With the aim of sheltering an eco-neighborhood, the Principality’s sixth offshore extension is a real challenge. To ensure the preservation of the marine ecosystem, Prince Albert II has imposed environmental specifications. The Andromeda Océanologie biologists are following the site closely.
The importance of the extension works will make it possible to gain nearly six hectares on the seafront. A marina composed of 18 levels will be born on this new surface. 3,000 m2 of shops and 60,000 m2 of luxury housing will also accompany it. Before moving on to construction until 2025, infrastructure development should be completed by the end of 2020. To begin with, more than 600,000 m2 of partially polluted sediments were removed and treated. This real environmentally conscious approach has generated an additional cost of 10 to 15% on the project. To help in this process, the SME Andromède Oceanology has multiplied studies and audits since 2014.
Limiting ecological impacts
The company specializing in marine biology has specially dedicated a team of 10 people to the site. Primarily, the goal is to anticipate the damage through a thorough study. Then, it is necessary to act to mitigate them. Part of the work involved moving a 1,000 Posidonia herbarium. The company has also taken steps to limit sediment runoff threatening photosynthesis of underwater flora. Finally, a repair step is carried out through innovative dedusting processes for the welfare of coastal species. It will take another 4 to 5 years to truly judge the success of these preservation efforts.
*Article originally published in the French edition of the Monaco Tribune.