HSH Prince Albert II of Monaco and resident philanthropist, Sir Stelios Haji-Ioannou, last night co-hosted a fundraising cocktail reception on the easyJet founder’s philanthropic foundation Monaco terrace.

This event was in aid of WWF's joint work with the Prince Albert II of Monaco's and Sir Stelios' philanthropic foundations focusing on the preservation of the monk seal in the Mediterranean.

Total amount raised: 180,000 euros

Over 400 guests heard how the three organizations plan to take concerted action to save this endangered species. Speeches from HSH the Prince, Sir Stelios and WWF Director General, Mr Marco Lambertini, emphasized how voluntary donations could help fund this important campaign.

HSH Prince Albert II of Monaco said:
"The harmonious existence between the human and animal populations is one of shared responsibility which should prompt us all to take action together, while there is still time. And above all, it is the ability of each one of us, whatever our situation, to contribute towards this common task. Whether this is achieved through personal commitment, support or donation, every contribution is vital to this cause which concerns all of us, but also concerns our children and our grandchildren."

"WWF is grateful to the Stelios Philanthropic Foundation, the Prince Albert II of Monaco Foundation and all of last night’s supporters for their invaluable help in conserving the Mediterranean Sea and its charismatic symbols like the extremely rare Mediterranean monk seal," said Marco Lambertini, Director General of WWF International. "We are on the right path to save this endangered iconic species by reducing overfishing, protecting large marine areas and in the process also benefiting local communities and their economy. We work hard for a sustainable Mediterranean Sea where people thrive in harmony with nature.”

Sir Stelios said:
"The common commitment of our two philanthropic foundations together with our friends at WWF, is testament to our shared determination to save another endangered species. With our oceans and seas becoming ever more vital for transport, trade and food supply, greater thought and effort must be given to the unintended consequences of our economic behavior on their indigenous species. We must not give up on our marine environment."

Marco Lambertini, Director General of WWF International, said:
"WWF is grateful to the Stelios Philanthropic Foundation, the Prince Albert II of Monaco Foundation and all of last night’s supporters for their invaluable help in conserving the Mediterranean Sea and its charismatic symbols like the extremely rare Mediterranean monk seal.

"We are on the right path to save this endangered iconic species by reducing overfishing, protecting large marine areas and in the process also benefiting local communities and their economy. We work hard for a sustainable Mediterranean Sea where people thrive in harmony with nature.”

The event raised a grand total of 180,000 euros from a combination of fundraising initiatives including a silent art auction, donation certificates and replica toys marking the adoption of a monk seal - as well as a cash bar! This amount was matched by a similar donation from the Stelios Philanthropic Foundation.

Prior to this event, Sir Stelios met with HE Mr Bernard Fautrier, CEO and Vice-President of the Prince Albert II of Monaco Foundation, and Marco Lambertini, WWF International Director General, to discuss a joint approach to environmental protection in the Mediterranean.