Nature in Monaco

Monaco has little undeveloped land, so its most significant natural areas are marine. The Larvotto marine protected area has existed since 1976 and covers 33.6 hectares from the coast to depths of 39 metres. Its Posidonia oceanica meadow is a Mediterranean seagrass habitat, and 23 hectares form Ramsar Site No. 918, an internationally recognized wetland. The Spélugues marine protected area has existed since 1986 and covers 1.9 hectares down to 42 metres. It contains coralligenous formations, red coral, sponges, long-spined sea urchins, groupers and other Mediterranean species. Aires Marines Protégées, abbreviated AMP, are geographically defined marine protected areas managed for biodiversity conservation and sustainable use. Monaco's AMP system uses a five-year management plan, annual reporting, monitoring and rules for fishing, diving, bathing and underwater works. The Association Monégasque pour la Protection de la Nature manages Larvotto, Spélugues and the marine education area. The Comité National de Suivi des Aires Marines Protégées validates the plan and budget and monitors its implementation. The Direction de l'Environnement and the Direction des Affaires Maritimes provide public oversight, while the maritime police can enforce restrictions. Fishing is prohibited in Larvotto and Spélugues. Professional fishing in Spélugues can be allowed only with authorization from the Director of Maritime Affairs, an opinion from the manager and equipment compatible with the ecosystem. Fishing or possessing protected species is prohibited, and accidental catches must be released immediately when they can survive. The rules also prohibit damage to Posidonia meadows by towed equipment and restrict the capture of species including groupers, common corb, long-spined sea urchins, red coral and lithophages. Additional grouper and brown-meagre protections were added in 2024. Temporary bathing or diving restrictions may apply during works, so current markings and official orders determine access on a particular day. Terrestrial habitats are fragmented by urban development but remain relevant on rocky cliffs, limestone slopes, palace glacis, vallons and green spaces. Recorded European habitat types include humid Mediterranean continental cliffs, Mediterranean cliff vegetation with Limonium species, limestone rock slopes with specialized plants, and thermophilous Mediterranean scrub with tree spurge or dwarf palm. A 2006 inventory recorded about 346 indigenous plant species, including six endemic and 18 heritage species. Acis nicaeensis, also called the Nice snowdrop, is rare and highly threatened and was recorded at four sites. Bird surveys recorded 60 species, including 10 protected at European level and seven threatened species. Peregrine falcons and the Mediterranean subspecies of European shag are among the notable breeding or indicator species. The Turkish gecko and Moorish gecko are recorded reptiles. Protected plants must not be picked, cut, uprooted or deliberately disturbed. Research capture of protected species requires state authorization. The Government of Monaco, the Direction de l'Environnement, the Mairie de Monaco and the relevant maritime authorities share responsibilities across formal environmental rules. The Code de l'environnement, Code de la mer, ordinances and ministerial orders provide the legal framework. Monaco has no evidenced equivalent of a national park or a separate terrestrial nature reserve, so protected marine areas and site-specific rules are the main formal protection instruments. Nature can be observed through marked marine areas, snorkeling and diving where permitted, guided botanical visits and marine education. The Aire marine éducative, or AME, is a school-managed marine education area between Port Hercule's breakwater and the Oceanographic Museum. Since 2018-2019, pupils from École des Révoires have helped set annual objectives and actions with the Association Monégasque pour la Protection de la Nature, the Direction de l'Éducation Nationale, de la Jeunesse et des Sports and scientific advisers. The Institut océanographique offers school workshops, exhibitions and digital or on-site learning about the Mediterranean and marine protected areas. The Jardin Exotique is a cultivated plant collection, not a wild habitat. From 30 March 2026, its admission prices are 12 euros for adults, 6 euros for children and students, and 9 euros for seniors; Monegasque residents and children under four enter free. Opening hours are generally 9:00-17:00 in January, November and December; 9:00-18:00 in February-April and October; and 9:00-19:00 from May to September. Centre Botanique visits are offered Tuesday to Saturday at 10:00 and 14:00. Nature-related risks include flooding, landslides, storms and earthquakes under Monaco's environmental framework. Water stress, heat, intense rainfall and coastal or underwater construction can affect habitats and public safety. On 20 July 2026, Monaco entered drought vigilance because of reduced rainfall, excess temperatures and weakened water supply in the Roya basin after Storm Alex; that status remains until a new ministerial decision. Biodiversity protection therefore has to be balanced with ports, beaches, diving, fishing, artificial reefs and construction. Zoning, prohibitions, permits, five-year planning, temporary closures and environmental conditions provide the main controls.