Just after Prince Rainier III founded the Monegasque Association for the Protection of Nature (AMPN) in 1975, a global innovation was born in 1976 with the creation of the world's first urban Marine Protected Area (MPA), the Larvotto reserve, while that of the Spélugues followed in 1986. Thus, for 50 years, the association has created and managed MPAs, tirelessly developing nature conservation programs, carrying out important research work on species and habitats, with since the beginning particular attention paid to fish populations and Posidonia meadows. Pioneering experiments have been carried out on the design and immersion of artificial reefs, the latest of which, produced in 2017 using 3D printing, constitute a true technological feat. Participatory scientific campaigns are organised regularly to raise public awareness about environmental issues. The AMPN also works with young people through educational workshops and especially through the marine educational area which it initiated. Each year, this allows 7th grade students to be involved in environmental protection.
