In Monaco, the FAO Director-General visits the IAEA Environment Laboratories

Monaco – Today FAO Director-General QU Dongyu visited the IAEA Environment Laboratories in Monaco, the only marine laboratories in the United Nations system fully dedicated to the study of ocean health and the protection of marine ecosystems.

The Director-General was accompanied by IAEA Director General Rafael Mariano Grossi during the visit. The two principals exchanged views on how to further strengthen the longstanding collaboration between FAO and IAEA, particularly in leveraging nuclear science and technology to address global food security challenges and promote sustainable aquatic food systems.

During the visit, the Director-General was briefed by IAEA scientists on the use of nuclear and isotopic techniques to monitor ocean pollution, trace marine contaminants, and assess the impacts of ocean acidification and climate change on biodiversity and aquatic food systems. The laboratories also work on the detection of microplastics and marine toxins, contributing to seafood safety and sustainable consumption.

While distinct from the Joint FAO/IAEA Centre of Nuclear Techniques in Food and Agriculture based in Vienna, the work carried out at the IAEA Environment Laboratories in Monaco contributes to global efforts to protect marine ecosystems and ensure seafood safety—areas that are closely aligned with FAO’s mandate and its Blue Transformation roadmap.

The visit followed the Director-General’s participation earlier this week in several high-profile events at the UN Ocean Conference in Nice, where he emphasized the importance of science-based approaches and multilateral cooperation to protect the ocean and transform aquatic food systems.

Later in the day, the Director-General also visited the Oceanographic Museum of Monaco, where he toured scientific exhibits and exchanged views with local experts on marine biodiversity, ocean literacy and conservation. The visit underscored the importance of public engagement and education in fostering a culture of sustainability and stewardship for the ocean.

The Director-General reaffirmed FAO’s commitment to strengthening collaboration with the IAEA, and to promoting integrated, science-driven approaches to support more efficient, inclusive, resilient and sustainable agrifood systems – leaving no one behind.