Greggs.

Greggs will be opening stores in the coming months across the UK. The first unit has begun trading at Derby railway station, with other openings in progress.

Greggs at Derby railway station

Greggs will provide market-leading value propositions and increased choice to passengers, SSP said.

The new stores will be located in units already operated by SSP, which will be converted to Greggs.

Richard Lewis, CEO SSP UK & Ireland, said: “We’re delighted to have struck a deal with Greggs, which not only delivers a great core range, but is constantly innovating to meet evolving trends. The deal has also been welcomed by our regional travel clients, who are looking forward to the opportunity to bring an instantly recognisable food offer to their platforms and concourses. We hope to be able to grow the partnership beyond these initial sites.”

Greggs Commercial Director Malcolm Copland said: “We are pleased to team up with SSP as our newest franchise partner. We know that high quality food-on-the-go and convenience go hand in hand and this partnership further expands our presence in busy travel hubs, giving us the opportunity to bring our range of products to more customers each day.”

East Midlands Railway Customer Services Director Neil Grabham enthused: “Greggs is a much-loved high street brand and I’m delighted to welcome them to Derby station. I am sure all customers travelling through Derby will recognise Greggs for the great value they offer and will be keen to support its opening."

TFWA World Exhibition unveils Cannes programme

TFWA World Exhibition & Conference 2022 will be held at the Palais des Festivals in Cannes from October 2 to 6, kicking off with an insightful conference.

On Monday, October 3, TFWA World Conference will open with an address from TFWA President Erik Juul-Mortensen, followed by conversations with world-leading figures in economics and branding.

They include David McWilliams, Adjunct Professor of Global Economics at Trinity College Dublin’s School of Business and one of the most authoritative – and entertaining – voices on economics and geopolitics; and Raymond Cloosterman, Founder and CEO of Dutch beauty brand Rituals, who will address brand-building in a changing world.

The conference will also look at life in the metaverse with the help of a global expert on new digital technologies: Swan Sit, Operating Partner of AF Ventures, a Leading Voice on social audio app Clubhouse and former Global Head of Digital Marketing for Nike, Revlon and Estée Lauder.

Two workshop sessions are scheduled on Tuesday, October 4 (The Airport Forum) and Wednesday, October 5 (Innovation in Action).

The Airport Forum session will feature London Heathrow Airport Retail & Property Director Fraser Brown, Seoul Incheon International Airport Corporation Director Duty Free Management Team Sung Bin Im and Istanbul Airport Chief Digital & Commercial Officer Ersin Inankul.

Innovation in Action will look at customer engagement courtesy of speakers including Intelligent Track System Founder & CEO Morten Pankoke and Founder & CEO of Inflyter Wassim Saadé.

TFWA President Erik Juul-Mortensen said: “This year’s TFWA World Conference will explore the factors that will define business in the post-pandemic world, from pressures on the global economy to changing consumer behaviour. Our programme of speakers features experts in their fields who will provide fresh perspectives on the challenges and opportunities ahead.

“We are also pleased to restore our programme of workshops, which this year will feature senior executives from some of the world’s leading airports, in addition to the innovators that are finding new ways to improve the ways we sell to travellers. I am very much looking forward to these sessions and look forward to welcoming the global industry to Cannes.”

Those wishing to attend TFWA World Exhibition can register at: https://www.tfwa.com/tfwa-world-exhibition-conference/book-your-place-100004721 

The exhibitor list can be seen on the following link: https://www.tfwa.com/exhibitors/tfwa-world-exhibition-and-conference/2022