Dr. Dionysia–Theodora Avgerinopoulou, the Prime Minister’s Special Envoy for the Oceans and Chair of the Hellenic Parliament’s Environment Committee, has received another major international distinction. She was honored with the Blue Planet Award at the Grand Prix Maria Callas Monaco Gala & Awards 2025, held under the High Patronage of Prince Albert II of Monaco.

The Blue Planet Award is a significant global recognition in the fields of environmental leadership and marine ecosystem protection, bestowed upon individuals whose strong voice and influence help shape the planet’s future. The Maria Callas Monaco Gala & Awards— inspired by the legendary soprano’s contribution to world culture—hosted this year’s ceremony and the presentation of the Blue Planet Award at the historic Palazzo Colonna in Rome, attracting prominent global leaders and renowned artists.
The high-profile event was organized by the institution’s President, Ioanna Efthimiou, in collaboration with Princess Olimpia Colonna di Paliano, and under the auspices of the Italian Paralympic Committee (Comitato Italiano Paralimpico). This year’s Gala, titled “MYTHOS,” drew inspiration from the word “Myth” and honored two iconic figures who share the same birthday: Maria Callas and designer Gianni Versace.

Dr. Avgerinopoulou received the award for her international work in environmental and ocean protection as a frontline political leader. Her track record includes serving as President of the Parliamentarians for the Mediterranean on Sustainable Development, Vice President of the World Water Organization, and Head of the 9th Our Ocean Conference, where a record $11.3 billion in commitments was secured for ocean protection. She also played a pivotal role in advancing the UN BBNJ Agreement, one of the most important global accords of recent decades for safeguarding the high seas—covering nearly half the planet—along with the international seabed.

The award was presented to her by Marco Colasanti, President of the Prince Albert II of Monaco Foundation (FPA2) Italy. In her remarks, Dr. Avgerinopoulou expressed deep gratitude to both the Maria Callas Foundation and the Prince Albert II Foundation for this distinguished recognition. She highlighted Greece’s inspired leadership and innovative initiatives in these fields, underscoring the importance of international partnerships in blue growth. One of the most significant, she noted, is the strategic collaboration between Greece and Monaco for the protection of the Mediterranean marine environment.
She also praised the efforts of Greece and Prime Minister Kyriakos Mitsotakis in strengthening the global institutional framework for ocean protection. Dr. Avgerinopoulou concluded by commending the excellent organization of the event and acknowledged Theodora Michaloliakou, ambassador of this year’s MYTHOS awards.

“This award is a profound honor that reflects not only my own work but Greece’s initiatives to protect our planet—especially our seas. The voice of the great Greek soprano, Maria Callas, inspires us to give a voice to the vulnerable: to people, to communities, and to marine life that cannot speak for itself. Protecting our planet and our global ocean is the greatest challenge of our time, and Greece stands at the forefront with action, leadership, and international cooperation.”
— Dr. Dionysia–Theodora Avgerinopoulou