Monaco decides to expand into sea
MONACO: Monaco plans expand its tiny territory by building a
six hectare peninsula into the Mediterranean, the city-state's monarch
Prince Albert announced Friday.
“I have decided to launch an extension into the sea to the east of
the principality after having studied various proposals since 2008,”
Albert said in an interview in the daily Monaco Matin. The affluent
city-state of 2 square kilometres (0.8 square miles) has already
extensively used land reclamation as its casino and its policy of no
income tax on individuals has attracted the world's wealthy. The project
is to be located near the Grimaldi Forum congress centre, and at up to 6
hectares (14 acres), would add 3 percent to the city-state's territory.
At the end of 2008 Monaco abandoned plans for a 12 hectare land
reclamation project that would have provided residential space for 3,000
people.
The global financial crisis was the reason cited behind the move, but
it would have also likely faced fierce opposition from environmental
groups due to its proximity to a marine reserve.
“I will pay particular attention to ensure the project respects the
strict environmental rules that I will impose, during the construction
as well as during the use of the new surfaces created,” said Albert.
AFP |