A new Memorandum of Understanding brings both foundations together to explore collaboration in environmental protection and planetary health.
Protecting our planet requires collaboration, shared responsibility, and the ability to turn common values into meaningful action.
On September 19, 2026, The Gere Foundation and the Prince Albert II of Monaco Foundation launched a new planetary health partnership in the Principality of Monaco.
The two organizations signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) to explore opportunities for collaboration in environmental protection and planetary health.
The agreement was signed by Romain Ciarlet, Vice-Chairman and CEO of the Prince Albert II of Monaco Foundation, and Ana Buitrago, President and CEO of The Gere Foundation. Richard Gere was also present for the occasion.
The signing took place during celebrations marking the 20th anniversary of the Prince Albert II of Monaco Foundation.
A planetary health partnership built on shared values
The agreement brings together two organizations committed to responsibility, respect for communities, and lasting positive change.
Through the MoU, both foundations will identify areas of common interest. Where relevant, they will share expertise and knowledge, highlight initiatives, and draw on their respective networks to advance environmental action.
For The Gere Foundation, care for the planet is inseparable from compassion, human rights, and respect for communities.
Richard Gere reflected on that shared vision:
“Both foundations share a belief that compassion and responsibility must translate into meaningful action.”
He added:
“I am very pleased to see our organisations open this new chapter together and explore how our experience, networks and shared concerns can contribute to protecting the planet and building a more sustainable future.”
For Ana Buitrago, the agreement marks the beginning of a relationship with a long-term vision and new opportunities for collaboration:
“This agreement marks the beginning of a long-term relationship built on a shared vision: addressing the major environmental challenges of our time requires collaboration, knowledge, and the ability to bring different stakeholders together. By combining our experience and networks with those of the Prince Albert II of Monaco Foundation, we are opening up new opportunities for both organizations to turn that shared vision into meaningful, lasting action for the planet and local communities.
The Sierra a Mar project in Mexico — launched by The Gere Foundation hand in hand with Xala Foundation and local partners — is a powerful example of how this vision can be put into action. Across more than 100 kilometers of coastline, it demonstrates that sustainable economic development is possible when it is rooted in respect for Mother Nature and for local communities, who are always at the heart of everything we do.”
Sierra A Mar: turning environmental responsibility into action
The environmental commitment of The Gere Foundation can already be seen through initiatives such as Sierra A Mar in Mexico.
The initiative brings together local communities, government agencies, developers, and visionary leaders. Together, they are working to establish new standards for regenerative, nature-based development.
At its heart is a powerful principle: environmental protection and community well-being must advance together.
That same spirit of collaboration is central to the new relationship established in Monaco.
As Romain Ciarlet explained:
“Addressing environmental challenges requires organisations to work across sectors and communities, bringing together different forms of expertise and experience.”
The planetary health partnership creates a framework for both foundations to explore where their respective strengths can complement each other and contribute to meaningful environmental action.
Compassion, interdependence and WISDOM OF HAPPINESS
The signing took place during a private screening of WISDOM OF HAPPINESS at the Théâtre Princesse Grace in Monaco.
Executive-produced by Richard Gere, the documentary offers an intimate cinematic encounter with His Holiness the Dalai Lama. It explores his reflections on compassion, inner peace, and happiness in the context of today’s global challenges.
Following the screening, Richard Gere joined Tencho Gyatso, niece of the Dalai Lama and President of the International Campaign for Tibet, for a Q&A session.
The occasion reflected an idea deeply connected to the work of The Gere Foundation: caring for our planet also means reconsidering our relationship with one another and with the world around us.
A new chapter for The Gere Foundation
The agreement marks the beginning of a new relationship between the two foundations.
Rather than defining a single project, the MoU creates a framework to explore future opportunities for cooperation.
For The Gere Foundation, it represents another step in our commitment to planet protection and planetary health.
We believe in connecting people, ideas, organizations, and resources. We believe in listening to communities. And we believe meaningful change is strongest when it is built together.
Because protecting our planet is a shared responsibility.
We Are All In This Together.
