Leonardo DiCaprio and Monaco's Prince Albert II teamed up to protect the Solomon Islands; their expedition explored one of Earth's richest marine regions

Prince Albert II of Monaco and Leonardo DiCaprio have returned to a shared environmental cause, this time in the Solomon Islands, where they joined a National Geographic expedition focused on marine conservation. The visit brought the Monaco sovereign into the field alongside marine biologist Enric Sala and the team behind Pristine Seas, a programme that has spent years documenting and helping protect important ocean habitats. The Solomon Islands sit within the Coral Triangle, a region known for its exceptional marine life but also facing pressure from human activity and a changing climate. During the expedition, Prince Albert took part in underwater exploration and used the visit to reinforce his support for stronger marine protection.Prince Albert II joins National Geographic team to explore Solomon Islands watersPrince Albert II joined the National Geographic Pristine Seas expedition team during its work in the Solomon Islands in November 2024. The expedition was led by Enric Sala, a marine biologist and explorer who founded the Pristine Seas programme in 2008. The Solomon Islands were a fitting location for the expedition. The archipelago forms part of the Coral Triangle, a marine area recognised for its extraordinary diversity of species and habitats. Its waters include coral reefs and other ecosystems that support both marine life and coastal communities.The expedition was concerned with understanding and protecting these environments at a time when they face increasing pressure. Human activity and climate change are among the factors affecting marine ecosystems across the region. For Prince Albert, the trip also provided an opportunity to see the work at close range rather than discussing ocean protection solely through meetings and international forums.Underwater expedition brings Prince Albert II together with Sala and DiCaprioAccording to Monaco Tribune, during the expedition, Prince Albert discussed marine conservation with Sala and DiCaprio while taking part in an underwater dive in a submersible. Monegasque freediver Pierre Frolla was also involved in the underwater exploration.The encounter brought together several people who have been involved in ocean conservation from different positions. Sala's work has centred on scientific exploration and the identification of marine areas that could benefit from stronger protection. DiCaprio has used his public profile and environmental foundation to campaign on climate and conservation issues, while Prince Albert has made ocean protection a long-running part of his work through the Prince Albert II of Monaco Foundation.Why the Coral Triangle matters to the Solomon IslandsThe setting matters because the Solomon Islands are located within the Coral Triangle, an area spanning several countries in the western Pacific and regarded as one of the planet's most biologically diverse marine regions.Its reefs, coastal waters and associated habitats provide shelter and feeding grounds for a wide range of marine species. They also have a direct importance for people living across the islands, where the sea is closely connected with food, livelihoods and local economies.Yet the same waters are exposed to problems affecting oceans elsewhere. Fishing pressure, other forms of human activity and climate-related changes can place additional strain on ecosystems that are already sensitive to disturbance. Expeditions such as Pristine Seas combine exploration with scientific assessment, producing information that can be used when governments consider how particular marine areas should be managed.Pristine Seas has been working since 2008National Geographic's Pristine Seas programme began in 2008 with the aim of exploring some of the world's remaining relatively undisturbed marine environments and supporting efforts to protect them. Its expeditions bring scientists and other specialists into remote ocean areas to document habitats and species. The programme has also worked with governments and local partners on proposals for marine protection.The Solomon Islands expedition therefore fitted into a much longer programme of ocean research and conservation. Prince Albert's participation placed a prominent supporter of marine protection alongside the scientists and explorers carrying out the fieldwork.His foundation has also backed efforts to expand Marine Protected Areas and has promoted greater international attention to ocean conservation.DiCaprio and Prince Albert have worked together beforeThe Solomon Islands expedition was not the first environmental project to bring DiCaprio and Prince Albert together. Their public association with ocean conservation goes back several years. In 2015, Prince Albert presented DiCaprio with the Albert I Grand Medal during an official ceremony in Monaco. The award recognised the actor's environmental work.DiCaprio later attended the first Monte-Carlo Gala for the Global Ocean in 2017 as guest of honour. He received an award from the Prince Albert II of Monaco Foundation for his environmental commitment during the event. The relationship has therefore developed over more than a decade, with ocean protection remaining one of the areas where their environmental interests overlap.The Solomon Islands expedition added a more practical element to that relationship. Rather than meeting at a Monaco ceremony or conservation event, the two were brought together in a remote Pacific setting, alongside scientists and members of the expedition team.Marine protection remains a focus for MonacoPrince Albert has repeatedly used his position to advocate for the protection of the world's oceans. A particular focus has been the expansion and strengthening of Marine Protected Areas, including in international waters where conservation measures can be more complicated to establish.His visit to the Solomon Islands gave that position a direct connection to one of the world's important marine regions. The expedition also highlighted the role of scientific observation in deciding which places may warrant stronger protection.For the Solomon Islands, the significance of such work lies in the information gathered about its marine environments and the wider attention given to conservation. For Prince Albert and DiCaprio, the trip continued an environmental partnership that has already included awards, fundraising events and public advocacy.You use AI every day. Now get your AI Quotient. Take the AIQ test.